RDA Law and Ethics Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The primary role of a dental assistant during a dental procedure is to prepare and manage instruments. This involves ensuring that all necessary tools and materials are sterile, readily available, and organized in a way that allows the dentist to easily access them throughout the procedure. The dental assistant also assists in maintaining a clean and efficient working environment, which includes passing instruments to the dentist and ensuring proper suction and visibility during the procedure. This support is crucial for both the safety of the patient and the effectiveness of the dental treatment being performed.

The other options, while important aspects of the overall dental practice, do not represent the primary role of a dental assistant in the context of a procedure. Diagnosing dental conditions is a responsibility that falls under the dentist’s qualifications and training. Handling patient billing is typically managed by administrative staff rather than dental assistants, who focus on clinical duties. Leading patient education sessions can be a part of a dental assistant's role but usually occurs outside of the actual dental procedure.