Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Solution and Answer Guide
SINGHAL, DEFIORE, ALVAREZ , KANTZ, PHINNEY, HALSTEAD, DENTAL ASSISTING: A
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH, 7E, 2026, 9798214113852; C HAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE
DENTAL PROFESSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CASE STUDY.................................................................................................................1
Case Study Review.................................................................................................................................... 1
REVIEW QUESTIONS..................................................................................................2
Multiple Choice......................................................................................................................................... 2
CRITICAL THINKING.................................................................................................3
CASE STUDY
Agatha Davis was 18 years old in 1880 and was seeking a position in a dental office. The opinion of the
dentists was to not allow women access to the profession. Agatha’s career dreams were denied. Over 100 years
later, her great-great-granddaughter, Traci Lynd, was seeking a position in a dental office and found a very
different environment. What changes and advancements took place for dental assistants during that time
frame to allow Traci to reach her goal?
CASE STUDY REVIEW
1. When were barriers based on sex eliminated for dental assistants?
Answer: Barriers based on sex for dental assistants began to diminish in 1885 when Dr. C. Edmund Kells
employed a woman as a dental assistant in his New Orleans office. This change allowed women to work in
the dental field, making it acceptable for female patients to visit a dentist's office without a male escort.
Change for dental assistants took place over four generations.
2. What career changes for dental assistants took place over four generations?
Answer: Over four generations, dental assisting evolved significantly. In the late nineteenth century,
dentists employed only male assistants, but by the early twentieth century, women became an integral part
of dental offices. This change expanded opportunities for women to enter the profession. In modern times,
dental assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, including infection control, assisting with dental
procedures, and providing patient education. Dental assistants can now pursue various credentials and
certifications, which have elevated their role within the dental team.
3. With the current educational advancements in the profession, what credentials are available to dental
assistants today?
Answer: Today, dental assistants can earn various certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board
(DANB), such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA),
and Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA). These certifications allow dental assistants
to perform specialized functions and advance their careers.
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
1
,Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
REVIEW QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The basic code of ethics used by the medical and dental professions originated with _________________.
a. Aristotle
b. Leonardo da Vinci
c. Pierre Fauchard
d. Hippocrates
Answer: d
2. Who is the teacher and inventor recognized as “one of the founders of modern dentistry in the United
States”?
a. Chapin A. Harris
b. G.V. Black
c. John Greenwood
d. Josiah Flagg
Answer: b
3. Which of the following is not an ADA-recognized dental specialty?
a. Endodontics
b. Oral and maxillofacial surgery
c. Forensic dentistry
d. Pediatric dentistry
Answer: c
4. The first president of the ADAA was _________________.
a. Juliette Southard
b. Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor
c. Dr. C. Edmund Kells
d. Dr. Alfred Fones
Answer: a
5. Whose greatest contribution to early dentistry was the creation of artificial teeth and surgical dental
instruments?
a. George Washington
b. Robert Woofendale
c. Paul Revere
d. John Greenwood
Answer: c
6. What is the first recorded name of a practicing dentist?
a. Hesi-Re
b. Paul Revere
c. Diocles of Carystus
d. Hippocrates
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
2
,Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Answer: a
7. Which dental specialty is concerned with the replacement of missing teeth through artificial means?
a. Periodontics
b. Prosthodontics
c. Pedodontics
d. Endodontics
Answer: b
8. Which dental team member allows the dentist to care for more patients and increase productivity?
a. Dental assistant
b. Dental laboratory technician
c. Dental practice management assistant
d. Dental products salesperson
Answer: a
9. Who was an early advocate for treating diseased gingival tissue?
a. Aristotle
b. Pierre Fauchard
c. Robert Woofendale
d. Guy de Chauliac
Answer: b
10. Who was an advocate for the regular removal of tartar to promote oral health?
a. John Baker
b. Robert Woofendale
c. John Greenwood
d. Paul Revere
Answer: c
CRITICAL THINKING
1. If a patient fell and fractured a front tooth, and it seemed to have pulpal involvement (nerve damage), what
specialists could the general dentist refer the patient to?
Answer: The general dentist would likely refer the patient to an endodontist, who is a specialist in treating
dental pulp diseases, which includes procedures like root canals to address pulpal involvement.
2. Who would you contact for information about dental assisting organizations?
Answer: For information about dental assisting organizations, you would contact the American Dental
Assistants Association (ADAA). The ADAA provides resources, continuing education, and professional
support for dental assistants.
3. Which dental team members besides the dentist require a license?
Answer: Dental team members who require a license include dental hygienists and expanded function
dental assistants (EFDAs). In most states, dental hygienists must pass a licensure exam, and EFDAs must
meet specific state requirements to perform certain functions.
4. Why does a dentist prefer an assistant who is cross-trained?
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
3
, Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Answer: A dentist prefers a cross-trained assistant because such an individual can perform multiple roles,
increasing the assistant's value to the practice. Cross-trained assistants can step in to cover different duties
when needed, enhancing overall efficiency and flexibility in the dental office.
