Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What must a dental record be signed with?

1. Full name only

2. Initials and a unique identifying number

3. A nickname

4. Signature of the supervising dentist

The correct answer is: Initials and a unique identifying number

A dental record must be signed with initials and a unique identifying number to ensure clarity and accountability. This practice helps in maintaining accurate and identifiable records for each patient, allowing for proper tracking of care provided by specific dental assistants. Using initials provides a level of confidentiality while the unique identifying number adds an additional layer of specificity, distinguishing one dental assistant's records from another. This ensures that there is a clear understanding of who performed the procedure or documented the care, which is essential for both legal reasons and maintaining the integrity of patient records. Other options such as a full name only or a nickname may lack the necessary specificity or professionalism required in clinical settings. The signature of the supervising dentist, while important for supervisory roles, does not fulfill the requirement for dental assistants to sign off on their actions within the records they maintain. Thus, the combination of initials and a unique identifying number serves to fulfill ethical and legal standards in recording patient care.