s r 2015 t dental hygiene candidate guide · dental hygiene candidate guide. 2 ... advanced...

Examination Year 2015

SOUTHERN

REGIONAL

TESTING

AGENCY

2015 DENTAL HYGIENE CANDIDATE GUIDE

2

Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.

The Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA) is a nonprofit corporation committed to being a leader at the

national level in examination development and administration by providing the following:

Uniformly administered examinations and confidential results that are consistently reliable for use by licensing authorities to make initial licensure decisions

Protection of the public Appropriate care to board patients in the examination process The most technologically advanced examination for its member states and participating testing

sites

Valid examinations in the most candidate-friendly environment possible, while producing the next generation of our colleagues in the dental and dental hygiene professions

Current Member States of Southern Regional Testing Agency

Alabama Arkansas Kentucky Mississippi

South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

For the most up-to-date, accurate information on licensure acceptance, candidates should contact the state boards

of dentistry directly. At the time of printing, 32 states accepted SRTA results for initial licensure.

Examination purpose

The current year SRTA Examination was developed, administered, and reviewed in accordance with guidelines from

the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Dental Examiners (AADE), the American

Psychological Association (APA), the American Educational Research Association, and the National Council on

Measurement in Education. In addition, the examination has undergone stringent psychometric review and input

from independent firms The Buros Institute for Testing and Alpine Testing Solutions. Former candidates and dental

hygiene program faculty provide input to address concerns of students and candidates. SRTA collects input from

practicing dental hygienists nationwide every five years through a Task Analysis Survey, which is the basis for all

decisions regarding content. SRTA develops the examination to provide a reliable clinical assessment for use by

state boards in making valid licensing decisions.

© Copyright 2015 Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be used or reproduced in any form

without express prior written permission of the Southern Regional Testing Agency, Inc.


4698 Honeygrove Road, Suite 2

Virginia Beach, VA 23455-5934

(757) 318-9082

3


SRTA has decided to administer the SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination in 2015.

This exam is based on the prior SRTA Dental Hygiene Exams which were extensively tested

and well received by Dental Hygiene Schools, Candidates, and States Licensing Boards.

Also note the clinical component that will be administered is the accepted and approved

Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination for ADEX in 2016.

While SRTA has been given permission by ADEX to offer this same exam as the ADEX

Dental Hygiene Exam, SRTA has decided to not use the ADEX label because there is a great

deal of confusion concerning exactly which States accept the ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam for

licensing.

The SRTA Dental Hygiene Exam is currently accepted in 32 jurisdictions. The SRTA

Examination will not be using the CSCE written component for the 2015 year.

We strongly suggest that all students verify acceptance of any exam they choose to sit for,

to confirm acceptance of the results in the state in which they seek licensure.

*** Please note this manual was printed prior to the decision to administer the

SRTA Dental Hygiene examination. Pages 4, 5, 6, 22, 23 and 24 have been

REMOVED from this manual.

*** PLEASE: disregard/ignore any and all references to ADEX and/or the CSCE (Computer

Simulated Exam) that remain in the manual.

Where the word “ADEX” is printed, substitute “SRTA”. Again, the computer/written

examination (CSCE) will not be a part of the 2015 SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination.

SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING AGENCY INFORMATION

Additional information regarding application, schedules, testing sites, fees, forms, policies

and procedures may be found in the Supplemental Section of this Manual.

All questions regarding the administration of this examination should be directed to SRTA.

Please refer to the following Supplemental section of this manual for further details.

5

CONTENTS THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REMOVED ............................................................................. 6 CLINICAL EXAMINATION........................................................................................ 7 Judgment Skills .......................................................................................................... 7

Patient selection and eligibility ................................................................................. 7 Case selection ........................................................................................................ 8 Calculus requirements............................................................................................. 9 Radiographs ........................................................................................................ 11

Clinical Skills ........................................................................................................... 13 Instruments ........................................................................................................ 13 Detection of calculus ........................................................................................... 14 Removal of calculus .............................................................................................. 16 Periodontal assessment ......................................................................................... 16 Tissue management ............................................................................................. 17

Minor tissue trauma ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Major tissue trauma ............................................................................................................................................. 17

Final case presentation ......................................................................................... 18 Infection Control ...................................................................................................... 18 Table of Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................ 19 POINT SYSTEM ..................................................................................................... 20 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REMOVED ........................................................................... 22 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REMOVED ........................................................................... 23 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REMOVED ........................................................................... 24 GLOSSARY ............................................................................................................ 25

6

THIS PAGE HAS BEEN REMOVED

7

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

Examiners for the ADEX examination

evaluate candidates on their clinical and

judgment skills. Judgment skills include

presenting an eligible patient, an

acceptable case, a selection of teeth that

meets all calculus requirements, and

diagnostic-quality radiographs. Clinical

skills include detection and removal of

calculus, accurate periodontal pocket

depth measurements, tissue

management, and final Case presentation.

This section describes in detail the

evaluation criteria for both of the

categories.

The ADEX uses a triple-blind scoring

system, which requires three examiners to

perform independent evaluations of the

candidate’s performance in meeting

specific criteria for the Case presentation,

calculus detection, calculus removal,

periodontal pocket depth measurements,

tissue management, and final Case

presentation. Points are awarded on a

100-point scale. Candidates must earn 75

or greater to pass.

Judgment Skills

Patient selection and eligibility

For the PTCE, the candidate must

present his/her own patient. Selecting an

eligible patient is essential to successfully

completing this examination. Candidates

who present ineligible patients will fail the

examination.

Patient selection and management is an

important part of the examination and

should be completed independently,

without the help or assistance of faculty

or colleagues. Candidates must carefully

assess any physical or medical conditions

that may be impacted by the examination

process. Patients should be informed of

the time commitment and the process of

the examination.

An eligible patient must:

Be at least 18 years of age.

Have a physician’s written

clearance, if needed.

Be presented with required

radiographs of diagnostic-quality.

Have an acceptable health history

including a blood pressure within

the guidelines of this examination.

An ineligible patient:

Dentist

Dental Hygienist

Dental student

Dental Hygiene student

Currently taking or history of

injectable or oral bisphosphonate

therapy

Latex allergy

1st or 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Oral herpetic lesions - This

condition may be left to the

discretion of the floor coordinator

8

Case selection

The presentation of a full quadrant and

additional teeth for the ADEX

Examination is known as the “Case.”

Candidates indicate their selection of

teeth for the clinical examination on

the appropriate examination forms.

The candidates’ treatment phase is

performed on a pre-determined selection

of the patient’s teeth. The candidates

select their Case in accordance with the

criteria requirements presented below.

Examiners evaluate the Case during

check-in to determine that it meets all

requirements. During clinical treatment

time, candidates remove all calculus on

all surfaces within the Case selection.

During final evaluation, examiners

evaluate the selection to ensure that the

candidate properly removed all calculus

while protecting the surrounding tissue.

The Case selection consists of one full

quadrant plus two posterior teeth from a

second quadrant.

There must be two molars in the

selection. One of the six teeth in the

quadrant and one of the two teeth in the

second quadrant must be molars. The

required two molars must have three

mesial and/or distal contacts with an

adjacent tooth within 2mm or less.

OPTIONAL: If the c a s e s e l e c t i o n

does not fulfill these requirements, the

candidate may choose up to two

additional posterior teeth, which must

be located in the second quadrant

with the other required posterior

teeth.

Third molars: If the selected quadrant

has a third molar, the candidate must

choose whether to include the third molar

in the selection. All other teeth in the

quadrant and/or the additional teeth

must be debrided and will be evaluated

for remaining calculus, plaque, and stain.

QUICK TIP A Case selection including the following is strongly discouraged:

Class III furcation or mobility Retained primary teeth

Advanced periodontal disease Gross caries

Orthodontic brackets or bonded retainer Faulty restorations

Implants included in the treatment selection Extensive full or partial veneers

Partially erupted third molars Multiple localized probing depths in

excess of 6mm

QUICK TIP The Case selection must include:

A full quadrant with at least six natural,

permanent teeth and two posterior teeth

from a second quadrant

At least two molars

o One must be located in the selected

quadrant

o One of the teeth in the second

quadrant must be a molar

One of the molars must have both a

mesial and a distal contact. Another

molar must have at least one contact.

o To be considered a contact, the

adjacent surface must be no more

than 2 mm from the molars.

Must be free of excessive soft debris

9

Primary teeth and restored

implants may count as a proximal

contact with a molar. No other

criteria can be met by a primary

tooth or a restored implant.

Calculus requirements

In the Case selection the candidates must

list 12 surfaces where they believe

qualifying calculus is located. Examiners

add three more posterior surfaces

from within the selection. All surfaces in

the selection must be debrided and will be

evaluated.

The Case selection must meet the

following calculus requirements:

All selected teeth must have sub-

gingival calculus.

Qualifying subgingival deposits must

be apical to the gingival margin.

Qualifying surfaces may occur with or

without associated supragingival

deposits.

Detect mesial and distal deposits by

exploring from facial and/or lingual

surfaces.

Primary teeth and restored implants

located in the selection will not count

toward any calculus requirements nor

will they count as molars for purposes of

meeting the molar requirements.

However, t hey can constitute a contact

with a molar to help meet the initial Case

presentation criteria.

The Case must include twelve (12)

surfaces of qualifying subgingival calculus

distributed as follows:

At least eight of the 12 must be on

surfaces of premolars and molars

At least five of the eight must be on

mesial or distal surfaces of the

posterior teeth within 2mm or less of

an adjacent tooth

At least three of the five mesial or

distal surfaces must be on molars

within 2mm of an adjacent tooth. Only

one distal surface of a second or third

terminal molar may be used or one

mesial or distal surface on a molar

that does not have an adjacent tooth

The remaining four of these 12

surfaces with qualifying calculus are at

the choice of the candidate and must

be subgingival.

12

•Twelve surfaces of subgingival calculus are present in the Case selection, distributed in the following manner:

8/5/3

• At least 8 of the 12 surfaces of subgingival calculus found on posterior teeth in the case

• At least 5 of the 8 surfaces of subgingival calculus must be located on mesial or distal surfaces of posterior teeth within 2mm or less of an adjacent tooth

•At least 3 of the 5 surfaces must be located on mesial or distal surfaces on molars within 2mm or less of an adjacent tooth

•Only one of the 3 can be located on a surface with no adjacent tooth

4

• Remaining 4 surfaces of subgingival calculus may be located on any surface in the case selection

10

QUICK TIP CHARACTERISTICS OF QUALIFYING CALCULUS

• Explorer-detectable moderate to heavy subgingival calculus

• Distinct and easily detected with an 11/12 explorer as it passes over the

calculus

• Must be apical to the gingival margin

• May occur with or without supragingival deposits

• A definite jump or bump detected by the explorer with one or two strokes

• Binds the explorer or causes a definite catch

• Ledges or ring formation

• Spiny or nodular formations

• Significantly enough in quantity to be readily discernible or detectable

• Mesial and distal deposits detectable from lingual and/or facial

11

Radiographs

In addition to selecting an eligible patient,

candidates must present radiographs.

Examiners review and score the

radiographs as a separate criterion based

on whether they are an accurate

depiction of the patient’s dentition and the

images of the candidate’s selected teeth

(both quadrant and all additional teeth)

are of diagnostic quality. Also required is

a written description of any restorative

and/or surgical treatment, which the

patient has undergone since the

radiographs were taken. If two

examiners independently confirm the

radiographs presented are of such

poor quality that they cannot

identify pathosis or determine if

they belong to the patient, the

patient will be declared ineligible, and

the candidate will fail the

examination.

Candidates will not be permitted to take

radiographs at the exam sites unless an

emergency arises.*

*National Council on Radiation

Protection and Measurement

(NCRP) Report #145

“Administrative use of radiation to

provide information not related to

the health of the patient shall not

be permitted. Students shall not

be permitted to perform

radiographic exposure of patients,

other students or volunteers solely

for purposes of their education or

Licensure”.

Candidates must present a full-mouth

series of diagnostic-quality radiographs

and bite wings or panoramic and bite

wing radiographs of the patient. All

radiographs (periapicals, bitewings,

and panoramic) must depict the

current condition of the dentition

with a written narrative explaining

any recent dental procedures.

Present 16-20 images, including two

or four bitewings, depending on the

number needed to show the mesial

and distal surfaces, DEJ, and

alveolar crestal bone of all posterior

teeth or;

Panoramic radiographs with bitewings

are acceptable in place of the full-

mouth series.

Periapical and panoramic images

must be current within three (3)

years.

Bitewings must be current within one

(1) year. They may be vertical or

horizontal.

The radiographs may or may not be

exposed by the candidate.

Duplicates, conventional, or digital

radiographs are acceptable.

Evidence of calculus on radiographs is

not necessary for Case presentation.

Convexity of dimple on conventional

radiographs must face the front of the

mount.

Teeth must appear in Universal

Notation System (1-32).

Candidate number, date films are

exposed and patient’s name must be

on the mount or digital printout.

Do not use a mount on which the

candidate’s name or the name of the

school is visible.

If the candidate mounts the

radiographs incorrectly or there is

incomplete information on the

mount, the candidate will be notified

and must correct the error.

All radiographs must be of diagnostic

quality, i.e. they must be of sufficient

quality for a dentist to accurately

diagnose caries, periodontal health, or

other dental diseases and abnormalities.

12

Although a full mouth series plus

bitewings or panoramic radiographs with

bitewings must be presented and

evaluated, only the images of the

selected quadrant and additional

teeth selected by the candidate will

be scored.

Exemptions: The following conditions

are exempt from the diagnostic

standards:

Un-erupted, partially erupted, and

super erupted third molars

(Examiners consider a third molar

erupted if the entire occlusal plane of

the third molar is in alignment with

the occlusal plane of the rest of the

teeth.)

A third molar with tissue covering any

part of the occlusal surface of the

tooth, even though the tooth is in the

occlusal plane

QUICK TIP RADIOGRAPHS

• Full mouth periapical, including two or four bitewings, or a panoramic radiograph

with two or four bitewings

• Periapical and panoramic images must be current within three (3) years

• Bitewings must be current within one (1) year

• Duplicates, conventional, or digital radiographs are acceptable.

• Candidate number, date films are exposed, and patient’s name must be on the

mount or digital printout

• Teeth must appear in Universal Notation System (1-32).

13

Clinical Skills

The clinical skills section of the ADEX

Dental Hygiene Examination evaluates the

candidate’s ability to:

Detect calculus,

Remove calculus without damaging

the surrounding tissue,

Measure periodontal pocket depths

accurately,

Present the patient for final clinical

skills evaluation free of calculus,

plaque, and extrinsic stains in the case

selection.

The ADEX D e n t a l H y g i e n e

E xamination allows candidates 1½

hours to complete the calculus

detection, periodontal pocket

measurements, and calculus removal

exercises.

Instruments

Candidates may use instruments of their

choice for patient treatment. For

evaluation, it is extremely important that

all candidates and examiners use the

same evaluation instruments so that the

examination is standardized for all

candidates at all testing sites. Examiners

are standardized using the 11/12 explorer

and the recommended probe. It is in the

candidate’s best interest to use these

instruments during the examination.

Presenting instruments other than those

recommended will cause a delay in the

check-in process.

There are two recommended

instruments for evaluation on the ADEX

Examination.

1. Explorer: Only an 11/12

explorer (e.g. the ODU 11/12) can

be used by candidates and

examiners for calculus detection.

2. Probe: Only a probe, marked with

1mm increments (e.g. the UNC

probe) can be used for the probing

exercise.

Additional requirements for instruments

and materials may be found in the testing

agency’s Supplement Section to this

Manual.

Figure 2: probe

Figure 1: 11/12 explorer

14

Detection of calculus

The presence or absence of explorer

detectable supragingival and/or sub-

gingival calculus on the surfaces of three

selected teeth must be accurately

recorded.

During check-in, examiners assign three

teeth for the candidate to evaluate for the

presence or absence of calculus. Three

examiners evaluate the mesial, distal,

facial, and lingual surfaces of those three

teeth and document their findings.

Examiners use the 11/12 explorer and

compressed air for calculus detection. At

the start of clinical treatment time and

prior to removal of any calculus,

candidates evaluate the four surfaces of

the three assigned teeth. If any supra or

subgingival calculus—whether light,

moderate, or heavy—is present on a

surface, the candidate indicates “Yes” on

the appropriate form. If the candidate

finds no calculus on a surface, he/she

enters “No” on the form. Each tooth has

four surfaces where calculus may be

counted: mesial (M), distal (D), facial (F),

and lingual (L).

For the purposes of the detection exercise,

any calculus present on the surface

should be marked “Yes,” even if it does

not meet the definition of “qualifying

calculus” as outlined in the Case

presentation criteria.

Points are earned if the candidate’s “Yes”

or “No” answer matches the answer of at

least two of the three examiners’ answers

for that surface.

Each tooth has only four surfaces where

calculus may be counted: mesial (M),

distal (D), facial (F), and lingual (L).

Note: Complete the calculus detection

exercise prior to removing any

calculus. If calculus is removed prior

to completing the detection exercise,

the candidate will be unable to make

an accurate evaluation of the

presence or absence of calculus.

Examiners assess calculus detection

during check-in.

Errors are assessed when the candidate

does not indicate any answer or if both

“Yes” and “No” are indicated.

Mesial

Yes No

Facial

Yes No

Distal

Yes No

Lingual

Yes No

15

Candidates should ensure that the tooth

demonstrates calculus when the following

detection methods are used:

Insert the 11/12 explorer into the

sulcus/pocket in contact with the

crown, and then slide apically along

the root using the side of the tip of

the explorer to detect calculus.

Interference with the apical sliding

motion along the tooth surface

indicates dental calculus. Note that a

“bump” is calculus, a concavity is

dental caries, and the change of

direction is the CEJ.

Detect calculus when interference

occurs during the sliding motion of

the explorer or by deflection of the

tissue away from the tooth.

When calculus stops the explorer

during the apical movement along the

tooth surface, move the explorer out

and away from the tooth surface and

continue the sliding movement

apically, moving back under the

calculus piece to regain contact with

the root surface.

Continue the apical sliding motion

until the soft base of the

sulcus/pocket is reached.

Use compressed air to deflect the

tissue and visually observe calculus

deposits whenever possible.

Calculus found on the line angle will

be counted as being present on the

mesial or distal surface.

Points are awarded if the candidate's evaluation of the presence or absence of

calculus on a surface is the same as two out of three examiners'

evaluation of the same surface.

Final Evaluation

Candidate's "Yes" and "No" answers entered into the computer-scoring system, where they are compared to the evaluations of the three examiners.

Clinical Treatment Time

Prior to starting the prophylaxis, candidate evaluates all four surfaces of the three teeth for the presence or absence of calculus.

Check-In

Examiners assign three teeth in the selection.

Three examiners evaluate all four surfaces of the three teeth for the presence or absence of calculus.

16

Removal of calculus

The treatment phase of the examination is

the removal of calculus. Calculus removal

must include the entire Case selection.

All surfaces in the Case selection will

be evaluated for remaining calculus,

both supragingival and subgingival.

Candidates will treat all teeth in the Case

selection indicated on the appropriate

form, including the entire selected

quadrant and all additional teeth selected.

Debride all surfaces on all teeth in the

selection. Any surface in the selection will

be scored for remaining calculus.

Remaining subgingival calculus and

supragingival calculus are scored equally.

The selection of teeth made by the

candidate must have at least 12 surfaces

of qualifying calculus. These are listed

on the appropriate form and into the

testing agency website prior to the

exam, if instructed by the testing

agency. The surfaces will be verified with

the candidate during cubicle set-up time

and any necessary changes may be made

at that time.

Examiners may or may not validate

qualifying calculus on the surfaces listed

by the candidate. If examiners are

unable to validate 12 surfaces of

qualifying calculus in the selection,

the candidate will not be able to

earn points for removing calculus on

12 surfaces. Candidates earn points for

removal of calculus only on surfaces

validated by two examiners to have

qualifying calculus present. If 12 surfaces

of qualifying calculus are not present,

candidates will have fewer opportunities

to earn points for calculus removal.

For example, if two of the three examiners

are able to locate only 10 surfaces of

qualifying calculus in the selected

quadrant, including the additional teeth,

the candidate will have only 10

opportunities to earn points for calculus

removal. When selecting t h e

su r f a ce s , quadrant and/or the

additional teeth, the exclusions listed

previously must be considered.

Excessively decayed or primary teeth in

the quadrant will not count as part of

the six teeth required and points may

be deducted.

Periodontal assessment

Pocket depths must be accurately

assessed and recorded on the two

examiner-assigned teeth – one posterior

and one anterior. During check-in,

examiners assign one anterior and one

posterior tooth for measurement of

periodontal pocket depths. Three

examiners measure and record

periodontal pocket depths on the two

assigned teeth using a probe marked

with 1mm increments and document their

findings.

At the start of clinical treatment time

and prior to removal of calculus,

measure the periodontal pocket depths

and record measurements on the

appropriate form. Each tooth has three

surfaces where measurements are

evaluated: mesio-lingual (ML), disto-

lingual (DL), and lingual (L). During final

evaluation, the candidate’s

measurements are evaluated and scored.

The measurements made by the

candidate must be no more than ± 1 mm

from the median of the measurements

made by the three examiners.

Record each measurement in the

appropriately labeled space on the form.

For example, the periodontal pocket

depths for the mesio-lingual surface of

the assigned tooth must be recorded in

the space labeled “ML,” the lingual

reading must be recorded in the space

labeled “L,” etc.

Errors are assessed for any space

left blank.

17

Complete the periodontal assessment

prior to the beginning of treatment.

Record periodontal pocket depth

readings before removing calculus in

order to ensure measurements are within

± 1 mm of the examiners’

measurements.

Do not use any copies or reference

materials for this section. Candidates

found using previously recorded and/or

copied periodontal charts or other copies

of the patient’s periodontal pocket depth

measurements will be dismissed for

unprofessional conduct and will

automatically fail.

Tissue management

Examiners evaluate subgingival calculus

removal, supragingival calculus, plaque

and stain removal from all surfaces, as

well as tissue management in the Case

selection.

The candidate must effectively utilize

hand instruments, prophy cups and/or

brushes, ultrasonic/sonic cleaning

devices, and dental floss without causing

unwarranted soft tissue trauma

(abrasions, lacerations, or burns) during

this examination.

Minor tissue trauma

Definition: Any injury that is inconsistent

with the procedure and is expected to

heal without professional treatment by a

dentist or physician.

Examples of minor tissue trauma:

small lacerations; cavitron burns;

abrasions on papillae, gingiva, tongue,

lip.

If four or more areas of minor tissue

trauma are validated, a major tissue

trauma error is assessed, resulting

in automatic failure of the clinical

examination module.

Major tissue trauma

Definition: Any injury that is inconsistent

with the procedure and that will not heal

on its own without professional treatment

by a dentist or physician.

Examples of major tissue trauma:

amputated papilla, significant cavitron

burns, severely lacerated soft tissue,

exposure of the alveolar process, broken

instrument tip evident in the sulcus or soft

tissue, root surface abrasions that require

additional definitive treatment.

The unwarranted presence of major tissue

trauma will result in automatic failure of

the examination.

Points are awarded to candidates whose

patients exhibit no minor tissue trauma

Any injury that is inconsistent with the procedure and is expected to heal without professional treatment by a dentist or physician

Examples of minor tissue trauma: small lacerations; cavitron burns; abrasions on papillae, gingiva, tongue, lip

If four or more areas of minor tissue trauma are validated, a major tissue trauma error is assessed, resulting in automatic failure of the clinical examination module.

Minor tissue trauma

Any injury that is inconsistent with the procedure and that will not heal on its own without professional treatment by a dentist or physician

Examples of major tissue trauma: amputated papilla, significant cavitron burns, severely lacerated soft tissue, exposure of the alveolar process

The unwarranted presence of major tissue trauma will result in automatic failure of the examination.

Major tissue trauma

18

around any of the teeth treated during

the oral prophylaxis or on any other soft

tissue structures. At least two of three

examiners must independently identify

tissue trauma on the gingiva or soft

tissue structure for points to be withheld.

Pre-existing tissue injuries and/or

conditions should be noted by the

candidate under “Candidate

Comments to Examiners” on the

appropriate form.

Final case presentation

Candidates earn points by presenting the

patient free of:

Remaining plaque.

Remaining calculus on surfaces within

the selected quadrant and/or

additional teeth that are not a part of

the ones assigned to evaluate removal

skills.

Remaining extrinsic stains.

Other remaining residue or debris.

Additionally, candidates must

complete the anesthesia record in

order to receive full points for final

Case presentation. Remaining calculus

assessed in the calculus removal section

of the examination will not be assessed

as another error for final Case

presentation.

Only remaining calculus that is not a

part of the 12 surfaces evaluated for

calculus removal is counted as an

error under final Case presentation.

At least two out of three examiners must

independently assess an error for points

to be withheld.

All forms are collected when the

candidates are dismissed from the clinic

for final evaluation.

.

Infection Control

Candidates must follow the infection

control procedures recommended by the

Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention. See the testing agency

Supplemental Section of this Manual for

more detailed information.

19

Table of Evaluation Criteria

At least two out of three examiners must independently assess an error for points to be

withheld. The two tables below explain the criteria for scoring.

Judgment

Skills Section Evaluation Criteria

Initial Case

Presentation A full quadrant with at least six teeth and two posterior teeth from a second

quadrant

At least two natural, permanent molars

o One must be located in the selected quadrant

o One of the teeth in the second quadrant must be a molar

One of the molars must have both a mesial and a distal contact. Another molar

must have at least one contact.

o To be considered a contact, the adjacent surface must be no more than 2 mm

from the molars.

Must be free of excessive soft debris

Radiographs Radiographs of the teeth selected are of sufficient quality for a dentist to

accurately diagnose dental caries, periodontal health, or other dental diseases and

abnormalities.

Calculus

Requirements

Qualifying calculus is verified by at least two examiners on:

o At least three surfaces on proximal surfaces of molars (M or D).

o At least five surfaces on proximal surfaces of posterior teeth (M or D). These

can include the three from molars.

o At least eight surfaces on posterior teeth (M, D, F, or L). These can include

the five from proximal surfaces.

Clinical Skills

Section Evaluation Criteria

Calculus detection

Candidate correctly detects the presence or the absence of any type of calculus on

a tooth surface.

The computerized scoring system compares the candidate’s assessment of the

presence or absence of calculus to the assessment made during check-in by three

examiners on the same three teeth.

Periodontal

assessment

Candidate accurately records the sulcus/pocket depths of two assigned teeth.

The computerized scoring system compares the candidate’s measurements to

those made by three examiners on the same two teeth during check-in.

Measurements made by the candidate must be within ± 1 mm of the median of the

measurements of the three examiners.

Calculus removal

No remaining calculus is found on surfaces chosen by examiners for evaluation.

No calculus is seen when tooth is dried with compressed air.

No calculus is felt with 11/12 explorer.

Tissue

management

Candidate did not inflict any avoidable minor or major tissue damage during

calculus removal.

Final case

presentation

Patient is presented free of remaining calculus, plaque, stain, or prophy paste

residue in the treated area.

Anesthetic record is complete.

20

POINT SYSTEM

Criteria Point System Points

Possible

Initial case

presentation

A full quadrant with at least six teeth and two posterior teeth from a

second quadrant 1

At least two natural, permanent molars

o One must be located in the selected quadrant

o One of the teeth in the second quadrant must be a molar

1

One of the molars must have both a mesial and a distal contact. Another

molar must have at least one contact. 1

Must be free of excessive soft debris 1

Calculus

requirements

Qualifying calculus requirements met by teeth in the selection: (3-5-8)

Three surfaces located on M or D of molars

Five surfaces located on M or D of posterior teeth

Eight surfaces located on any surfaces of posterior teeth

5

Radiographs Radiographs of the selected quadrant and any additional teeth are of diagnostic

quality. 8

Calculus detection 12 surfaces worth 1.5 points each, evaluated for the presence or absence of

any type of calculus. 18

Calculus removal

12 surfaces of qualifying calculus worth 4.5 points each

If examiners verify four or more surfaces with remaining calculus, an

additional 15 points are deducted.

If two examiners are unable to verify 12 surfaces of qualifying calculus in the

entire selection, points can be earned for removal only on the number of

surfaces with qualifying calculus verified by examiners.*

54

Periodontal

assessment Six measurements worth one point each. 6

Minor tissue

trauma

Three points awarded if no minor tissue trauma is present.

One point deducted for each site of minor tissue trauma, up to three sites.

The presence of four or more sites qualifies as major tissue trauma

and automatic failure.

3

Final case

presentation

Treated selection is presented free of calculus, visible plaque, extrinsic stains,

prophy paste, and any other visible debris in the treated area. Anesthesia

record is complete.

2

Total 100

Major tissue trauma or major infection control

violation** 100-point deduction = automatic failure -100

*For example, if, after thorough

examination of both the quadrant and any

additional teeth selected by the

candidate, two examiners independently

identify only ten surfaces with qualifying

calculus, the candidate can earn points for

removal only on those ten surfaces, for a

maximum total of 45 points for removal. If

examiners verify only eight surfaces of

qualifying calculus, points for removal are

21

awarded only on those eight surfaces for a

maximum of 36 points. Only when two

examiners verify 12 surfaces of

qualifying calculus in the selection

can the candidate earn the maximum

of 54 points for calculus removal.

