619.ACADEMY
The Dental Board of California (DBC) registered dental assistant (RDA) exam may seem intimidating at first. Fortunately, if you know how to study for the RDA test, you can gain the knowledge and confidence you need to pass the exam.
At Howard Healthcare Academy, we want our dental assistant students to know exactly what to expect when they take the RDA exam. As part of our commitment to student education, we are here to provide the following tips and tricks to help dental assistant students get ready for the RDA test.
1. Review the RDA exam’s format
DBC’s RDA exam includes two components: a hands-on assessment and a general and law and ethics written test.
The RDA exam’s hands-on portion involves the use of a typodont (oral cavity model). Thus, you should practice dental assistant techniques whenever possible to prepare for this portion of the RDA test.
The RDA exam’s general and law and ethics written test consists of 125 scored questions and 25 non-scored multiple-choice questions and focuses on the following topics:
• Patient treatment and care
• Dental procedures, including both direct and indirect restorations and preventative procedures
• Dental specialty procedures, including endodontic, periodontal and orthodontic procedures
• Safety, including infection control, radiation safety, and occupational safety
Review the aforementioned topics closely, and you can prepare for the RDA exam’s general and law and ethics written portion.
2. Study regularly
The RDA exam is comprehensive, so cramming the night before your test is unlikely to do you any favors. Instead, commit time every day to study for the RDA exam so you can learn as much as possible in the weeks leading up to your test.
Oftentimes, it helps to use one or more of the following methods as part of your RDA exam study efforts:
• Flashcards: Enable you to test yourself on different dental assistant terms and definitions.
• Diagrams: Illustrate how different dental assistant concepts are related.
• Flowcharts: Highlight various dental assistant processes, how they work, and their end results.
Keep an open mind as you study for the RDA exam. If you try different study methods, you can determine which ones work best for you and incorporate them into your study routine.
3. Visualize your RDA exam results
Visualize walking out of the RDA exam with the inner knowledge that you have passed the test with flying colors – you will be glad you did.
Ultimately, every dental assistant student wants to pass his or her RDA exam on the first try. If you visualize your RDA exam results, you can stay focused, alleviate pre-exam stress, and work diligently to make your vision a reality.
Visualization exercises are powerful tools for dental assistant students, and they don’t take long to complete, either. In fact, spending even a few minutes each day visualizing the final results of your RDA exam can make a world of difference relative to your test preparation. If you incorporate deep breathing into your visualization exercises, you may be well-equipped to stay calm, cool, and collected on your RDA test day, too.
4. Focus on the positives
Family members and friends may encourage you to study hard for the RDA exam. However, they may sometimes focus on the negative aspects of the RDA exam, like what could happen if you fail. Although a dental assistant student should understand the potential consequences of failing the RDA exam, it is important to maintain a positive outlook leading up to your test day.
For dental assistant students who feel stressed about the RDA exam, communicating with family members and friends is often helpful. As you share your RDA exam concerns with these loved ones, work through your test concerns rather than focus on the worst-case scenarios.
Also, meeting with a RDA prior to a RDA exam is usually a good idea. An RDA has already taken – and passed – the RDA exam and can share details about his or her test experience with you. In doing so, an RDA can provide valuable insights so you can stay positive and put yourself in a position to pass the RDA exam.
5. Determine how much time you will need to answer each test question
Each portion of the RDA exam includes a set number of questions. Meanwhile, you have a set amount of time to complete the test, so you should manage your exam time properly.
Calculate the time you will need to complete each portion of the RDA exam. For example, the radiation health and safety portion of the DBC’s RDA test consists of 100 questions, and you have 75 minutes to complete this portion of the exam – which equates to 45 seconds per question.
Of course, you should give yourself as much time as you need to answer each RDA exam question. It often helps to answer the RDA exam questions you know first, then return to those that require extra time later.
6. Take things slow
Although there is only a limited amount of time to complete the RDA exam, you should not rush through the test. Instead, take a deep breath and gradually work your way through the RDA exam according to the allotted time amount you have calculated per portion.
As you proceed through the RDA test, read the exam instructions and follow them. You also should review each question and ensure you understand it before you fill in your answer.
Choose Howard Healthcare Academy for Dental Assistant Training
Howard Healthcare Academy offers an extensive dental assistant training program to individuals who want to become RDAs. Our program emphasizes hands-on and classroom lessons to teach students how to thrive at dental practices nationwide. Plus, we help dental assistant students prepare for the RDA exam so they can achieve their career goals as quickly as possible. To find out more about the Howard Healthcare Academy dental assistant training program, please contact us today at 1 (619) ACADEMY.
