RDA & Dental Assisting Board Exam
Practice Test 2026/2027 | 120 Questions on
Supervision, CE Requirements, Ethics &
Scope of Practice – Complete Study Guide
with Answers & Explanations
Description:
Master the Dental Board of California regulations with this comprehensive 2026/2027 RDA
exam prep test bank. Covers supervision levels, continuing education (CE) requirements,
legal/ethical principles, diversion program, and scope of practice. Includes 120 multiple-
choice questions with detailed explanations and answer key. Ideal for RDA, RDAEF, RDH,
and Orthodontic Assistant candidates.
Download now and pass your dental assisting board exam with confidence!
, Dental Assisting Exam Prep 2026/2027 – 120 Practice Questions
SECTION 1: SUPERVISION LEVELS AND PRACTICE AUTHORITY
Question 1
Which category of dental assistant may perform a facebow transfer procedure?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under direct supervision
C. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
D. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
Answer: A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: A facebow transfer is a procedure that falls within the scope of practice for a
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) when performed under direct supervision. Direct supervision
requires the dentist to be physically present in the facility, prescribe the procedure, and check the
completed procedure before dismissing the patient. This ensures proper registration of the
maxillary arch relationship to the temporomandibular joint for accurate mounting of diagnostic
casts.
Question 2
Which category of dental assistant may fabricate a direct provisional restoration?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under general supervision
B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under the supervision defined by the
dentist
C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
D. Unlicensed dental assistant under indirect supervision
Answer: B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under the supervision defined by
the dentist
Explanation: The fabrication of direct provisional restorations is an expanded function that
requires the assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
permit. The supervision level for this procedure is defined by the supervising dentist, who
,maintains full professional responsibility for the patient's care. This advanced procedure involves
creating temporary crowns or bridges that protect prepared teeth while the permanent restoration
is being fabricated.
Question 3
Which category of dental assistant may remove orthodontic bands and remove excess cement
from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
D. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under indirect supervision
Answer: C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: Orthodontic assistants are specifically trained and permitted to perform
orthodontic procedures, including the removal of orthodontic bands and the removal of excess
cement from supragingival tooth surfaces using hand instruments. These procedures must be
performed under direct supervision, meaning the orthodontist or dentist must be physically
present in the facility and prescribe the specific procedure. The assistant's training in orthodontic
techniques qualifies them for these specific tasks within the orthodontic practice setting.
Question 4
Adding medication to intravenous lines requires which type of license and what supervision
level?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Sedation Assistant under direct supervision
C. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
D. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
Answer: B. Sedation Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: The administration of medications through intravenous lines is a specialized
procedure that requires the assistant to hold a Sedation Assistant permit. This advanced
authorization allows the assistant to perform IV line medication administration under direct
, supervision. The supervising dentist must be physically present and maintain full professional
responsibility for the patient's sedation and overall care. This procedure is critical in dental
sedation practices and requires specific training and certification beyond standard dental
assisting qualifications.
Question 5
Placing gingival retraction cord requires which type of license?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under general supervision
B. Registered Dental Hygienist under indirect supervision
C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
D. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
Answer: C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
Explanation: Gingival retraction cord placement is an expanded function that requires the
assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) permit. This
procedure involves placing a cord into the gingival sulcus to displace the gingival tissue,
providing access and visibility for impression taking or restoration placement. The RDAEF
designation indicates the assistant has completed additional education and training in specific
advanced procedures beyond the standard RDA scope of practice.
Question 6
Taking impressions for tooth-borne removable prostheses is allowed by which type of assistant?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
D. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
Answer: C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
Explanation: The taking of impressions for tooth-borne removable prostheses is an expanded
function that requires the assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
(RDAEF) permit. This advanced procedure involves capturing accurate impressions of the dental
arches for the fabrication of removable partial dentures or other tooth-borne prosthetic devices.