**Examples of major infection control

violations include, but are not limited to,

forms, patient bibs, gauze, and/or

barriers visibly contaminated with blood;

use of non-sterile instruments; uncapped

needles; and other violations that put the

patient, candidate, examiner, or staff

members at risk for injury or exposure.

Points are assigned in accordance with the

nationwide task analysis survey conducted

every five years. Results from this survey

of practicing dental hygienists allows the

testing agencies to determine which

clinical skills are performed most

frequently, and which clinical skills are

considered more important to protect the

public. Skills that rate highest (most

points earned) are weighted more heavily

than skills that rate lower.

22


23


24


25

GLOSSARY

Abrasion

Abnormal wearing of tooth substance or restoration by mechanical factors other than tooth

contact.

Apical

The tip or apex of a root of a tooth and its immediate surroundings.

Calculus

A hard deposit attached to the teeth, usually consisting of mineralized bacterial plaque.

Caries

An infectious microbiological disease that results in localized dissolution and destruction of

the calcified tissues of the teeth.

Case

Entire selection of the teeth chosen by the candidate, which includes a quadrant plus two

posterior teeth in a second quadrant.

Cemento-enamel junction – CEJ

Line formed by the junction of the enamel and cementum of a tooth.

Complete treatment

Removal of all supra and subgingival deposits including coronal plaque and stain.

Contact area

The area where two adjacent teeth are no more than two millimeters from each other.

Debride

Complete removal of all calculus, plaque, soft debris, food, and prophy paste.

Defective restoration

Any dental restoration that is judged to be causing or is likely to cause damage to the

remaining tooth structure if not modified or replaced

Deposits, subgingival

Deposits that are apical to the gingival margin.

Deposits, supragingival

Deposits coronal to the gingival margin.

Diagnostic quality radiographs

Radiographs of sufficient quality for a dentist to accurately diagnose caries, periodontal

health, or other dental diseases and abnormalities.

Faulty restorations

Dental fillings and or crowns with ragged and open margins.

Gross (excessive) caries

Decay that has deteriorated three of the four axial walls and involves the cervical third of

the tooth.

26

Interproximal contact

The area of contact between two adjacent teeth. Also called proximal contact.

Line angle

The angle formed by the junction of two surfaces.

Long axis

An imaginary straight line passing through the center of the whole tooth occluso-apically.

Mobility

The degree of looseness of a tooth.

Optional additional Teeth

Up to two posterior teeth, premolars or molars, within 2mm of each other in a second

quadrant used to satisfy tooth and surface selection criteria not met in the quadrant of the

Case.

Pass/fail rule

Candidate must have a score of 75 or greater to pass.

Periapical

Area around the root end of a tooth.

Pocket depth measurements

Pockets depths accurately assessed and recorded on the two examiner assigned teeth – one

posterior and one anterior.

Posterior teeth

Premolars and molars

Primary dentition

The first set of teeth (deciduous).

Proximal surfaces

Mesial and Distal surfaces.

Psychometric validity

Test validity: the degree to which evidence and theory support the interpretations of test

scores.

Quadrant

A quarter of the oral cavity with six to eight teeth, upper right, lower right, upper left, lower

left.

Qualifying calculus

Explorer detectable subgingival calculus, which is distinct and easily detected with an

#11/12 explorer.

Qualifying surfaces

Twelve surfaces with sub gingival qualifying calculus. (eight surfaces on posterior teeth, five

surfaces on posterior teeth on mesial and distal surfaces, three on mesial and distal

surfaces of molars, four on any other sub gingival surfaces.)

27

Stain, extrinsic

Stain that forms on and can become incorporated into the surface of a tooth after

development and eruption. These stains can be caused by a number of developmental and

environmental factors.

Sonic scaler

An instrument tip attached to a transducer through which high frequency current causes

sonic vibrations (approximately 6,000 cps). These vibrations, usually accompanied by the

use of a stream of water, produce a turbulence, which in turn removes adherent deposits

from the teeth.

Tissue trauma

Unwarranted iatrogenic damage to extra/intraoral tissues resulting in significant injury to

the patient, such as lacerations, burns, amputated papillae, or large tissue tags.

Triple blind scoring

Three examiners independently evaluate and score.

Ultrasonic scaler

An instrument tip attached to a transducer through which high frequency current causes

ultrasonic vibrations (approximately 30,000 cps). These vibrations, usually accompanied by

the use of a stream of water, produce a turbulence, which in turn removes adherent

deposits from the teeth.

Validate

To be sound and just while supporting by fact.

Veneers

A restoration that covers the facial, mesial, distal, and incisal surfaces of a tooth, usually

porcelain.

Acronyms

AADB American Association of Dental Boards

ADEX American Board of Dental Examiners

APA American Psychological Association

CODA Council on Dental Accreditation

CSCE Computer Simulated Clinical Examination

DHEC Dental Hygiene Examination Committee

NERB North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Act

PTCE Patient Treatment Clinical Examination

SRTA Southern Regional Testing Agency

29

SRTA Supplemental Section

to the

2015 Dental Hygiene

Candidate Manual

30


SRTA has decided to administer the SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination in 2015.

This exam is based on the prior SRTA Dental Hygiene Exams which were extensively tested

and well received by Dental Hygiene Schools, Candidates, and States Licensing Boards.

Also note the clinical component that will be administered is the accepted and approved

Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination for ADEX in 2016.

While SRTA has been given permission by ADEX to offer this same exam as the ADEX

Dental Hygiene Exam, SRTA has decided to not use the ADEX label because there is a great

deal of confusion concerning exactly which States accept the ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam for

licensing.

The SRTA Dental Hygiene Exam is currently accepted in 32 jurisdictions. The SRTA

Examination will not be using the CSCE written component for the 2015 year.

We strongly suggest that all students verify acceptance of any exam they choose to sit for,

to confirm acceptance of the results in the state in which they seek licensure.

*** Please note this manual was printed prior to the decision to administer the

SRTA Dental Hygiene examination. Pages 4, 5, 6, 22, 23 and 24 have been

REMOVED from this manual.

*** PLEASE: disregard/ignore any and all references to ADEX and/or the CSCE (Computer

Simulated Exam) that remain in the manual.

Where the word “ADEX” is printed, substitute “SRTA”. Again, the computer/written

examination (CSCE) will not be a part of the 2015 SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination.

SUPPLEMENTAL TESTING AGENCY INFORMATION

Additional information regarding application, schedules, testing sites, fees, forms, policies

and procedures may be found in the Supplemental Section of this Manual.

All questions regarding the administration of this examination should be directed to SRTA.

Please refer to the following Supplemental section of this manual for further details.

31

Table of ContentsGENERAL INFORMATION ................ 33 Application ........................................ 33 Applying for reexamination .................. 34 Examination results ............................ 34 SITES, DATES, AND FEES ................ 37 Fees and application worksheet ............ 38 Site limitations ................................... 38 Examination site contact information .... 39 Computer Simulated Clinical Exam (CSCE)

........................................................ 40 PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION

....................................................... 43 Pre-examination preparation ............... 43 Patient eligibility ................................ 43 Radiographs ...................................... 43 Required materials ............................. 43 Forms ............................................... 45 Submission of case via website ............ 45 Patient communication ........................ 46 PROCEDURES ................................. 48 Overview of examination day ............... 48

Mass check-in and evaluation: ......... 48 Scoring area check-in and evaluation:

.................................................... 48 Clinic schedule ............................... 48

Registration and orientation................. 49 Clinic Floor Manager (CFM): ............. 49 Dental Hygiene Coordinator (DHC): .. 49

Cubicle set-up .................................... 51 Patient check-in ................................. 52 Clinical treatment time ........................ 54 Use of local anesthesia ........................ 54 Shared patients ................................. 55 Final evaluation .................................. 56 Cubicle clean-up ................................ 57 FORMS ............................................ 59 Dental Hygiene Procedure Form ........... 59

Periodontal assessment ................... 61 Calculus detection .......................... 61 Calculus removal ............................ 62 Local anesthesia............................. 62

Dental Charting Form ......................... 66 Health History Form ........................... 67 Post-Operative Care Agreement ........... 70 Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release

Form ................................................ 71

Incident Disclaimer ............................. 72 Surveys ............................................ 72 APPEALS ........................................ 75 POLICIES ....................................... 79

1. Anonymity............................................ 79 2. Candidate accessibility ......................... 79 3. Confidentiality ..................................... 79 4. Dismissal from examination ................ 79 5. Eighteen-month completion ................ 80 6. Electronic equipment and patient

comfort ........................................................ 80 7. Examination documents ...................... 81 8. Examination placement & limitations . 81 9. Examination results ............................. 81 10. Equipment ....................................... 82 11. Ineligible candidates ........................ 82 12. Infection control .............................. 82 13. Instruments ...................................... 85 14. Interpreters ...................................... 85 15. Jurisprudence ................................... 85 16. Malpractice Insurance ..................... 86 17. Patients ............................................ 86 18. Patient privacy statement ................ 86 19. Professional standards ..................... 86 20. Questions ......................................... 87 21. Reexamination ................................. 87 22. Refunds ............................................ 87 23. Restrictions ...................................... 88 24. Scheduling conflicts ......................... 88 25. Sharing equipment .......................... 88 26. Unethical conduct ............................ 88

STATE BOARDS OF DENTISTRY

INFORMATION ............................... 91 FAQS .............................................. 93 QUICK EXAMINATION CHECKLIST .. 97

32

GENERAL INFORMATION

33

GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome to the Southern Regional Testing

Agency’s (SRTA) Dental Hygiene

Examination. SRTA provides this

Candidate Guide so candidates may

become familiar with the procedures and

policies for the ADEX Dental Hygiene

Examination as administered by SRTA.

The ADEX section of this manual covers

the core requirements for the criteria and

scoring needed to pass the examination.

This supplemental section covers the

administrative procedures including how

to apply, testing site information, fees,

schedules, and forms required by SRTA.

Bring this guide to the examination,

and keep it available in the cubicle for

easy reference. A thorough

understanding of this manual is crucial to

success on the examination.

The ADEX, SRTA, and North East Regional

Boards (NERB) are working to bring a

single dental hygiene licensure

examination that will be accepted in all

jurisdictions. During the 2015

examination cycle, SRTA is piloting the

ADEX examination at all testing sites.

Candidates successfully passing the ADEX

pilot examination administered by SRTA in

2015, including both the CSCE and PTCE,

will be given ADEX Status and be eligible

to apply for licensure any state that

recognizes the ADEX examination.

Application

SRTA developed the online application for

the candidate’s convenience. To apply

online, go to http://www.srta.org/apply

and click the “Start New Application” link

to connect to a secure website that

requires the candidate's contact and

school information. Gathering all

required items prior to starting the

online application will save significant

time. Applicants will need:

A photograph: A recent digital headshot

of close proximity to the candidate is

required for the online application. The

candidate should be clearly

distinguishable, as the photo will be

printed at 1½” x 1 ½” on the candidate

admission card. Photos must be in JPG,

GIF, or PNG format. Photographs must

not have written information on them,

such as driver’s license or school

identification, etc.

CPR certification: A digital copy of

current and valid CPR certification, which

includes the renewal date, is required.

Valid certification is defined as a hands-on

training program that provides an

assessment of cognitive skills and skills

acquired via classroom or web-based

training. A minimum of Basic CPR skills

certification is required. Classes provided

by Internet-only instruction are not

acceptable. Web-based didactic training

must also include a hands-on component.

A diploma: Candidates must provide a

copy of their diploma from a CODA-

accredited dental hygiene program for the

profile to be valid. Upload the diploma

into the profile, fax it to the office, or

email it to [email protected]. If the

candidate has not graduated, the program

director, dean, or school must provide a

letter stating that the candidate is

academically in good standing and may sit

for the exam. Upload this document into

the profile, fax, or email it to the SRTA

office. If the diploma is in any other

language, it must be translated into

English prior to submission.

Payment: SRTA accepts VISA and

MasterCard only. No international

credit/debit cards are accepted. SRTA

also accepts debit cards if allowable by the

issuing bank and if they bear the VISA or

MasterCard logo. The total payment

includes the facility fee (site specific, see

http://www.srta.org/apply

mailto:[email protected]

34

Section II of this manual) and the

examination fee. All payments are drawn

immediately and must be paid in full,

including application fee and facility fee.

Split payments are prohibited. The U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs has

approved the cost of the SRTA Dental

Hygiene Examination for reimbursement.

Contact the regional Veterans

Affairs/Veterans Education Office to obtain

the proper forms.

After the candidate has completed the

application profile,

SRTA staff verifies the profile:

After the candidate uploads or

enters all required information, and

the information is received by the

SRTA office, the staff verifies the

profile. Staff members cannot

verify any profile without a photo

or CPR card. Please allow up to

three days for verification.

Candidates cannot apply for the

examination until the SRTA staff

completes the verification process.

With the exception of password

changes, all profile changes will

automatically mark the candidate

temporarily modified and will

require verification again.

Candidates apply for the

examination: Once all profile

information has been uploaded and

verified, a confirmation email will

be sent to the email address

provided. To ensure you receive all

necessary emails, please be sure to

add any @srta.org email addresses

to your address book or contact

list. Candidates may apply for

examinations by simply click on

“Apply” at the top of the screen to

begin the registration process.

Candidates download

documents: Candidates must

visit the “Documents” portion of

the secure site to download and

complete all required documents

for the examination. Instructions

for each document are on the

website. Some documents must

be completed and returned to

the SRTA office prior to the

examination.

Applying for reexamination

For candidates who need to retake the

examination, it is not necessary to create

another profile. Simply log back into your

profile at http://srta.brighttrac.org, and

click on “Apply” at the top of the screen.

Follow instructions on the screen.

Please call the SRTA office for any further

assistance.

Examination results

Candidates receive notification via email

when their scores are available for viewing

online. Results are usually available

online within three business days of

completion of the examination. Log into

the SRTA website using the password and

username created during the online

registration process. Candidates who fail

can view the details of their evaluation

online. Details are not available for those

who pass.

QUICK TIP APPLY ONLINE AT

www.srta.org/apply

Gather these items prior to starting

application:

• Recent photograph (head shot;

jpg, gif, or png)

• CPR certification (BLS or

higher)

• Diploma or letter from program

director

• VISA or MasterCard or

Veterans Administration forms

• Only 1 file may be uploaded in

each place/category

Contact SRTA office if using

veteran’s benefits.

http://srta.brighttrac.org/

35

Please do not call the SRTA office for test

scores or information concerning when

scores will be released.

Due to our confidentiality policy, SRTA

staff and examiners do not discuss

candidate concerns and questions with a

candidate’s spouse, parent, friend, faculty

member, or family member. SRTA is not

responsible for items lost or delayed by

the United States Postal Service.

