Top 3 RDA Registered Dental Assistant Exam Study Guides

Are you considering a career as a Dental Assistant? With a 7% growth rate through 2026, you're looking at one of the U.S.'s fastest-growing jobs.

If you're passionate, caring and ready to take on significant responsibilities within a dental team, then prepping for the certified dental assistant exam is your next big step.

What is the RDA Dental Assistant Certification Exam?

The RDA Registered Dental Assistant Certification Exam is a key milestone for aspiring dental assistants. Administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), it's designed to assess the comprehensive skills and knowledge necessary for success in your career, such as patient care, dental procedures, infection control and dental law and ethics.

Passing the exam is one of several steps to earning your dental assistant certification:

• Earn your high school diploma or GED.

• Complete an approved training program or gain comparable experience through on-the-job training.

• Pass the RDA certification exam offered by the American Medical Technologists organization.

• Meet any state-specific requirements.

The 3 Best Dental Assistant Exam Study Guides

Success on the Registered Dental Assistant Exam (RDA) hinges on thorough studying. So, if you're on the hunt for the best RDA dental assistant exam study guides, then here's what you need to know.

#1 - The American Medical Technologists' Dental Assistant Practice Exam | $30

The AMT allows candidates to take a practice dental assistant exam online. These practice tests will help bridge the gap between study sessions and the actual exam day.

What's Inside

The practice exams are designed to mirror the format and topics of the actual certification exam. While the questions you'll encounter are unique to the practice test and won't appear on the real exam, they provide realistic insight into what to expect.

• Candidates are allowed two attempts, with each attempt comprising 210 questions. These questions are randomly selected from a pool of 364 total questions.

• After each question, you'll receive immediate feedback and references, helping you understand the rationale behind the correct answers and where to find more information.

• Your score is reported to you after each attempt.

• You can review your attempts by specific work areas to help you focus your study efforts where they're most needed.

Who Makes It

This practice exam is provided by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the same authoritative body that administers the RDA dental assistant certification exam. That means this practice test is meticulously aligned with the exam's content and standards.

User Reviews

• "I recommend purchasing the practice exam from AMT. It was super helpful!" - Reddit User

#2 - AMT RDA (RDA) Practice Tests & Test Prep by Exam Edge

These comprehensive practice tests offered by Exam Edge are popular among RDA candidates. Designed to simulate the real exam experience, they can help you further your understanding of the subject matter and the nuances of the exam itself.

What's Inside

• There are 20 online practice exams, each containing 140 unique questions. If you opt for the full suite, you'll have a total of 2,800 unique questions.

• All practice tests are available online 24/7.

• Choose from timed, untimed, or "study guide" modes to tailor your practice sessions according to your needs.

• Every question comes with a detailed explanation.

Who Makes It

Exam Edge specializes in creating realistic test simulations to help candidates across various professions prepare for their certification exams. Their practice tests for the dental assistant exam are designed to familiarize students with the content and format of the exam.

User Reviews

"My favorite thing about ExamEdge's online practice test is that they mimicked the actual exam. I walked into the exam feeling confident I knew the material and walked out knowing my time studying with Exam Edge was well worth the effort." - Olivia R., Washington

#3 - RDA Written and Law & Ethics Study Guide: +200 Sample Questions

This guide is easy to navigate and was created with busy professionals in mind. It combines essential information with interactive elements to appeal to every learning style.

What's Inside

This study guide is packed with features designed to aid in your exam preparation, including:

• Over 200 practice questions to test your knowledge and prepare you for the types of questions you'll encounter on the exam.

• Focused material that zeroes in on the key areas you need to know for the RDA exam.

• Pictures and diagrams to enhance understanding and retention of complex concepts.

Who Makes It

The guide is created by Amy Torosyan, a Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) and Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Bachelor of Biology from CSUN and a Master's degree from the University of Woodberry.

User Reviews

• "This book helped me pass my RDA exam. Totally worth it!" - Amazon Reviewer

Beyond Basics: Online RDA Dental Assistant Exam Preparation Course | $4,000

Dental assistants today perform more clinical and administrative duties than ever. That's why the MedCerts dental assistant program covers the wide range of skills and objectives needed to meet industry demands for skilled and well-rounded dental assistants, including:

• Dental anatomy and morphology

• Infection control

• Radiation health safety and radiographic skills

• Patient education

• Soft skills

• Dental materials

• Essential chairside functions

The MedCerts Dental Assistant Certification training program prepares students to gain industry certifications and, ultimately, to work with patients in dental offices and hospital-based dental facilities.

The MedCerts Tuition Advantage

MedCerts is committed to making education accessible and affordable for every student aspiring to launch a career in healthcare. With monthly payments starting as low as $346, MedCerts ensures that financial constraints don't hinder your career goals.

Flexibility and Support

MedCerts stands out for its flexible, online learning environment that allows students to study at their own pace—anytime, anywhere. Students can access personal advisors via text, call, and email to receive support and guidance needed throughout their training.

All Materials Included

MedCerts students have access to a comprehensive suite of materials, including:

• Engaging and informative video lessons taught by industry experts

• eBook: Modern Dental Assisting (Saunders 13th Edition, Copyright 2021)

• Competency assessments and practice exams

• National certification exam fee

Dental Assistant Exam Frequently Asked Questions

What is on the dental assistant exam?

The exam format can include multiple-choice questions, true/false statements, and scenario-based questions. You can see a full breakdown of the RDA exam here. Key topics on the RDA certified dental assistant exam include:

• Infection Control: Understanding of sterilization techniques, cross-contamination prevention, and proper handling of instruments.

• Radiology: Knowledge of dental X-ray procedures, safety protocols, and image processing.

• Chairside Assisting: Skills in assisting the dentist during various dental procedures, including instrument preparation and patient management.

• Dental Materials: Familiarity with the properties and proper use of various dental materials used in treatments and restorations.

• Office Administration: Basics of dental office management, including appointment scheduling, record keeping, and insurance processing.

• Law and Ethics: Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in dental practice, including patient confidentiality and professional conduct.

How do I pass the dental assistant exam?

To pass the RDA exam, you must receive a score of 75%.

What are the prerequisites to register for the RDA exam?

Applicants must meet one of the following routes to be eligible to apply for an RDA certification exam.

• Education: Graduate from or be scheduled to graduate from an accredited dental assisting program, covering office assisting skills, dental sciences, clinical procedures, and dental radiography. Must also be CPR certified.

• Military: Complete a military dental assisting training program and have at least one year of work experience in dental assisting, including the required content areas and CPR certification.

• Work Experience: Have a minimum of three years (5,250 hours) of employment as a dental assistant.

• Instructor: Currently instructing in an accredited dental assistance program, have completed instruction in a healthcare discipline related to dental assisting, and have at least three years of full-time teaching experience in dental assisting disciplines.

How do I prepare for the dental assistant exam?

Dedicate consistent study time to review all AMT suggested materials. Utilize practice exams and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format, and consider enrolling in a preparatory RDA training course.

Start Prepping to Pass the RDA Dental Assistant Exam Today

Don't wait to start your journey towards becoming a nationally recognized healthcare professional. Enroll in MedCerts' Online Registered Dental Assistant Certification Course today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare.