Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a reason for license revocation?

1. Incompetence

2. Repeated acts of negligence

3. Minor traffic violations

4. Conviction of a related crime

The correct answer is: Minor traffic violations

License revocation for dental assistants is a serious matter and is typically reserved for significant breaches of professional conduct or ethical standards that directly affect patient care and safety. Incompetence, repeated acts of negligence, and conviction of a related crime directly undermine a dental assistant's ability to perform their duties safely and effectively, which can put patients at risk. Minor traffic violations, on the other hand, do not relate to a dental assistant's professional conduct or ability to perform their role. These violations are generally considered unrelated to one’s professional qualifications or ethical standards in the dental field. As such, minor traffic violations typically do not warrant license revocation, making this the correct option in the context of what constitutes grounds for such an action. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing how the professional regulations are applied in the dental field, emphasizing that a dental assistant's professional license is primarily concerned with their capacity to ensure patient safety and provide competent care.