The board of dentistry where candidates

wish to apply for licensure determines

acceptance of scores. SRTA supplies the

examination results to its participating

state boards but does not analyze or

interpret the records and makes no

recommendations on how the state uses

the scores.

The SRTA office automatically sends the

examination record of each candidate to

the secretaries of the state boards of

dentistry of Arkansas, Alabama, Kentucky,

South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,

Mississippi, and West Virginia. Each

current graduate’s university also receives

the examination record.

Some state boards of dentistry may

require a notarized copy of the final

report, which SRTA will provide for a

nominal fee. Please contact the SRTA

office to request this additional service.

Candidates should contact the individual

state board of dentistry where they wish

to obtain a license to verify acceptance of

ADEX scores and to learn of other state-

specific requirements.

Candidates are required to provide proof

of graduation within 90 days after their

graduation date, or the dental hygiene

school’s dean/program director is required

to submit a list of students who graduated

within that timeframe. For candidates

who have not formally graduated,

graduation requirements must be

completed within 12 (twelve) months of

their first examination date. SRTA will

notify each of the individual state boards

that scores are invalid if the required

diploma or letter from the dean/program

director is not received. The individual

state boards of dentistry determine the

acceptance of nullified/invalid results.

SRTA cannot grant extensions to the

graduation requirements as mandated in

our corporate documents.

36

EXAMINATION SITES, DATES, AND

FEES

37

SITES, DATES, AND FEES

Site Location Examination Date Application

Deadline

West Virginia University: Morgantown, WV February 28, 2015 January 16, 2015

Virginia Commonwealth University:

Richmond, VA

March 27-28, 2015 February 13, 2015

University of Louisville: Louisville, KY April 10-11, 2015 February 27, 2015

Midlands Technical College: West Columbia,

SC

April 17-18, 2015 March 6, 2015

Western Kentucky University: Bowling

Green, KY

April 17-18, 2015 March 6, 2015

Bluegrass Community & Technical College:

Lexington, KY

April 24-25, 2015 March 13, 2015

BridgeValley Community & Technical

College: Montgomery, WV

April 24-25, 2015 March 13, 2015

Ozarks Technical College: Springfield, MO May 1-2, 2015 March 20, 2015

Wytheville Community College: Wytheville,

VA

May 1-2, 2015 March 20, 2015

Concorde Career College: Memphis, TN May 8-9, 2015 March 27, 2015

Greenville Technical College: Greenville, SC May 8-9, 2015 March 27, 2015

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: Fort

Smith, AR

May 15-16, 2015 April 3, 2015

Old Dominion University: Norfolk, VA May 15-16, 2015 April 3, 2015

Tennessee State University: Nashville, TN May 22-23, 2015 April 10, 2015

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences:

Little Rock, AR

May 22-23, 2015 April 10, 2015

Virginia Commonwealth University:

Richmond, VA

May 29-30, 2015 April 17, 2015

University of Tennessee: Memphis, TN June 5-6, 2015 April 24, 2015

Midlands Technical College: West Columbia,

SC

June 12, 2015 May 1, 2015

Chattanooga State Community College:

Chattanooga, TN

July 10-11, 2015 May 29, 2015

Remington College: Nashville, TN July 24-25, 2015 June 12, 2015

Tennessee State University: Nashville, TN October 9-10, 2015 August 28, 2015

University of Tennessee: Memphis, TN December 4-5, 2015 October 23, 2015

Remington College: Nashville, TN December 11-12, 2015 October 30, 2015

*Exam dates and locations may be subject to change. Please visit www.srta.org

to see the most current examination schedule.

http://www.srta.org/

38

Fees and application worksheet

Institution Facility

Fee

Calculate Fees

Bluegrass Community &

Technical College

$150 Examination fee

(or reexamination fee) $ 1000

Bridge Valley Community &

Technical College

$125 *Facility fee $

Chattanooga State University $150 Clinical Reexamination Fee $ 850

Concorde Career College $135 CSCE Reexamination Fee $ 150

Greenville Technical College $125 **Late registration fee (if

applicable) $ 100

Midlands Technical College $125 Total-(personal checks are not

accepted) $

Old Dominion University $135 Site limitations

Due to limitations at some test sites, SRTA

cannot always accommodate the number of

candidates who wish to examine at a

particular site. Exam assignments begin with

the Friday sessions. Depending on the

number of candidates registered for a specific

exam site, Saturday examination sessions

may be held or may be cancelled.

SRTA assigns cubicles on a first come, first

served basis with the examination site’s

current students given first priority.

Therefore, a site may become full prior to the

application deadline.

SRTA cannot guarantee placement at any

examination site. Applying early may increase

the probability of placement in the preferred

site. Cubicles may become available after the

deadline date if other candidates withdraw or

become ineligible. Applicants may contact the

SRTA office after a deadline date has passed

to find out if any openings are available.

SRTA reserves the right to cancel an

examination if an insufficient number of

candidates apply for that date and

examination site.

Ozarks Technical College $125

Remington College $150

Tennessee State University $150

University of Arkansas - Fort

Smith

$135

University of Arkansas for

Medical Sciences

$135

University of Louisville $200

University of Tennessee $150

Virginia Commonwealth

University

$125

West Virginia University $125

Western Kentucky University $125

Wytheville Community

College

$100

*Facility fees are subject to change at the discretion of the exam site’s request. The facility fee

will be finalized upon submission of payment for registration online.

**Late registrations fees will apply to candidates who apply/register after the published

registration deadline.

39

Examination site contact information

Arkansas

University of Arkansas – Fort Smith

5210 Grand Avenue

Fort Smith, AR 72913

(479) 788-7400

http://www.uafs.edu/academics/dental-hygiene

Clinic opens at 6:15 a.m. Friday and Saturday

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 W. Markham Street, #609

Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 686-5733 or (501) 686-5734

www.uams.edu/chrp/dentalhygiene


Tennessee

Chattanooga State Community College

4501 Amnicola Highway

Chattanooga, TN 37406

(423) 679-4712

http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/allied_health


Concorde Career College

5100 Poplar Avenue

Suite 132

Memphis, TN 38137

(901) 476-1358

http://www.concorde.edu/programs/dental-

hygiene


Remington College

441 Donelson Pike

Nashville, TN 37214

(615) 493-9356

http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/dental-

hygiene-schools/


Tennessee State University

3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37209

(615) 963-5801

http://www.tnstate.edu/dentalhygiene/

Clinic opens at 6:00 a.m.

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry

875 Union Avenue

Memphis, TN 38163

(901) 448-6246

http://www.uthsc.edu/allied/dh/


Kentucky

Bluegrass Community & Technical College

470 Cooper Drive

250 Oswald Building

Lexington KY 40506-0235

(859) 246-6234

http://www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/ah/dental_hygiene


University of Louisville School of Dentistry

501 South Preston

Louisville, KY 40292

(502) 852-5128

http://louisville.edu/dental/hygiene


Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Boulevard, #11032

Bowling Green, KY 42101

(270) 745-2427

http://www.wku.edu/dentalhygiene/


West Virginia

Bridge Valley Community & Technical College

604 Davis Hall

Montgomery, WV 25136

(304) 442-3345

http://www.bridgevalley.edu/dental-hygiene


West Virginia University School of Dentistry

One Medical Center Drive

Morgantown, WV 26506-9401

(304) 293-7307

www.hsc.wvu.edu/sod/Departments


Missouri

Ozarks Technical Community College

1001 E. Chestnut Expressway

Springfield, MO 65802

(417) 447-8829

http://www.otc.edu/allied health


http://www.uafs.edu/academics/dental-hygiene

http://www.uams.edu/chrp/dentalhygiene

http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/allied_health/dental_hygiene/

http://www.concorde.edu/programs/dental-hygiene

http://www.concorde.edu/programs/dental-hygiene

callto:+1493-9356

http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/dental-hygiene-schools/

http://www.remingtoncollege.edu/dental-hygiene-schools/

http://www.tnstate.edu/dentalhygiene/

http://www.uthsc.edu/allied/dh/

http://www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/ah/dental_hygiene

http://louisville.edu/dental/hygiene

http://www.wku.edu/dentalhygiene/

http://www.bridgevalley.edu/dental-hygiene

http://www.hsc.wvu.edu/sod/Departments/Dental-Hygiene

http://www.otc.edu/alliedhealth/1897.php

40

Examination site contact information

South Carolina

Greenville Technical College

50 Skyview Drive

Greenville, SC 29606-5616

(864) 250-8588

http://www.gvltec.edu/dental


Midlands Technical College

1260 Lexington Drive

West Columbia, SC 29170

(803) 822-3451

http://www.midlandstech.edu


Virginia

Old Dominion University

4608 Hampton Boulevard

1101 C Health Sciences Building

Norfolk, VA 23529-0499

(757) 683-5241

http://hs.odu.edu/dental/


Virginia Commonwealth University School of

Dentistry

520 North 12th Street

Richmond, VA 23298-0566

(804) 828-7978

http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu/prospective/dh/


Wytheville Community College

1000 E. Main Street

Wytheville, VA 24382

(276) 223-4840

http://www.wcc.vccs.edu

Computer Simulated Clinical Exam (CSCE)

The computerized section of the examination is given at PSI testing centers. After

registering online for the SRTA examination and paying the examination fee, an

appointment can be made via the PSI website. Wait at least 24 hours after registering

with SRTA to contact PSI for an appointment. This allows time for the candidate’s

eligibility status to be sent to their system. The link to the PSI website is:

https://candidate.psiexams.com/index.jsp

Contact PSI by phone at 1-800-733-9267 (prompt 4)

For other questions concerning the CSCE, please contact the SRTA office.

http://www.gvltec.edu/dental

http://www.midlandstech.edu/dental/dhg.htm

http://hs.odu.edu/dental/

http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu/prospective/dh/

http://www.wcc.vccs.edu/academics/programs.php#tech

https://candidate.psiexams.com/index.jsp

42

Preparing for the

Examination

43

PREPARING FOR THE

EXAMINATION

The clinical examination evaluates

candidates’ ability to:

Present a suitable case based on

the requirements outlined in this

manual

Present diagnostic-quality

radiographs

Identify the presence and the

absence of calculus

Remove moderate to heavy

calculus while protecting the

surrounding soft tissue

Measure periodontal pockets

Observe standard infection

control protocols

Pre-examination preparation

On the day of the exam, each candidate

must provide his/her own instruments,

patient, a full-mouth series of

diagnostic-quality radiographs of the

patient presented, and appropriate

paperwork.

Patient eligibility

For information regarding patient

eligibility, please refer to the ADEX

section of this manual.

Radiographs

For information regarding the

presentation of radiographs of the

patient, please refer to the ADEX

section of this manual.

Candidates may present digital

radiographs on a chair-side computer

screen, if available. A printed copy is

still required.

If the candidate presents digital

radiographs, they must be printed on

one sheet of photo quality paper with

images as close to the size of

conventional radiographs as possible.

Examiners collect all radiographs at the

conclusion of final examination. SRTA

stores them for one year, after which

they are destroyed.

Required materials

Candidates are required to bring their

own instruments to the clinical

examination. Some materials and

equipment may be available at the

testing site. Each testing site will send

an orientation letter explaining what

materials will and will not be available.

Candidates should contact the testing

site directly to determine whether the

equipment available onsite is compatible

with the candidates’ equipment.

44

QUICK TIP

REQUIRED MATERIALS • An 11/12 explorer and a probe marked in 1mm increments (e.g. UNC probe)- yellow banded

• 2” x 2” gauze squares

• Clipboard

• Two sharpened #2 lead pencils (not mechanical) covered with a barrier of plastic film or

aluminum foil

• A blood pressure measuring device or access to such a device

• Syringes / supplies for local anesthesia administration, if applicable. Testing sites provide

cartridges of anesthetic.

• A hard-surface sealed container, e.g., pencil box / cassette, to transport the instruments

to the designated area for late check-in, if needed

• Sterile instruments (choice of the candidate)

• Ultrasonic/sonic scaling instruments. At some schools, ultrasonic units may be available

for rent. Contact the school directly to see if this service is available. SRTA does not

assist in equipment rental issues, nor does SRTA know which schools provide rental units.

• A hand-piece compatible with the examination site’s equipment

45

Forms

After the candidate’s application is

completed and verified, he/she should

download and print all forms from the

candidate profile on the SRTA website,

www.srta.org. If computer/printer

access is not available, contact the

SRTA office and request to have forms

sent via mail. Candidates may use

copies of forms for pre-screening

patients and to aid in patient

preparation.

A detailed description and instructions

for completing the forms is found later

in this manual.

Note that in addition to the Health

History Form required for all patients,

some patients with sensitive medical

conditions may require an additional

physician’s statement clearing them for

treatment. Review the guidelines in the

Forms section of this manual to

determine if the patient requires a

physician’s statement to participate in

the examination.

If the patient has a condition that

requires a physician’s written clearance,

candidates must present the physician’s

letter during patient check-in. If no

letter is presented, the patient will

not be allowed to participate, and

the candidate will fail the

examination.

If the candidate brings a qualified

practitioner to administer anesthesia

during the examination, the practitioner

must be prepared to present credentials

verifying his/her qualification to

administer anesthesia. Candidates may

submit credentials for qualified

practitioners to the SRTA office prior to

the examination day.

Be prepared to submit the following

forms on the day of the examination:

Submission of case via

website

At least two weeks prior to the

examination, candidates are advised

to enter their case selection into SRTA’s

computer scoring system by logging into

the candidate profile on the SRTA

website, https://srta.brighttrac.com .

Case selection will be verified the day of

the examination by the candidate.

Forms Presented at Registration Forms Presented at Patient Check-In

One form of government- or school-

issued ID

Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and

Release Form

Incident Disclaimer

Post-Operative Care Agreement (2

copies)

Credentials of qualified practitioner,

if local anesthesia will be

administered by someone other than

the candidate and credentials were

not previously submitted to the

SRTA office

Dental Charting Form (completed

prior to examination day and

collected by examiners during

check-in)

Patient Health History Form (and

physician’s statement, if needed)

Dental Hygiene Procedure Form


https://srta.brighttrac.com/

46

As a part of the case selection,

candidates must identify and document

12 surfaces within the selected quadrant

plus additional teeth that have

“qualifying calculus” (that is, calculus

that meets the criteria outlined in the

ADEX section of this manual.)

Patient communication

Candidates should be in contact with

their patients in advance of the

evaluation to:

Ensure that the patient

understands that participation in

the examination requires a

minimum of a four to five hour

time commitment.

