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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Because there is so much information and details related to the regulation of dental assistants in California, we have addressed those frequently asked questions. You will find these questions organized under their subject area. Unlicensed dental assistants and their requirements What functions am I legally allowed to perform as a dental assistant? You may review the list of functions that you can perform at the COMDA website. Go to our home page and link with COMDA. Are there any course requirements for me, as a dental assistant? A dental assistant may only expose dental x-rays after successfully completing a board-approved radiation safety techniques course. For information on courses that we offer to fulfill this requirement, go to Product and Services on our home page. I want to become an RDA, what are the requirements and how do I go about applying? Dental assistants with work experience or dental assisting education may qualify to become an RDA. Go to our home page and link with COMDA for this information.. Registered Dental Assistants (RDAs) and their requirements What functions am I legally allowed to perform as an RDA? You may review the list of functions that an RDA can perform by going to our home page and link with COMDA for this information. What must I do to become an RDA? You must meet the work experience or education requirements that have been mandated by the Dental Board. When eligible, you must successfully pass a State written examination and a hands-on practical examination performed on a typodont. You may get a detailed explanation by going to our home page and link with COMDA.. I understand that a dental assistant, before they are licensed as an RDA, must complete a Board approved x-ray certification and coronal polish course. May I apply for the RDA exam before I complete these courses? Yes, you can apply, take the RDA exam, but you will not receive your license until you submit proof to COMDA that you have completed both of these courses. How do I apply for the RDA exam? You must file an application with the Committee on Dental Auxiliaries. You may do this by calling (916) 263-2595 or by downloading an application from the COMDA website by going to our homepage and link with COMDA.. When is the RDA
written exam scheduled? The written exam is now computerized and scheduled
by appointment at designated testing sites. You may get a detailed
explanation by going to our home page and link with COMDA. When do I get my exam dates for the written RDA exam? You begin by filing your application with COMDA. After COMDA determines that you are qualified to sit for the written exam, they will send you an acceptance letter providing detailed information on the exam and an "800" number to call to schedule your written exam in a testing location in your general area. Do I have to pass the written RDA exam before I am eligible to take the practical? No, you complete each exam separately. Passage of one is not a requirement to sit for the other. How can I best prepare for the RDA exam? Enroll in one of our excellent written and practical review courses or order a complete home study program today. Go to our home page, click on Product and Services and you will find information on our written and practical review courses and homestudy program. Can I take the practical review course now, even though I am not actually taking the test for a few months? Yes, you may take a course at any time, but we recommend that you complete this review course just weeks before your practical exam is scheduled, as your knowledge and dexterity working with a typodont will be more current closer to the exam. Are written or practical RDA review courses mandatory before taking the RDA exam? No, they are not mandatory, but they are very helpful in passing this exam. I work in an orthodontic office and have never had any experience with general practice dentistry. Do you think I will pass with just these review courses? There can never be a guarantee that someone will pass after completing our courses, but we have trained thousands of specialty assistants, i.e. in orthodontics to successfully to pass the written and practical exams. Are the study questions given at the written review or purchased as part of the home study program the actual questions that will be on the exam? The study questions distributed at the RDA written course or sold as part of the home study program are just as they are called…questions to help you study and practice. The actual RDA written exam questions are never distributed by COMDA. The purpose of our study questions is to help you review the information from the RDA Written Review Manual. They are very helpful in this way, as they help you determine whether or not you understand the subject material. Passage of the exam is dependent on knowledge of the information being tested and the ability to answer the questions in a written format effectively. I have completed the practical review course and want more practice. What can I do? If you have access to the dental materials needed for the exam, you may wish to order the RDA Practical Video-Model home study program. These self-instructional aids offer you: a step by step video demonstrating the testable procedures, assimilated working model and handout. These aids have been very successful in preparing candidates to pass the RDA practical exam. Radiation Safety Requirements
Once I have a radiation safety certification to take dental x-rays, must it be renewed? No, once you have completed a course, you need not renew this certification. My dentist wants my x-ray certificate for his files, what should I do? It is important that you keep this certificate forever. Make a copy and give the copy to your employer. Never give the original. What happens if I lose my x-ray certificate? If you have lost your certificate, contact the course provider. They should have a mechanism by which you can get a duplicate copy. General Questions I have enrolled in a course with your company. The class is scheduled to begin on Sunday and it is Saturday morning and I find out that I cannot attend. What should I do? May I call the office where the course is being held? Do not call the office where the course is being held, as our office administrator is the only person who can deal with this problem. You may reach her by calling 1-800-438-7887 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As we have indicated in our brochure, if you are unable to attend our course or seminar and we receive your cancellation at least five business days prior to the seminar, you will receive a full refund except for a $20 processing fee. This is considered a "last minute" cancellation (less than five business days notice) so you forfeit your tuition. I did not receive a confirmation letter. What should I do? If you do not receive a confirmation by the Thursday the weekend before your class begins, please call us at 1-800-438-7887. Remember, non-receipt of a confirmation is not a valid reason for a refund. What about class cancellations? Classes may be cancelled before the first scheduled meeting; if fewer than the required numbers have registered. You will receive a full refund for this class, unless you request a transfer to another class. Occasionally emergencies do occur, but our office will make every reasonable attempt to make contact and notify you of this change or cancellation. Pit and Fissure
Sealant Requirements Important Information: for specific questions not answered on this site, you can also e-mail us at dpoc4u@earthlink.net |