California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

What is the purpose of dental sealants?

1. To whiten teeth

2. To align teeth

3. To prevent decay from pits and fissures of teeth

4. To protect the gum

The correct answer is: To prevent decay from pits and fissures of teeth

Dental sealants are thin, plastic coatings that are applied on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to prevent cavities from forming. This is because the pits and fissures in these teeth are prone to trapping food and bacteria, making them more vulnerable to decay. Option A is incorrect because dental sealants do not have a whitening effect on teeth. Option B is also incorrect because dental sealants do not have any impact on the alignment of teeth. Option D is also incorrect because while dental sealants do protect the teeth, they do not have any impact on the gums. The main purpose of dental sealants is to prevent tooth decay, making option C the correct answer.