Determine whether the patient

meets eligibility requirements to

participate in the examination

and that his/her dental condition

meets the case presentation

requirements for the clinical

skills portion of the test

Prepare/collect all required

radiographs

Complete the patient’s Health

History Form and obtain a

physician’s clearance letter, if

necessary

Determine whether an

interpreter will be needed during

the examination

Complete the Dental Charting

Form

Identify the quadrant and

additional teeth that will be

included in the case selection

and identify 12 surfaces of

qualifying calculus within the

case selection

47

Procedures

48

PROCEDURES

Overview of examination day

On the day of the examination,

candidates attend registration

/orientation and then divide into groups

for the rest of the day. At the

designated time, found in the clinic

schedule below, members of each group

set up their cubicles.

SRTA administers the ADEX examination

using one of two procedures. The type

of administration used depends on the

size and lay out of the clinic.

Mass check-in and evaluation:

At examination sites using this method

of administration, the patients remain in

the candidates’ cubicles throughout the

examination. Examiners perform check-

in and final evaluation in the clinic while

candidates wait in a designated area.

After check-in is completed, all

candidates return to their cubicles and

begin patient treatment at the same

time. Candidates are allowed one and

one-half hours to complete patient

treatment. The patient treatment stop

time is the same for all candidates. At

the end of the patient treatment time,

candidates are again moved to a

designated area while examiners

perform final evaluation on the patients

in the cubicles.

Scoring area check-in and

evaluation:

At other sites, a separate scoring area is

used for examiners to check-in and

perform final evaluation on patients. At

these sites, patients must be presented

to the scoring area no later than

10:00am for the morning group and no

later than 3:15pm for the afternoon

group. All forms, radiographs, and

instruments must be sent with the

patient. Each candidate has a unique

patient treatment start and stop times.

The unique start and stop times are

recorded for the candidates and the CFM

will monitor the times. Patients must be

presented to the desk for final

evaluation no more than five minutes

after the candidate’s clinic stop time.

Candidates presenting their patient to

the desk more than five minutes after

their clinic stop time will not be allowed

to have their patient evaluated and will

fail the examination.

All other aspects of the examination are

the same, regardless of the method of

administration. The CFM and DHC will

announce which method will be used

during orientation.

Clinic schedule

Candidates divide into groups to take

the examination as outlined in the

following table. The start of the

examination is the time set up begins

in the clinic. Whether a designated

scoring area is used for examiner

evaluations or if those evaluations take

place in the candidates’ assigned

cubicles, the examination start time is

the same.

Groups

A (D) (G)

Groups

B (E) (H)

Groups

C (F) (I)

Registration/Orientation 6:45 a.m. 6:45 a.m. 6:45 a.m.

Examination start time 7:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 12:45 p.m.

*SRTA reserves the right to amend the schedule. Candidates should be present on-site prior to the examination start time. All

scheduled times as listed could be moved earlier if conditions exist to do so and if all candidates, patients, and examiners

agree to an earlier start time.

49

Registration and orientation

Orientation begins promptly at 6:45

a.m. There is only one session per day,

and all candidates who are sitting for

the clinical examination that day must

attend. The following SRTA personnel

conduct registration and orientation.

Clinic Floor Manager (CFM):

A dentist who is a member of SRTA and

supervises the clinic floor during the

examination. The CFM evaluates the

patient’s health history to determine

whether it is safe for the patient to

participate in the examination and

receive local anesthesia. The CFM

serves as a liaison between the

candidates and the examiners and does

not evaluate any element of candidate

performance.

Dental Hygiene Coordinator (DHC):

An SRTA staff member or dental

hygienist who conducts registration and

orientation, assists candidates with

entering examination data into the

computer scoring system, and assists

the CFM in supervision of the clinic floor.

The DHC does not evaluate any element

of candidate performance.

Orientation follows this general format.

Examiners may make minor

adjustments to the orientation format

due to unique site requirements:

Watch slide presentation that

covers basic information.

Ask questions about the

examination.

Turn in paperwork.

Receive candidate badges and

holders.

Receive badges for interpreters

and qualified practitioners

providing local anesthesia.

Due to the number of sites at which the

SRTA administers the examination, site-

specific orientations are not provided.

It is the responsibility of each candidate

to contact the site prior to the date of

the examination to verify that all hand-

pieces and sonic/ultrasonic scalers are

compatible with school equipment. It is

advisable to visit the site prior to the

examination date to become familiar

with the clinic. The candidate must

arrange directly with school

officials, as SRTA cannot arrange

tours of sites.

Candidates who fail to attend

orientation will not receive separate

instructions.

Orientation is for candidates only.

Visitors and patients cannot participate

unless the CFM or DHC grants

permission.

QUICK TIP FORMS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION

• One form of government- or school-issued photo ID

• Completed Post-Operative Care Agreement (two copies)

• Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

• Incident Disclaimer

• Patient Health History

• Credentials of qualified practitioner, if someone other than the candidate will administer local

anesthesia and if those credentials were not provided to the SRTA office prior to the day of

the examination.

51

Cubicle set-up

At the published time, each group of

candidates and their patients enter the

clinic floor to begin cubicle set-up.

Candidates have a maximum of 45

minutes to set up their cubicles. When

the CFM announces that set-up time is

over, candidates must leave the clinic

floor so examiners can enter to perform

patient check-in or send the patient to

the scoring area, if one is used. During

the 45 minutes allotted for set up,

follow these steps to prepare:

The candidate must provide or have

access to a blood pressure measuring

device and take a preoperative blood

pressure reading on the patient the day

of the examination. Record these

readings on the Health History Form

prior to check-in. To protect the health

of the patient, no treatment is allowed if

the patient’s systolic blood pressure

reading is greater than 160 and/or the

diastolic reading is greater than 100 the

day of the examination.

If the patient is sitting for the

examination for more than one

candidate, the blood pressure must be

taken immediately prior to each

1. Verify that air, water, light, chair, hand-piece, and cavitron are working properly.

Notify CFM immediately if there are any equipment problems.

2. Locate disposable supplies provided by the

school. Disinfect cubicle and apply barriers.

3. Arrange instruments and paperwork. Separate instruments required for examiners from those used for clinical treatment so they are easily

accessed by examiners.

4. Verify case selection (quadrant, additional teeth, surfaces with qualifying calculus) in

computer scoring program. The DHC will assist with this process.

5. Seat patient with bib and safety glasses on, recline chair, and turn on patient light.

Take and record patient’s blood pressure on the Health History Form.

Ensure the CFM PIN is entered on

the Health History and Procedure Form.

Anesthetize patient, if planned.

52

examination and recorded on a separate

Health History Form for each candidate.

Patient check-in

Check-in is the procedure during which

three examiners:

Evaluate the selected teeth for the

required criteria

Assign teeth for the detection and

periodontal assessment exercises

Document where calculus is found

on the teeth assigned for detection

Measure and record the periodontal

pocket depths on the teeth assigned

for the periodontal assessment

Select the 12 surfaces with

qualifying calculus for evaluation of

calculus removal skills. These may

or may not include the surfaces

listed by the candidate.

This process may take up to 90

minutes. Advise patients to expect a

90-minute wait, and make them as

comfortable as possible. Patients may

use books, magazines, or other non-

electronic devices. SRTA prohibits the

use of all electronic devices by both

patients and candidates during the

examination except for electronic

readers, such as Nooks or Kindles.

Remind patients not to touch the light,

instruments, or any paperwork.

To facilitate the check-in process,

patients must be plaque-free, and there

must not be evidence of soft debris,

food matter, etc. Candidates who

present patients with excessive soft

debris will not earn points for initial case

presentation.

Candidates may not enter the clinic or

scoring area during check-in.

Candidates at sites where check-in is

performed at the cubicles may not

return to the clinic until advised by the

CFM. Candidates who fail to leave or

who re-enter the clinic without

permission from the CFM, or who

attempt to enter the scoring area, risk

dismissal from the examination and

automatic failure.

When check-in is completed, candidates

may re-enter the clinic. The CFM will

announce the clinic start-time. At that

point, candidates may begin the clinical

treatment portion of the examination.

During cubicle set-up, candidates should

ensure that their workstations are set

up appropriately for the examiners, who

will evaluate each patient during check-

in. Follow these steps to prepare for the

examiners:

QUICK TIP PREPARING FOR PATIENT CHECK-IN

• Place bib and safety glasses on patient, recline chair, and turn on patient light.

• Separate mirror, 11/12 explorer, and required probe from other instruments.

• Place radiographs, paperwork, and covered pencils in an easily accessible area.

• Instruct patient to leave patient light on and to leave all paperwork alone.

53

Provide these items for examiners during check-in:

Paperwork

• Completed Dental Charting Form

• Required radiographs of the patient

• Dental Hygiene Procedure Form, with the following information completed:

Candidate information

Medical alerts

Anesthesia record

Quadrant and additional teeth selected for the partial prophylaxis

o These must be the same as entered into the website

Teeth and surfaces where qualifying calculus is located

o These must be the same as entered into the website

Comments to examiners

Instruments

• 11/12 explorer for calculus detection

• Yellow-banded, color-coded probe for periodontal assessment with markings of

1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 (UNC probe). The probe may be single or double ended.

When using a double-ended probe, the unused end must be covered with

autoclave tape.

• Reflective front surface mirror, which may be one or two sided

• Air-water syringe tip attached to the unit

• Saliva ejector

• Note: Air-abrasive instruments are not permitted.

Other Materials

• 2” x 2” gauze squares

• Clipboard

• Two sharpened #2 lead pencils (not mechanical) covered with a barrier of plastic film

or aluminum foil

• A blood pressure measuring device or access to such a device

• Syringes and supplies for local anesthesia administration, if applicable. Testing sites

provide cartridges of anesthetic.

• A hard-surface sealed container, e.g., pencil box or cassette, to transport the

instruments to the designated area for late check-in, if needed

• Sterile instruments (choice of the candidate)

• Ultrasonic/sonic scaling instruments. It is the candidate's responsibility to provide

the equipment of choice. At some schools, ultrasonic units may be available for

rent. Contact the school directly to see if this service is available. SRTA does not

assist in equipment rental issues, nor does SRTA know which schools provide rental

units.

• A hand-piece and prophy angle for polishing that are compatible with the

examination site’s equipment

54

Clinical treatment time

The clinical skills section of the SRTA

Examination evaluates the candidate’s

ability to detect calculus, remove

calculus without damaging the

surrounding tissue, and accurately

measure periodontal pocket depths.

Candidates have 1½ hours to complete

the calculus detection, periodontal

pocket measurements, and calculus

removal exercises. Perform calculus

detection and periodontal

measurements before beginning

calculus removal, in order to ensure

accurate detection and measurements.

Clinical treatment time begins when

announced by the CFM. Stop-time is

exactly 1 ½ hours after the start-time,

whether evaluation takes place in the

candidate’s cubicle or if a separate

scoring area is used. The CFM instructs

candidates to vacate the clinic at that

time or to send the patient to the

scoring area. Final evaluation begins

immediately after clinic stop-time.

However, any candidate wishing to

proceed to final evaluation prior to the

end of the 1½-hour deadline may notify

the CFM to arrange for early final

evaluation. This option may not be

available at all testing sites.

When a separate scoring area is used,

the candidate must stop all patient

treatment at their unique clinic stop

time. Patients must be presented at the

desk no more than five minutes after

the candidate’s clinic stop time.

Patients presented more than five

minutes after the candidate’s clinic stop

time will not be sent to the scoring area

and the candidate will fail.

Use of local anesthesia

Examiners do not evaluate the

technique and/or actual administration

of local anesthetic. However, all

candidates who utilize local anesthesia

for their patients are required to

complete the appropriate

documentation. When deciding whether

to administer anesthesia, keep in mind

that three examiners will examine the

patient using the explorer and will probe

subgingivally during check-in.

Candidates may administer a maximum

of four carpules of anesthetic. For

shared patients, see instructions later in

this section. Candidates may

administer anesthesia prior to patient

check-in and at any time during patient

treatment. Administer no more than

two cartridges prior to check-in.

Candidates who have successfully

completed a course in local

anesthesia from a CODA-accredited

dental or dental hygiene school may

anesthetize their own patients.

Candidates must provide proof of

successful completion of a local

anesthesia course. This documentation

should include information on whether

the course covered infiltration

anesthesia only or both block and

infiltration anesthesia. This

documentation must be provided during

the application process.

Candidates must provide all

syringes and supplies for

anesthetic administration. The

testing site provides anesthetic

cartridges.

Candidates may anesthetize the

patient during cubicle set-up or

at any time during the clinical

examination.

Candidates who are not qualified to

administer local anesthetics may use

topical anesthetics or anesthesia

patches (Oraqix, etc.) or may bring a

qualified practitioner (dentist or dental

hygienist) to anesthetize their patient.

If a candidate wishes to utilize a

licensed practitioner from the exam site,

55

he/she must contact the exam site to

make proper arrangements at least

one week prior to the examination

date. Schools are under no obligation

to provide anesthesia services to

candidates and some schools may elect

not to offer anesthesia administration

for the examination.

A “qualified practitioner” is a person

who holds a current license to practice

dentistry or dental hygiene in the state

where the exam is held. If the

practitioner is a dental hygienist, a valid

local anesthesia permit from the state

where the exam is held is also required

for the hygienist to be considered a

qualified practitioner.

When a candidate uses a qualified

practitioner, the SRTA office must

receive copies of the following items

prior to the examination start date.

Proof of current liability

insurance

Photo ID

Copy of dental or dental hygiene

license issued by state board of

dentistry where the examination

is held; if a dental hygienist is

utilized, he/she must provide

proof of local anesthesia training

or a permit to administer local

anesthesia from the state where

the exam is given.

The qualified practitioner is required to

sign the Incident Disclaimer Form

provided at the exam to acknowledge

acceptance of responsibility for

anesthesia-related emergencies. The

practitioner must also sign the

anesthesia record portion on the Dental

Hygiene Procedure Form after all

anesthetic is administered to verify the

amount of anesthetic administered.

The practitioner is allowed in the

examination clinic area only to

administer the anesthesia. However,

the practitioner should remain on the

premises during treatment time to

administer additional anesthetic if

needed and to intervene in case of an

anesthesia-related emergency.

More than one candidate may use the

same qualified practitioner to administer

anesthesia to multiple patients, up to a

maximum of three patients per

group. Examiners will not delay check-

in to allow extra time for qualified

practitioners to anesthetize patients.

Shared patients

SRTA understands that it is sometimes

necessary for candidates to share a

patient. For patient safety in these

situations, follow the table of maximum

doses of anesthesia found on the next

page. The total number of

cartridges administered to a single

patient during one day cannot

exceed the maximum doses listed

below or four cartridges per

candidate, whichever is less. Each

candidate must plan to use no more

than half of the maximum dose on a

patient who will be shared with another

candidate on the same examination day

unless Lidocaine 2% with 1:100,000

epinephrine is used, in which case each

candidate can administer no more than

four cartridges each.

QUICK TIP ANESTHESIA PRIOR TO CHECK-

IN

• Administer no more than two carpules

of anesthesia prior to check-in.

• Additional carpules may be

administered at any time during

clinical treatment, up to the maximum

of four.

56

Wahl, M.J., Brown, R.S., (2010). Dentistry’s wonder drugs: Local anesthetics and

vasoconstrictors. General Dentistry, 58 (2), 114-123.

Final evaluation

Examiners perform final evaluation in

the candidate's assigned cubicle or,

depending on the testing site, in a

designated scoring area. When final

evaluation takes place in the candidate’s

assigned cubicle, the candidate is

prohibited in the clinic during this time

and may not enter the clinic until

advised by the CFM. Candidates failing

to leave the clinic when instructed to do

so or entering the clinic or scoring area

during this time for any reason risk

dismissal from the examination or

automatic failure.

At sites using a separate scoring area,

patients must be presented at the desk

for final evaluation no later than five

minutes after the candidate’s unique

clinic stop time. Patients presented to

the desk more than five minutes after

the candidate’s clinic stop time will not

be evaluated and the candidate will fail.

If a candidate finishes the partial oral

prophylaxis prior to the end of the 1½-

hour deadline, he/she may contact the

CFM to request an early final evaluation.

Early final evaluation is not offered at all

testing sites.

When the examiners start final

evaluation on the patients, the DHC

collects the Procedure Forms from the

cubicles and assist candidates in

entering their detection findings,

periodontal probe measurements, and

anesthetic record into SRTA’s computer-

scoring system.

Maximum recommended doses of local anesthetics for dental infiltration/block injections

Anesthetic Maximum dose Dose/cartridge

Maximum

cartridges for 154

lb. adult

Articaine 4% with

1:100,000 or 1:200,000

epinephrine

500 mg (3.2

mg/lb.)

68 mg/1.7 mL

cartridge 7.4

Lidocaine 2% with

1:100,000 epinephrine

500 mg (3.2

mg/lb.)

36 mg/1.8 mL

cartridge 13.9

Mepivacaine 3% plain 400 mg (3.0

mg/lb.)

54 mg/1.8 mL

cartridge 7.4

Prilocaine 4% plain 600 mg (8.0

mg/lb.)

72 mg/1.8 mL

cartridge 8.3

QUICK TIP POLICY FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• All cellular phones and other electronic devices other than electronic books such as Nooks or

Kindles must be turned off during the entire examination process.

• Neither candidates nor patients may use cell phones or cameras at any time. If a candidate or

patient is found using a cell phone or camera, the candidate will fail the examination.

57

Cubicle clean-up

After all patients are released, candidates may re-enter the clinic to clean and disinfect

their cubicles and to collect their personal belongings. SRTA allows 30 minutes for this

process. Candidates who fail to leave the clinic when advised to do so or who re-enter

the clinic without permission from the CFM risk dismissal from the examination or

automatic failure.

Notes for Final Evaluation

Patient Preparation For

Final Evaluation

Required Instruments &

Paperwork Information for Patient

• Patient seated

• Wearing safety glasses

• Clean bib

• Reclined

• Cubicle light on

• Remove contaminated

gauze, needles, and any

other materials that

might cause infection

control violations.

• Ensure that floor around

chair is free of hazards.

• Mirror

• Air-water syringe tip

• 11/12 explorer

• Saliva ejector

• Dental Hygiene

Procedure Form

• Patient’s radiographs

• Two sharpened No. 2

lead pencils (not a

mechanical pencil)

covered with a plastic

film or aluminum foil

barrier

• A clipboard

• Three 2” x 2” gauze

squares

• Three or more

examiners will be

performing the final

evaluation.

• Evaluation may take as

long as 1 ½ hours.

• Patients may take

restroom breaks but

should inform the CFM

prior to leaving the

clinic.

• No electronic devices

can be used by patients

except for electronic

readers such as Nooks

and Kindles.

• Patients may use books,

magazines, and any

other non-electronic

means of passing time.

58

FORMS

59

FORMS

Download and print all forms from the

candidate’s profile on the SRTA website,

www.srta.org, after application is

completed and verified. If

computer/printer access is not available,

contact the SRTA office and request to

have forms sent via mail. Use copies of

forms for pre-screening patients and to

aid in patient preparation.

If errors are made on forms in ink

during the examination, the candidate

should make a single line striking

through the incorrect entry, make the

correction, and initial the correction

using the candidate number.

Forms Presented at Registration Forms Presented at Patient Check-In

One form of government- or school-

issued photo ID


Release Form

Incident Disclaimer

Post-Operative Care Agreement (2

copies)

Patient Health History (and

physician’s statement, if needed)

Credentials of qualified practitioner,

if local anesthesia will be

administered by someone other than

the candidate and credentials were

not previously submitted to the

SRTA office

Dental Charting Form (completed

prior to examination day and

collected by examiners during

check-in)



The Dental Hygiene Procedure Form has

two purposes:

Candidates use it to document

their case selection, detection

findings, periodontal pocket

measurements, and to

communicate patient care issues

and preexisting conditions to

examiners.

Examiners use it to make

detection and periodontal teeth

assignments and to

communicate comments to

candidates regarding minor

errors and patient care concerns.

The table on the following page explains

each section and provides instructions

for completing the form. The following

pages show a blank Procedure Form, a

sample form with the candidate sections

completed, and another sample showing

how the Procedure Form will appear

after check-in.


60

Section Number

& Title Instructions

SECTION 1.

Candidate

Information

Complete in ink prior to check-in:

Candidate number Cubicle number Examination site Date of the exam Whether the patient is being shared with another candidate

SECTION 2.

Medical Alert

Complete in ink prior to check-in on the day of the exam:

Check “Yes” if there are any “Yes” answers anywhere on the Health History Form. Check “No” if all answers on the Health History Form are “No.”

SECTION 3.

Calculus

Removal (This

section should list

the same

quadrant,

additional teeth,

and surfaces

previously

entered into the

website.)


Choose a full quadrant and two posterior teeth from a second quadrant that meets criteria to demonstrate calculus removal skills.

If the quadrant and required posterior teeth from the second quadrant do not meet all calculus requirements, choose up to two more molars and/or premolars from the second quadrant to achieve the calculus requirements.

List 12 surfaces in the selection where qualifying calculus is located. These surfaces will be evaluated by the examiners for the presence of qualifying calculus. If at least two examiners do not find qualifying calculus on a surface listed by the candidate, another surface will be chosen from the case selection to give the candidate a better chance to demonstrate his or her ability to remove qualifying calculus.

Candidates must clean all surfaces of all teeth in the quadrant and additional teeth selected in Section 3. Examiners will evaluate all surfaces in the selection for remaining calculus, not just the 12 listed by the candidate.

Candidate

comments to

examiners

Alert examiners to conditions that might affect treatment or evaluation of the

patient. For example:

Severe hyperplasia or gingivitis Excessive decay on tooth #x Pre-existing tissue conditions that might be construed by examiners as minor tissue

trauma Unavoidable reason why radiographs are less than diagnostic, e.g. patient is a gagger,

narrow palate, lingual tori, etc.

Examiner

comments to

candidate

Examiners note any corrections to be made prior to starting clinical treatment of the patient.

The candidate must see the CFM to verify that corrections have been made before starting

patient treatment. Examiners attach a “See CFM” sticker below this area to further alert the

candidate.

FOR EXAMINER

USE ONLY

Examiners attach a “See CFM” sticker here if there is an error to correct prior to starting

clinical treatment.

SECTION 4.

Anesthesia

Record


Type of injection(s) planned Name of anesthetic Percentage of vasoconstrictor If no anesthesia is planned, slash through section and place candidate number on slash

mark. Place candidate number in designated area.

Complete in ink prior to final evaluation:

Quantity of anesthetic used, or “0” if anesthesia was planned but not used

SECTION 5.

Periodontal

Assessment

Do not write in Section 5 prior to patient check-in.

During check-in, examiners assign two teeth for the periodontal assessment and note them in Section 5.

After check-in, candidates measure and record pocket depths of the assigned teeth. Complete the periodontal assessment section prior to starting calculus removal.

SECTION 6.

Calculus

Detection

Do not write in Section 6 prior to patient check-in.

During check-in, examiners assign three teeth for the calculus detection exercise and note them in Section 6.

After check-in, candidates will circle “Yes” or “No” to indicate the presence or absence of calculus on the three assigned teeth in Section 6.

Complete the detection exercise prior to starting calculus removal.

Examiner PIN The first examiner to review the form and assign teeth for the detection and periodontal

exercises enters his/her PIN in this area. Contact the CFM if no PIN is present.

61

Periodontal assessment

During check-in, examiners assign two

teeth (one anterior and one posterior)

for the periodontal assessment exercise,

indicating the selected teeth on the

Procedure Form, Section 5. Examiners

measure and record pocket depths on

each of those two teeth. Record

measurements on three standard

periodontal pocket areas of DL, L, and

ML. Each of the three examiners enters

his/her measurements into the

computer-scoring program.

During clinical treatment time and prior

to any calculus removal, candidates

measure and record the three pocket

depths on each of the two assigned

teeth in Section 5 of the Procedure

Form, for a total of six measurements.

The candidate’s measurements must be

no more than ± 1 mm of the median of

the three examiners’ measurements.

The examiners record their pocket

depth measurements with all calculus

present. Because pocket depths

could change after calculus

removal, candidates must complete

periodontal measurements before

removing calculus.

During final evaluation, the DHC will

assist candidates in entering their

periodontal pocket depth measurements

into the computer scoring system.

Calculus detection

During check-in, examiners assign three

teeth for the calculus detection exercise,

indicating the selected teeth on the

Procedure Form. Examiners evaluate

the mesial, distal, facial, and lingual

surfaces of the three teeth for the

presence or absence of calculus.

Examiners enter these findings into the

computer-scoring program.

During clinical treatment time,

candidates evaluate the four surfaces of

each assigned tooth for the presence or

absence of calculus and enter the

findings in Section 6 of the Procedure

Form. For the purposes of the calculus

detection exercise, any calculus present

on the surface should be marked “Yes,”

even if it does not meet the definition of

“qualifying calculus.” This clinical skills

section demonstrates that a candidate

can recognize the presence of calculus

of all types—whether light, moderate, or

heavy—on a variety of tooth surfaces

and can recognize when a surface is

free of any calculus.

If calculus removal is performed

prior to completing the detection

exercise, the candidate will be

unable to make an accurate

evaluation of the presence or

absence of calculus as it was

assessed by examiners during

check-in.

During final evaluation, the DHC and

candidates enter their findings into the

computer-scoring program. The

program determines whether the

candidate’s findings match those of the

examiners. Candidates earn points for

each surface where the candidate’s

findings match those of two out of three

examiners. If examiners find calculus

on a surface, and the candidate finds

calculus on the same surface, the

candidate earns points. If examiners

find no calculus on a surface, and the

candidate also finds no calculus on the

surface, the candidate also earns points.

Candidates indicate their findings on the

Procedure Form by circling “Yes” or “No”

for each of the four surfaces on the

QUICK TIP Complete the periodontal

measurements (Section 5) and calculus

detection exercise (Procedure Form,

Section 6) before beginning calculus

removal.

62

assigned teeth. Candidates earn no

points if they do not select an answer at

all or if they select both “Yes” and “No.”

Calculus removal

Prior to check-in, document the case

selection in Section 3 by circling the

quadrant selected and listing the two

required posterior teeth from the

second quadrant, one of which must be

a molar. List up to two additional

posterior teeth from the second

quadrant only if they are needed to

meet the calculus requirements.

Indicate whether the third molar is to be

included in the selection. List 12

surfaces within the selection that have

qualifying calculus.

Example: If the upper right quadrant is

selected along with #13 and #14 as the

required posterior teeth from a second

quadrant, optional additional teeth could

be #12 and/or #15 but not #18, and

#19, since those teeth are not in the

second quadrant with #12 and #15.

Do not list molars or premolars from the

selected quadrant as the additional

teeth. For example, if the candidate

selects the upper right quadrant, do not

list #1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as the additional

teeth. Ensure the accuracy of tooth

numbers for teeth that may have

drifted.

For details about surface selection and

description of qualifying calculus, please

see the ADEX section of this manual.

During check-in, examiners evaluate the

12 surfaces of qualifying calculus listed

by the candidate. If examiners disagree

that qualifying calculus is located on a

surface listed by the candidate, they will

select substitute surfaces from within

the case selection for evaluation of

calculus removal skills. Candidates are

not informed of the final list of surfaces

that will be evaluated for remaining

calculus. Therefore, candidates must

clean all surfaces of all teeth in the

selection, as any of these may be

evaluated for remaining calculus during

final evaluation.

If fewer than 12 surfaces of qualifying

calculus are verified in the selection,

including all teeth in the quadrant and

any additional teeth chosen by the

candidate, points will be awarded only

for calculus removal on the surfaces

verified by two examiners as having

qualifying calculus. For example, if

examiners are able to verify only eight

surfaces with qualifying calculus, the

candidate will have only eight

opportunities to earn points for calculus

removal, rather than 12 opportunities,

and will automatically lose points for

removal on four surfaces.

Local anesthesia

Candidates should administer no more

than two carpules of anesthesia prior to

patient check-in. Additional carpules

may be administered at any other time

during the examination, up to a

maximum of four carpules.

If anesthesia is planned,

Prior to check-in, fill in the

type of injection(s) and the name

of the anesthetic with percentage

of vasoconstrictor planned.

Prior to final evaluation, fill in

the quantity of anesthesia used.

Enter a “0” if anesthesia was

planned but not used.

Candidates must enter their candidate

number as a part of the anesthetic

record. If a qualified practitioner

administers anesthesia, he/she must

sign in the area indicated to verify the

amount and type of anesthesia given.

If anesthesia is not planned,

63

Place a slash (/) mark across this

section and write the candidate

number on the slash mark.

If this area is blank at check-in

and the candidate did not slash

through the area, the approving

examiner will slash through the

area and enter his/her PIN

number.

If the candidate or an examiner

has slashed through this area

but administration of anesthesia

becomes necessary, contact the

CFM for permission prior to

proceeding.

Blank Dental Hygiene Procedure Form

64

Procedure Form with candidate sections completed prior to check-in

QUICK TIP Complete Sections 1 through 4

prior to patient check-in.

Information in Section 3 must

be entered into the SRTA

website at least two weeks prior

to the examination day.

Adjustments can be made on

examination day by the DHC, if

needed.

65

Procedure Form after check-in is completed

QUICK TIP After check-in is complete, review the

Procedure Form for:

Comments to the candidate from

examiners; SEE CFM sticker.

