Dental Hygiene Exam 1
Dentistry - Answer-the evaluation, prevention, and/or treatment o diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their
impact on the human body, provided by a dentist, within the scope of his or her education, training, and
experience, in accordance with the ethics of the professional and applicable law. (American Dental
Association)
Dentist (DDS or DMD) - Answer-The licensed, dental professional that is legally responsible for the care
of patients, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral disease. This individual provides supervision of
all other members of the dental team. Typically practices in a general dental practice as a solo
practitioner or in a group practice. A person seeking a dental degree must complete at least 4 years of
professional school after acquiring a bachelor's degree. Also, must pass both national and state/regional
examinations to become licensed to practice dentistry. They must maintain their license usually through
continuing education.
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) - Answer-Oral health prevention specialist whose primary concern is
the maintenance of oral health and the prevention of oral disease. This person has completed at least a
two-year accredited program of study and has passed both national and regional board examinations.
The RDH must maintain their license usually through continuing education.
Dental Assistant (DA) - Answer-Oral healthcare professional trained to provide supportive procedures to
the dentist and to patients. These duties may include assisting in restorative or preventative procedures,
oral hygiene instructions, and exposing radiographs. A certified dental assistant (CDA) is a dental
assistant who has completed a program of study and passed a national certification exam and continues
to update their dental education. A registered dental assistant (RDA) is recognized in states such as
Kentucky. The RDA is registered under the supervision of the practicing dentist, trained on the job, and
can perform the duties of a DA as noted above.
Expanding Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) - Answer-A dental assistant who has received additional
training and is legally permitted to provide certain intraoral patient care procedures beyond the duties
traditionally performed by a dental assistant.
Dentistry - Answer-the evaluation, prevention, and/or treatment o diseases, disorders, and/or
conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their
impact on the human body, provided by a dentist, within the scope of his or her education, training, and
experience, in accordance with the ethics of the professional and applicable law. (American Dental
Association)
Dentist (DDS or DMD) - Answer-The licensed, dental professional that is legally responsible for the care
of patients, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral disease. This individual provides supervision of
all other members of the dental team. Typically practices in a general dental practice as a solo
practitioner or in a group practice. A person seeking a dental degree must complete at least 4 years of
professional school after acquiring a bachelor's degree. Also, must pass both national and state/regional
examinations to become licensed to practice dentistry. They must maintain their license usually through
continuing education.
Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) - Answer-Oral health prevention specialist whose primary concern is
the maintenance of oral health and the prevention of oral disease. This person has completed at least a
two-year accredited program of study and has passed both national and regional board examinations.
The RDH must maintain their license usually through continuing education.
Dental Assistant (DA) - Answer-Oral healthcare professional trained to provide supportive procedures to
the dentist and to patients. These duties may include assisting in restorative or preventative procedures,
oral hygiene instructions, and exposing radiographs. A certified dental assistant (CDA) is a dental
assistant who has completed a program of study and passed a national certification exam and continues
to update their dental education. A registered dental assistant (RDA) is recognized in states such as
Kentucky. The RDA is registered under the supervision of the practicing dentist, trained on the job, and
can perform the duties of a DA as noted above.
Expanding Functions Dental Assistant (EFDA) - Answer-A dental assistant who has received additional
training and is legally permitted to provide certain intraoral patient care procedures beyond the duties
traditionally performed by a dental assistant.
