Fundamentals for Dental Assistants: All Modules + RDA Practice Exam
Fundamentals for Dental Assistants is a review course to help individuals prepare for the Registered Dental Assistant Certification Examination. This course includes an introduction module, four content modules, and two attempts at the RDA Practice Exam.
Note: Each content module contains knowledge checks, a quiz, resources, and references. Modules do not need to be completed in one sitting.
Module 0: Introduction
This module reviews how to navigate the course, describes the module structure, and lists other resources to prepare for the dental assistant certification exam.
Module 1: Office Management and Patient Care
This module is split into two parts.
- Part A Procedures and Professional Conduct : Examines how to effectively manage front office tasks, describes financial management concepts, and discusses the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of dental assistants.
- Part B Communication Skills and Management: Examines communication styles, highlights how to be a supportive team member, and provides information on patient education, patient assessments, treatment planning, and completing documentation.
Module 2: Dental Sciences
This module explores dental terminology, examines the anatomy and morphology of the teeth and supporting structures, discusses the anatomy of the head, neck, and oral cavity, and reviews oral pathological conditions and their characteristics.
Module 3: Clinical Procedures
This module is split into three parts.
- Part A Medical Emergencies and Infection Control: Covers medical emergencies, first aid, vital sign assessment, health history, emergency and infection control protocols, sterilization, aseptic techniques, waste management, and basic microbiology to ensure a safe clinical environment.
- Part B Assisting in Dental Care: Covers patient charting and plaque control education, the four operating zones and delivery systems with motion economy, dental assistant positioning and instrument transfer techniques, chemical hazards and PPE use, and the safe management of local anesthetics.
- Part C Instruments, Materials, and Laboratory Procedures: Examines dental hand instruments, handpieces, sterilization methods, the types of restoration and impression materials and their use in procedures, and describes the different procedures, equipment types, and safety measures required to operate in the dental field.
Module 4: Dental Imaging
This module explains how X-rays are generated in a dental X-ray tubehead, describes the different types of dental radiographs and their specific uses in diagnosing oral conditions, and reviews radiation safety principles.
Additional Information
| Author(s) | Heather McIlvoy, RDA Melissa Turqueza, RDA |
|---|---|
| Relevant Certifications | Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) |
| Launch Date | 2026 |
| Enrollment Expiration | 180 days after purchase |

Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Forward