Two teeth assigned for the

periodontal assessment (Section

5)

Three teeth assigned for the

calculus detection exercise

(Section 6)

PIN of the examiner making

assignments at the lower border

66

Dental Charting Form

Candidates must complete the Dental Charting Form prior to the day of the

examination. The top of the form provides an area for indicating in ink the candidate

number, cubicle number, examination site, and the date of examination.

Charting may be done using either ink or pencil.

Dental charting

Deciduous teeth: mark out the number and write in the tooth letter.

Missing teeth: cross (X) through the entire area of the missing tooth.

Partially erupted teeth: mark out the tooth number and write “P/E.”

Unerupted or impacted teeth: circle the entire tooth area.

Implants: cross (X) through the entire tooth area and change the tooth number

to “I.”

Retained root tips: cross (X) through the tooth number and write “RT.”

67

Health History Form

Patients complete the Health History

Form in ink prior to the day of the

examination. Patients should complete

this form no more than 30 days prior

to the day of the examination. This form

must be available during registration

and set-up for review by the CFM.

1. The section at the top left “PLACE ID

LABEL HERE” should be left blank.

2. Enter the Candidate Number in the

area labeled “Candidate Sequential.”

3. Enter the Cubicle Number during set

up.

4. Do not complete the “Blood

Pressure-Required- Must Be Taken

Day of Examination” blank until set

up. Complete this area after

patient is seated and BP is

taken. Complete “Date/Time

Taken” after you record the patient’s

BP on the day of the examination.

5. CFM will enter his/her PIN in the

area labeled “Examiner Confirms BP

Taken Day of Exam” during set up.

This indicates that the CFM has

reviewed the form and the patient is

approved to participate in the

examination.

6. Patient answers questions 1 through

13, including questions 8.A through

FF, within 30 days of the

examination, signs, and dates the

form in the area indicated.

7. At the bottom of page two, enter the

ASA Classification of the patient.

8. Candidates enter their initials, date

initialed, and signature on the

second page.

9. Present this form completed except

for the patient’s blood pressure

during registration. Some CFM’s

may wait to review the Health

History until set up.

The patient’s blood pressure on the day

of the exam must be below 160

(systolic) and/or 100 (diastolic). The

patient's health status must be

acceptable for treatment. The

candidate must have the form

available during set up so the CFM

can verify that:

All sections are complete

When required, a physician’s

statement is provided

The patient can have local

anesthesia administered, if

needed

All questions on the Health History Form

must be answered “Yes” or “No” by the

patient. If the patient responds “Yes” to

any question on the Health History

Form, check “Yes” in Section 2 of the


(Medical Alert area).

QUICK TIP A patient will be classified as

ineligible and be dismissed from the

examination if he/she

Currently taking or history of

injectable or oral

bisphosphonate therapy

Latex allergy

1st or 3rd trimester of

pregnancy

Oral herpetic lesions - This

condition may be left to the

discretion of the CFM

Candidates attempting to present a

patient with one or more of these

conditions will fail the examination

for presenting an ineligible patient.

QUICK TIP If the patient answers “Yes” to any of

the questions on this form, check “Yes”

in the Medical Alert box (Section 2) of

the Procedure Form.

68

If the patient responds “Yes” to any of

the following questions a physician’s

written statement that it is safe for the

patient to participate is required and

must be presented during registration

and be available during cubicle set-up,

or the patient will not be allowed to

participate in the examination.

These conditions require a physician’s

written clearance:

8. U. High / low BP

8. V. Angina chest pain, shortness of

breath

8. W. Heart attack

8. X. Heart surgery

8. Y. Stroke

8. Z. Congestive heart failure

8. AA. Coronary artery or other

heart disease

8. BB. Arteriosclerosis/coronary

occlusion

The candidate must present a

physician’s written clearance during

set up with the Health History Form

for any patient with a “Yes” to the

specific questions listed above. An

acceptable medical clearance/statement

includes the following elements.

A statement from a physician

written on his/her letterhead or

prescription pad within 30 days

of the examination

A positive statement of how the

patient should be managed

The exact procedure that is to be

performed (i.e., dental

prophylaxis)

The physician's clearly legible

name, address, and phone

number

The physician’s signature on the

statement

If a patient presents with an active oral

herpetic lesion, the CFM must evaluate

the lesion and will decide if it is safe for

the patient, candidate, and examiners

to proceed with the examination using

that patient. If the CFM determines

that it will be unsafe for the patient to

be treated, the CFM will dismiss the

patient and the candidate from the

examination. The candidate may

reapply for the earliest available

examination. Examination fees will be

transferred to the new examination

assignment. Facility fees are not

transferrable. An additional charge for

the facility fee at the next examination

site will be assessed on the candidate’s

profile.

69

Blank Health History Form

QUICK TIP If the patient answers “Yes” to questions 8. U., V.,

W., X., Y., Z., AA., or BB. of the Health History

Form, a physician’s written clearance is required.

70

Post-Operative Care Agreement

Complete this form in ink and make

three copies prior to

registration/orientation. The provider of

postoperative care must sign the form.

Please ensure the information is legible

on all copies. Submit two copies of this

form during registration: one for SRTA

and one for the examination site

records. Provide one copy to the

patient.

If the patient is returning to a

dental/dental hygiene school for

completion of treatment, complete

Section I-A and obtain a signature

from a school official (such as a faculty

member). If the patient’s treatment will

be completed by the candidate in a

private or public dental practice setting,

complete Section I-B. If no provider

is available and/or the patient will

choose his/her own clinician for

completion of treatment, complete

Section I-C.

The patient must sign this form under

Section II and receive a copy.

Do not leave any copies of the form in

the cubicle during patient check-in or

final evaluation.

71

Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

The patient completes this form in ink,

prior to registration/orientation. The

patient must sign and date the form.

Signatures on this form must be

witnessed. Any person other than the

candidate may serve as a witness.

This form requires the SRTA candidate

number. Submit this form during

registration/orientation.

QUICK TIP The candidate must verify that this

area is filled out completely prior to

registration/orientation. The

candidate cannot sign as the witness.

72

Incident Disclaimer

Both the candidate and the patient must

sign and date the Incident Disclaimer.

As dental professionals, SRTA expects

all candidates to review this form

thoroughly with the patient.

Submit this disclaimer during

registration/orientation. If this form

cannot be completed prior to

registration/orientation (e.g., patient is

not available for signature), the

completed form may be given to the

CFM or DHC after the patient has signed

the form.

Candidates are encouraged to print

three copies of this form upon

downloading, so both the patient and

the candidate have a copy of the

disclaimer. SRTA retains the third copy.

Beginning a clinical exercise prior to

completing and submitting this

form will be grounds for dismissal

from the examination.

Surveys

Candidate surveys provide valuable feedback and information to SRTA administration

and examiners used to improve the examination process. The surveys are anonymous

and are completed online after the examination is over.

74

APPEALS

75

APPEALS

SRTA reviews appeals based on facts

surrounding the decision during the

examination. Any other information

such as experience, school

performance, character references,

testimonials, radiographs, photographs,

or models of a patient’s teeth taken by

the candidate or anyone else after

completion of the examination cannot

be considered in the appeals process.

Consideration can be given only to

documents, radiographs, etc., that were

submitted to the examiners during the

examination.

The Appeals Committee is obligated to

base its judgment of technical errors

upon its knowledge of the examination,

the validation and standardization

process used by SRTA, and evidence

presented in the candidate's appeal in a

systematic, consistent, reliable, and

rational manner. It is neither consistent

nor reasonable to suppose that

examiners can judge matters more

accurately and objectively after an

examination has ended than they did

during the examination. A score cannot

be reversed by any member of the

Appeals Committee unless the disputed

score is determined to be a technical

error rather than a perceived judgment

error.

SRTA does not honor group, second

party, or verbal appeals. The Southern

Regional Testing Agency is not

responsible for any expense incurred by

any party making an appeal.

SRTA does not consider appeals based

upon patient behavior, tardiness, or

failure to appear. SRTA does not

provide patients and is not responsible

for this aspect of the examination.

Situations requiring follow-up care are

the responsibility of the candidate, per

the Post-Operative Care Agreement.

The host institution publishes an

examination site instruction letter that

outlines the provision of certain minimal

materials, support personnel to

dispense these materials, and support

personnel to repair and maintain

equipment in working condition within a

reasonable amount of time. SRTA may

consider appeals based upon failure of

the host institution only in instances in

which the Clinic Floor Manager (CFM) or

Dental Hygiene Coordinator (DHC) was

made aware of the problem with

reasonable time for resolution at the

examination site, rather than after the

fact upon completion of the

examination.

The appellate process includes review of

all documentation of examination

results and candidate performance

during the examination. It may include

such additional investigation as deemed

warranted by the circumstance of the

appeal. The process will not include

records or external opinions obtained by

the candidate after the completion of

the examination.

The Appeals Committee makes every

effort possible to complete the appellate

review process within 90 days of the

receipt of the appeal in the SRTA

administrative office. When an

extended investigation becomes

necessary, SRTA will inform the

candidate by letter of this extended

investigation.

In many cases, SRTA cannot process,

evaluate, and make final decisions on

appeals prior to the next examination.

In cases in which a candidate

successfully completes another

examination while his/her appeal is

under evaluation, that appeal will be

dropped automatically by the chair of

the Appeals Committee upon notification

by the executive director. If the

76

candidate fails a subsequent

examination, the appeal process will

continue to completion, and a decision

will be rendered without the

committee's knowledge of the

candidate's performance on the

subsequent examination.

SRTA refunds application fees in full in

the event a candidate made payment

for a subsequent examination and an

appeal is granted before that

examination is taken. If SRTA makes a

favorable decision on an appeal, a full

refund of the appeal fee is mailed to the

candidate. SRTA notifies all

participating state boards of dentistry of

the results of a favorable decision.

The executive director will maintain a

log of all appeals and take appropriate

action to bring them to a timely

completion. The appeal becomes a

permanent part of the candidate's file

maintained in the SRTA administrative

office. The decision of the Appeals

Committee is final.

SRTA must receive the candidate’s

written notification/request for an

appeal form within 20 calendar days

following the release of scores, not the

date the scores are received by the

candidate. The Southern Regional

Testing Agency is not responsible for

items lost or delayed by the Postal

Service.

File all appeals in writing on a form

provided by the Southern Regional

Testing Agency and sent by certified

mail, along with a certified check or

money order for $300 for the appeal

fee. SRTA must receive the formal

written appeal within 60 days of the

date of the examination.

Please send requests for an appeal form

and final appeals to the following

address:

Executive Director




78

POLICIES

79

POLICIES

1. Anonymity

SRTA conducts all examinations

anonymously. All examination materials

are identified by the candidate’s SRTA

number assigned prior to the

examination. The candidate’s name and

school information should not appear on

any material reviewed by the

examiners. The examiners at all sites

are experienced practitioners with

diverse backgrounds. The examiners

are trained and standardized prior to

each examination and are evaluated to

ensure grading to established criteria.

The examiners are separated from the

candidates and remain in a separate

area of the facility. The candidates

must observe all signs and follow

instructions so as not to breach

anonymity. Anonymity is preserved

between the scoring examiners and the

candidates but not among the

examiners themselves. Examiners may

consult with one another whenever

necessary. There are times when

fairness requires consultation among

examiners.

2. Candidate accessibility

SRTA makes every effort to

accommodate and comply with ADA

legislation for any candidate with a

documented physical and/or learning

disability that impairs sensory, manual,

or speaking skills and that requires a

reasonable deviation from the normal

administration of the examination. The

candidate must present a written

statement from a qualified physician at

the time of application. The statement

must clearly define the limitation(s) and

must detail the assistance required to

ensure appropriate accommodations.

Requests are evaluated on a case-by-

case basis. Accommodations/deviations

are not allowed for those

components/skills the examination

measures. Information regarding the

physical/learning challenges of a

candidate will remain confidential except

in the case of disabilities that may

require emergency treatment. In such

cases, onsite safety personnel will be

advised.

3. Confidentiality

SRTA office staff or examiners will not

discuss candidate scores, appeals,

concerns, or questions with a

candidate’s spouse, parent, faculty

member, family member, or friend.

4. Dismissal from examination

This listing is not all-inclusive of the

reasons for which a candidate may

receive a failing evaluation or dismissal.

Some procedures may be deemed

unsatisfactory for other reasons.

Additionally, a combination of several

unsatisfactory evaluations may result in

failure. Reexamination will be denied

for one year (12 months) from the date

of dismissal from the examination.

Infractions that may lead to dismissal or

failure include:

Evidence of dishonesty or

misrepresentation during the

application process, including

false or misleading statements or

false documentation presented

by the candidate or on the

candidate’s behalf

Evidence of dishonesty or

misrepresentation during

candidate registration or during

the course of the examination

Rude, abusive, or uncooperative

behavior exhibited by the

candidate and/or those

accompanying the candidate to

the examination site

80

Failure to vacate the clinic for

patient check-in or continuing to

work after published cut-off time

Failure to complete the

examination within the allotted

time (No make-up time, grace

period or second effort is allowed

for any part of this examination.)

Alteration of preoperative

radiographs

Receiving assistance from a

dentist, another candidate,

faculty member, etc. SRTA

understands that different

programs will support candidates

in different ways, but patient

selection must be an

independent decision made only

by the candidate.

Thievery during the course of the

examination

Performance of any unauthorized

work outside of designated areas

at the test site

Noncompliance with anonymity

requirements for patient check-in

and/or examiner scoring.

Candidates must not enter the

area designated for check-in or

scoring. Candidates must

instruct their patients not to

handle any paperwork during the

course of the examination.

Noncompliance with established

guidelines for asepsis and

infectious disease control

Use of a patient who has been

removed from the patient pool.

It is the candidate’s

responsibility to determine

whether the patient has

previously been removed from

the patient pool.

Use of previously recorded

and/or copied periodontal

charting forms, calculus

detection lists/charts or other

references for the periodontal

assessment or calculus detection

exercises

Charging patients for services

performed

Failing to complete or refusing to

provide a Post-Operative Care

Agreement with a verifiable

contact name of the practitioner

who will provide postoperative

care to the patient, or the

patient’s statement that he/she

will seek care from a practitioner

of his/her own choice

Use of cellular telephones,

pagers, cameras, or other

electronic equipment, other

than electronic readers such

as Nooks or Kindles, by the

candidate and/or patient(s)

while in the clinic or scoring

areas

Attempting to use a patient who

is a dentist, dental hygienist,

junior or senior dental student,

or dental hygiene student

5. Eighteen-month completion

Both the CSCE and the Patient

Treatment Clinical Examination must be

completed successfully within 18

months after the first of the two

component exams is initiated. If both

examinations are not successfully

completed within 18 months, regardless

of the reason, both examinations in

dental hygiene must be retaken.