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
4
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Solution and Answer Guide
SINGHAL, DEFIORE, ALVAREZ , KANTZ, PHINNEY, HALSTEAD, DENTAL ASSISTING: A
COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH, 7E, 2026, 9798214113852; C HAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE
DENTAL PROFESSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CASE STUDY.................................................................................................................1
Case Study Review.................................................................................................................................... 1
REVIEW QUESTIONS..................................................................................................2
Multiple Choice......................................................................................................................................... 2
CRITICAL THINKING.................................................................................................3
CASE STUDY
Agatha Davis was 18 years old in 1880 and was seeking a position in a dental office. The opinion of the
dentists was to not allow women access to the profession. Agatha’s career dreams were denied. Over 100 years
later, her great-great-granddaughter, Traci Lynd, was seeking a position in a dental office and found a very
different environment. What changes and advancements took place for dental assistants during that time
frame to allow Traci to reach her goal?
CASE STUDY REVIEW
1. When were barriers based on sex eliminated for dental assistants?
Answer: Barriers based on sex for dental assistants began to diminish in 1885 when Dr. C. Edmund Kells
employed a woman as a dental assistant in his New Orleans office. This change allowed women to work in
the dental field, making it acceptable for female patients to visit a dentist's office without a male escort.
Change for dental assistants took place over four generations.
2. What career changes for dental assistants took place over four generations?
Answer: Over four generations, dental assisting evolved significantly. In the late nineteenth century,
dentists employed only male assistants, but by the early twentieth century, women became an integral part
of dental offices. This change expanded opportunities for women to enter the profession. In modern times,
dental assistants can perform a wide range of tasks, including infection control, assisting with dental
procedures, and providing patient education. Dental assistants can now pursue various credentials and
certifications, which have elevated their role within the dental team.
3. With the current educational advancements in the profession, what credentials are available to dental
assistants today?
Answer: Today, dental assistants can earn various certifications from the Dental Assisting National Board
(DANB), such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA), Certified Dental Assistant (CDA),
and Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant (CPFDA). These certifications allow dental assistants
to perform specialized functions and advance their careers.
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
1
,Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
REVIEW QUESTIONS
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The basic code of ethics used by the medical and dental professions originated with _________________.
a. Aristotle
b. Leonardo da Vinci
c. Pierre Fauchard
d. Hippocrates
Answer: d
2. Who is the teacher and inventor recognized as “one of the founders of modern dentistry in the United
States”?
a. Chapin A. Harris
b. G.V. Black
c. John Greenwood
d. Josiah Flagg
Answer: b
3. Which of the following is not an ADA-recognized dental specialty?
a. Endodontics
b. Oral and maxillofacial surgery
c. Forensic dentistry
d. Pediatric dentistry
Answer: c
4. The first president of the ADAA was _________________.
a. Juliette Southard
b. Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor
c. Dr. C. Edmund Kells
d. Dr. Alfred Fones
Answer: a
5. Whose greatest contribution to early dentistry was the creation of artificial teeth and surgical dental
instruments?
a. George Washington
b. Robert Woofendale
c. Paul Revere
d. John Greenwood
Answer: c
6. What is the first recorded name of a practicing dentist?
a. Hesi-Re
b. Paul Revere
c. Diocles of Carystus
d. Hippocrates
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
2
,Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Answer: a
7. Which dental specialty is concerned with the replacement of missing teeth through artificial means?
a. Periodontics
b. Prosthodontics
c. Pedodontics
d. Endodontics
Answer: b
8. Which dental team member allows the dentist to care for more patients and increase productivity?
a. Dental assistant
b. Dental laboratory technician
c. Dental practice management assistant
d. Dental products salesperson
Answer: a
9. Who was an early advocate for treating diseased gingival tissue?
a. Aristotle
b. Pierre Fauchard
c. Robert Woofendale
d. Guy de Chauliac
Answer: b
10. Who was an advocate for the regular removal of tartar to promote oral health?
a. John Baker
b. Robert Woofendale
c. John Greenwood
d. Paul Revere
Answer: c
CRITICAL THINKING
1. If a patient fell and fractured a front tooth, and it seemed to have pulpal involvement (nerve damage), what
specialists could the general dentist refer the patient to?
Answer: The general dentist would likely refer the patient to an endodontist, who is a specialist in treating
dental pulp diseases, which includes procedures like root canals to address pulpal involvement.
2. Who would you contact for information about dental assisting organizations?
Answer: For information about dental assisting organizations, you would contact the American Dental
Assistants Association (ADAA). The ADAA provides resources, continuing education, and professional
support for dental assistants.
3. Which dental team members besides the dentist require a license?
Answer: Dental team members who require a license include dental hygienists and expanded function
dental assistants (EFDAs). In most states, dental hygienists must pass a licensure exam, and EFDAs must
meet specific state requirements to perform certain functions.
4. Why does a dentist prefer an assistant who is cross-trained?
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
3
, Solution and Answer Guide: Singhal, DeFiore, Alvarez, Kantz, Phinney, Halstead, Dental Assisting: A Comprehensive Approach, 7e, 2026, 9798214113852; Chapter
1: Introduction to the Dental Profession
Answer: A dentist prefers a cross-trained assistant because such an individual can perform multiple roles,
increasing the assistant's value to the practice. Cross-trained assistants can step in to cover different duties
when needed, enhancing overall efficiency and flexibility in the dental office.
© 2026 Cengage. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website,
in whole or in part.
4