Practice Test 2026/2027 | 120 Questions on
Supervision, CE Requirements, Ethics &
Scope of Practice – Complete Study Guide
with Answers & Explanations
Description:
Master the Dental Board of California regulations with this comprehensive 2026/2027 RDA
exam prep test bank. Covers supervision levels, continuing education (CE) requirements,
legal/ethical principles, diversion program, and scope of practice. Includes 120 multiple-
choice questions with detailed explanations and answer key. Ideal for RDA, RDAEF, RDH,
and Orthodontic Assistant candidates.
Download now and pass your dental assisting board exam with confidence!
, Dental Assisting Exam Prep 2026/2027 – 120 Practice Questions
SECTION 1: SUPERVISION LEVELS AND PRACTICE AUTHORITY
Question 1
Which category of dental assistant may perform a facebow transfer procedure?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under direct supervision
C. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
D. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
Answer: A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: A facebow transfer is a procedure that falls within the scope of practice for a
Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) when performed under direct supervision. Direct supervision
requires the dentist to be physically present in the facility, prescribe the procedure, and check the
completed procedure before dismissing the patient. This ensures proper registration of the
maxillary arch relationship to the temporomandibular joint for accurate mounting of diagnostic
casts.
Question 2
Which category of dental assistant may fabricate a direct provisional restoration?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under general supervision
B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under the supervision defined by the
dentist
C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
D. Unlicensed dental assistant under indirect supervision
Answer: B. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under the supervision defined by
the dentist
Explanation: The fabrication of direct provisional restorations is an expanded function that
requires the assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF)
permit. The supervision level for this procedure is defined by the supervising dentist, who
,maintains full professional responsibility for the patient's care. This advanced procedure involves
creating temporary crowns or bridges that protect prepared teeth while the permanent restoration
is being fabricated.
Question 3
Which category of dental assistant may remove orthodontic bands and remove excess cement
from supragingival surfaces of teeth with a hand instrument?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
D. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions under indirect supervision
Answer: C. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: Orthodontic assistants are specifically trained and permitted to perform
orthodontic procedures, including the removal of orthodontic bands and the removal of excess
cement from supragingival tooth surfaces using hand instruments. These procedures must be
performed under direct supervision, meaning the orthodontist or dentist must be physically
present in the facility and prescribe the specific procedure. The assistant's training in orthodontic
techniques qualifies them for these specific tasks within the orthodontic practice setting.
Question 4
Adding medication to intravenous lines requires which type of license and what supervision
level?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Sedation Assistant under direct supervision
C. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
D. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
Answer: B. Sedation Assistant under direct supervision
Explanation: The administration of medications through intravenous lines is a specialized
procedure that requires the assistant to hold a Sedation Assistant permit. This advanced
authorization allows the assistant to perform IV line medication administration under direct
, supervision. The supervising dentist must be physically present and maintain full professional
responsibility for the patient's sedation and overall care. This procedure is critical in dental
sedation practices and requires specific training and certification beyond standard dental
assisting qualifications.
Question 5
Placing gingival retraction cord requires which type of license?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under general supervision
B. Registered Dental Hygienist under indirect supervision
C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
D. Orthodontic Assistant under direct supervision
Answer: C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
Explanation: Gingival retraction cord placement is an expanded function that requires the
assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions (RDAEF) permit. This
procedure involves placing a cord into the gingival sulcus to displace the gingival tissue,
providing access and visibility for impression taking or restoration placement. The RDAEF
designation indicates the assistant has completed additional education and training in specific
advanced procedures beyond the standard RDA scope of practice.
Question 6
Taking impressions for tooth-borne removable prostheses is allowed by which type of assistant?
A. Registered Dental Assistant under direct supervision
B. Orthodontic Assistant under indirect supervision
C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
D. Registered Dental Hygienist under general supervision
Answer: C. Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
Explanation: The taking of impressions for tooth-borne removable prostheses is an expanded
function that requires the assistant to hold a Registered Dental Assistant in Extended Functions
(RDAEF) permit. This advanced procedure involves capturing accurate impressions of the dental
arches for the fabrication of removable partial dentures or other tooth-borne prosthetic devices.
