Chairside Assisting & Patient Management Flashcards
7 cards from real EFDA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Chairside Assisting & Patient Management flashcards as text
A patient discloses they are taking warfarin (Coumadin) before a dental procedure. The EFDA should:
Answer: Document it in the health history and alert the dentist immediately
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk; the dentist must be informed to modify the treatment plan accordingly.
During matrix band placement for a Class II composite, the purpose of a wedge is to:
Answer: Hold the matrix band against the proximal surface to create a tight contact and prevent gingival flash
A wedge stabilizes the matrix band at the gingival margin, creates a proximal contact, and prevents excess material at the margins.
When a patient asks the EFDA about the cost of treatment, the most appropriate response is to:
Answer: Direct the patient to the front desk or financial coordinator for fee information
Financial discussions are outside the clinical assistant's scope and should be handled by the front office financial coordinator.
The correct angle for placing the HVE tip during a maxillary posterior procedure is:
Answer: Parallel to the occlusal surface with the bevel facing the tooth
Positioning the HVE parallel to the occlusal plane with the bevel toward the tooth ensures efficient evacuation without interfering with the handpiece.
Postoperative instructions following a composite restoration should include telling the patient that:
Answer: Mild sensitivity to temperature is normal and should resolve within a few weeks
Mild thermal sensitivity after composite placement is common as the pulp adjusts, and typically resolves within a few weeks.
During instrument cassette setup for a restorative procedure, instruments should be arranged:
Answer: In the order of use from left to right to facilitate efficient transfer
Arranging instruments left-to-right in order of use streamlines transfer and reduces time searching for the next instrument.
When a patient reports a sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath during a dental appointment, the EFDA should:
Answer: Stop all treatment, activate EMS, monitor vitals, and provide oxygen if available
Chest pain with dyspnea indicates a potential cardiac emergency; all treatment must stop, EMS activated, and emergency protocol followed.