California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

When should chairside environmental barriers be changed?

1. After every patient

2. Once a day

3. After every two patients

4. Once a week

The correct answer is: After every patient

Chairside environmental barriers, such as disposable headrest covers, should be changed after every patient to prevent cross-contamination. Changing them after every two patients or once a day may not be sufficient, as the barrier may have been exposed to contamination and can potentially transfer it to the next patient. Additionally, changing them only once a week is not recommended as the barriers can accumulate a significant amount of debris and bacteria within that timeframe. Therefore, changing the barriers after every patient is the most effective way to maintain a clean and safe environment for patients.