Contact the SRTA office for directions

regarding reapplication, appropriate

documentation and applicable fees.

6. Electronic equipment and patient

comfort

SRTA prohibits the use of cellular

telephones, pagers, cameras, or other

electronic equipment by candidates

and/or patients, other than electronic

readers such as Nooks or Kindles, within

the clinic/scoring areas. Violation of

this policy is a reason for dismissal from

the examination.

Patients may bring article of warm

clothing or blankets for their comfort, in

case the temperature in the clinics are

cold.

81

7. Examination documents

Candidates must instruct their patients

not to handle any paperwork during the

course of the examination. Candidates

may be dismissed or fail the

examination if their patients handle

examination documents during the

course of the examination.

8. Examination placement &

limitations

When the application is processed,

SRTA assigns a group and cubicle for

each candidate after the examination’s

published registration deadline. SRTA

policy does not allow transfer to another

testing date or location once an

examination site assignment has been

made. However, in cases of a medical

emergency, SRTA may consider

transfers on a case-by-case basis. The

candidate must fully document the

nature of the emergency in writing,

including contact information of a

medical professional included for

verification. The SRTA office must

receive notification prior to the

examination, or the request will not be

considered and the candidate will be

deemed a “no-show.”

Priority seating for the examination is

given for the exam site’s current

students and then on a first come, first

serve basis for all other candidates. An

exam site may become full prior to the

application deadline and SRTA cannot

guarantee placement at any exam site.

Applying early may increase the

probability of placement in the preferred

site.

SRTA requires a minimum of 12

candidates at any testing site and

reserves the right to cancel an exam

and reassign candidates to other testing

sites in the event there are fewer than

12 candidates scheduled for any

examination.

9. Examination results

Candidates must pass the clinical

examination with a score of at least 75

percent. Candidates who fail may

retake the examination and can login to

their account on the SRTA website to

view the errors assessed.

Results are available online within three

business days after completion of the

examination. An unofficial results

report from each examination will be

available to view/download online under

the ‘Results’ tab of the candidates’

profile. “Unofficial results” are reports

that do not have a stamp or embossed

seal proving the document came from a

valid authorized source and

guaranteeing the contents to be

accurate.

SRTA automatically sends the

examination record of each candidate to

the SRTA Participating state boards of

dentistry, which are Alabama, Arkansas,

Kentucky, South Carolina, Mississippi,

Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Some state boards of dentistry may

require a notarized copy of the final

report, which the Southern Regional

Testing Agency will provide for a

nominal fee. Please contact our office

to request this additional service. SRTA

may also send the examination record

to each current graduate’s university.

In addition to SRTA’s participating

boards, other states accept the

SRTA/ADEX results for licensure.

Candidates should contact the individual

state board of dentistry where they are

applying for licensure to verify

acceptance of SRTA/ADEX scores and to

learn of other state-specific

requirements.

SRTA supplies the examination results

82

to the participating state boards but

does not analyze or interpret the

records and makes no recommendations

on the way the states use the scores.

Individual state boards determine

acceptance of the regional examination

scores.

The AADB (American Association of

Dental Boards) is creating a national

database or clearinghouse for the

reporting of results for all Dental and

Dental Hygiene clinical exams including

the number of attempts required to

obtain a passing score. This information

will be available to every state dental

board. The database will continue to be

populated with all board actions taken

on individuals after licensure is

obtained.

10. Equipment

Providing the necessary equipment is

the responsibility of each candidate.

Each testing site charges an additional

fee for the use of facilities and incidental

materials. This fee is combined with the

examination fee, which is listed by site

in Section II of this manual. SRTA

strongly advises candidates to visit the

examination site at a suitable time prior

to examination to familiarize themselves

with the facilities and available

equipment and to ensure that their

hand-pieces and ultrasonic/sonic

equipment can be adapted to the unit

available at the testing site. These

arrangements must be made directly

with the school. The use of

ultrasonic/sonic instruments is

permitted. However, it is the candidate's

responsibility to provide equipment that

is compatible with testing site

attachments. Some additional

equipment may be available from

certain schools/testing sites if

candidates arrange in advance with the

school. The school/testing site provides

the operating chair and unit.

Candidates must furnish all necessary

materials and required instruments.

SRTA is not responsible for the

malfunction of the facility’s or the

candidate’s equipment and will not allot

additional time due to the malfunction

of any equipment. Equipment

maintenance personnel are onsite

during each examination to ensure the

equipment and the water are in working

order. At the site, should an equipment

malfunction occur prior to or during the

examination, the candidate must notify

the CFM or DHC immediately so the

appropriate personnel may be

contacted.

11. Ineligible candidates

Candidates must notify the SRTA office

of their ineligibility in writing two weeks

prior to the scheduled examination. A

letter from the program director of the

candidate’s institution will be required

as proof of ineligibility. SRTA retains

the complete application fee for any

candidate declared ineligible by his/her

program director. Candidates must

contact the school/testing site directly

for a refund of facility fees. Candidates

declared ineligible may take the

examination at a future site within a 12-

month period upon payment of

applicable facility fees, a $200

processing/administration fee, and

submission of a new application with all

the required documentation.

12. Infection control

SRTA requires candidate compliance

with the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention: Recommended Infection

Control - U.S. Department of Health And

Human Services - Public Health Service,

Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention Guidelines for Infection

Control in Dental Health-Care Settings -

2003 as reprinted from Morbidity and

Mortality Weekly Report,

83

Recommendations and Reports

December 19, 2003, Vol. 52, No. RR-

17. Refer to the aforementioned

publication for a complete listing of

recommended practices.

This report consolidates

recommendations for preventing and

controlling infectious diseases and

managing personnel health and safety

concerns related to infection control in

dental settings. The report updates and

revises previous CDC recommendations

regarding infection control in dental

settings, incorporates relevant infection

control measures from other CDC

guidelines, and discusses concerns not

addressed in previous recommendations

for dentistry. Infection control requires

the commitment and accountability of

the dental healthcare practitioner.

These updates and additional topics

include the following:

Application of standard

precautions

Work restrictions for healthcare

personnel

Management of occupational

exposures

Selection and use of devices

Hand hygiene

Sterilization of unwrapped

instruments

Dental water quality concerns

Dental radiology

Aseptic technique

Pre-procedural mouth rinsing for

patients

Oral surgical procedures

Tuberculosis

Prion-related diseases, e.g.,

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Infection control program

evaluation

Research considerations

Correct procedures for handling

or working with hazardous

chemicals

Infection control procedures and

categories of patient care

During the examination, candidates

must follow the current recommended

infection control procedures as

published by the CDC, beginning with

the initial set-up of the unit, continuing

throughout the clinical examination, and

including the final cleanup of the

cubicle. Dental professionals must

prevent the spread of infectious

diseases. Because many infectious

patients are asymptomatic, all patients

shall be treated as if they are, in fact,

contagious. It is the candidate's

responsibility to ensure that he/she

complies fully with these procedures.

Instruments, devices, and equipment

are categorized depending on their

potential risk for infection associated

with use:

Critical: Penetrates soft tissue;

contacts bone; enters into or contacts

the bloodstream or other normally

sterile tissue; includes surgical

instruments, periodontal scalers, scalpel

blades, surgical dental burs. Critical

items should be sterilized by heat.

Semi-critical: Contacts mucous

membranes or non-intact skin; will not

penetrate soft tissue, contact bone, or

enter into or contact the bloodstream or

other normally sterile tissue; includes

dental mouth mirror, amalgam

condenser, reusable dental impression

trays, and dental hand-pieces. Semi-

critical items should be sterilized by

heat, or if heat sensitive, be processed

by high-level disinfection.

Non-critical: Contacts intact skin;

includes radiograph head/cone, blood

pressure cuff, face bow, pulse oximeter.

Non-critical items should be cleaned and

disinfected with an EPA-registered

hospital disinfectant.

Environmental surfaces are divided into

clinical contact surfaces and

84

housekeeping surfaces. When using

infection control strategies, candidates

should consider the 1) potential for

direct patient contact, 2) degree and

frequency of hand contact, and 3)

potential contamination of the surface

with body substances or environmental

sources of microorganisms.

Tasks must be performed in the safest

manner possible, including the

appropriate use of engineering controls

to reduce an exposure by removing the

hazard or isolating the worker from it.

Engineering controls are work practices

that reduce the risk of exposure in the

way a task is performed, including the

use of barriers that reduce the risk of

exposure and transmitting potentially

infectious material.

Engineering controls include the use of

barrier techniques, disposables (when

possible), and proper disinfection and

sterilization:

Wash and dry hands between

patients or whenever gloves are

changed. Do not wear hand

jewelry that can tear or puncture

gloves.

Wear gloves when performing

any intra-oral procedures and

when cleaning up after any

treatment. If rips or tears occur,

put on new gloves. Do not wear

gloves outside the cubicle.

Wear clean, long-sleeved

laboratory coats or gowns over

uniforms or clothing, and change

coats if one becomes visibly

soiled. Remove gowns or

laboratory coats before leaving

the clinic area.

Wear facemasks and protective

eyewear during all procedures in

which exposure is likely to occur.

Wear a mask over the nose and

mouth and discard it after each

patient, or sooner if the mask

becomes damp or soiled.

Do not wear sandals or open-

toed shoes.

Use barrier paper, aluminum foil,

or plastic wrap to cover surfaces

that become contaminated.

Between patients, remove these

coverings while wearing gloves,

discard the coverings, and

replace them after removing

gloves.

Use a hard-surface, sealed

container (e.g., cassette or

pencil box) to transport

instruments.

Consider all waste and

disposable items potentially

infectious and dispose of these

items as is customary at the

testing site in accordance with

federal, state, and local

regulations.

Patients are allowed to use a pre-

procedural rinse. However, no scientific

evidence indicates that this prevents

clinical infections. Studies have

demonstrated that an antimicrobial

rinse can reduce the level of

microorganisms in aerosol- and

splatter-generating procedures.

Patients must wear protective

eyewear during all clinical

procedures and are required to

have protective eyewear during the

evaluation. Patients must wear a

clean patient napkin during evaluation.

Major violations of these standards

and guidelines—defined as

violations that put patients,

candidates, school staff, or

examiners at risk—may be grounds

for immediate dismissal, and

reexamination may be denied for

one year (12 months) from the date

of dismissal from the examination.

Post-exposure management: Should

a needle-stick injury or other exposure

to blood borne pathogens occur during

the clinical module of the examination,

the following protocol will be followed:

85

Contact the CFM immediately.

Follow all guidelines and

directions required by the

facility.

If time allows, the candidate and

patient may return to the clinic

and complete the examination.

If the candidate cannot complete

the examination, the

reexamination fees will apply.

13. Instruments

Candidates must provide these

instruments for the examiners during

check-in and final evaluation:

A probe color-coded with

yellow banding, with markings

of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12

(UNC probe) only. The probe

may be single ended or double

ended. However, if the

candidate provides a double-

ended probe, the unused end

must be covered using autoclave

tape. Candidates may use the

brand or manufacturer of their

choice. SRTA requires color-

coded probes with yellow bands

alternating with any other color,

including bare metal or plastic

An 11/12 explorer for calculus

detection at check-in and final

evaluation of calculus removal

A reflective front surface mouth

mirror, which may be one or two

sided

All other instruments are the choice of

the candidate. Candidates must provide

or have access to a blood pressure

measuring device and supplies for

anesthetic administration, including

syringes. The school will supply

anesthetic cartridges. Candidates may

choose the type of anesthetic used.

If the candidate does not provide the

appropriate instruments, examiners

cannot evaluate the patient at check-in

and the candidate loses the time

necessary to provide the missing

item(s). If the candidate cannot obtain

the required instruments, he/she will be

unable to take the examination and will


Candidates are encouraged to secure

and provide additional instruments for

the examination. Candidates will not be

allowed additional time for instruments

dropped or for autoclaving instruments.

The candidate should provide an

additional sterile mirror, 11/12

explorer, and correct color-coded

periodontal probe in case an

instrument is dropped.

14. Interpreters

Candidates may employ the services of

an interpreter when their patient does

not speak English or is hearing impaired

and the hearing loss cannot be

corrected. The use of an interpreter is

particularly important when the patient

has a history of medical problems or is

on medications. Faculty members,

dentists, dental hygienists (licensed or

unlicensed), third- or fourth-year dental

students, and final-year dental hygiene

students may not act as interpreters

during the examination. Candidates are

responsible for the conduct of the

interpreter during the examination.

Candidates who need the services of an

interpreter must contact the SRTA office

prior to the examination. The

interpreter must register with the CFM

or DHC and receive a badge that he or

she wears throughout the examination.

15. Jurisprudence

SRTA does not administer the

jurisprudence examination for the

participating boards of dentistry. The

respective boards of dentistry develop,

administer, and score their own

jurisprudence examinations. SRTA does

not have access to nor can we provide

jurisprudence study materials.

Candidates should contact the board(s)

of dentistry in the state(s) in which

86

licensure is sought to arrange to take

the jurisprudence examination.

16. Malpractice Insurance

SRTA’s professional liability insurance

company provides malpractice insurance

for all candidates at no additional

charge. CNA Insurance Company

extends SRTA’s professional liability

coverage to candidates with the limit of

$1,000,000/$3,000,000 for the patient-

based portion of the 2015 SRTA clinical

examination in dental hygiene.

17. Patients

The candidate must procure his/her own

patient and is responsible for the

patient’s arrival and return. SRTA is not

responsible for procuring patients used

in examinations.

Candidates must advise their patients of

the time required to participate in this

examination. Check-in, clinical

treatment, and final evaluation may

take up to 90 minutes each. Patients

should expect to spend a minimum of

five hours participating in the exam.

Case presentation (that is, identifying a

patient whose dental condition meets

the criteria for the examination) is a

scored part of the examination and

must be completed independently. It is

the candidate’s responsibility to critically

analyze patient data. The candidate

cannot request the recommendation of

a licensed dental or dental hygiene

professional for patient selection.

Patients must be at least 18 years of

age. No patient may be a dentist,

dental hygienist, junior/senior dental

student, or dental hygiene student. A

dental assistant, whether a student or a

practicing assistant, may be a patient.

No one with a latex allergy may be a

patient. A woman in her first or third

trimester of pregnancy is not acceptable

as a patient. Patients who have

received any form of bisphosphonate

medications may not participate in the

examination. Patients presented with

radiographs that are of such poor

quality that examiners cannot

determine whether they are an accurate

depiction of the patient will be

dismissed as ineligible. Patients who

answer “Yes” to questions 8. U, V,

W, X, Y, Z, AA, or BB of the Health

History Form but do not present a

written physician’s clearance to

participate will be deemed

ineligible.

All written and oral communication must

be in English. Candidates may

communicate with their patients in

another language. (See Interpreter

Policy.)

Patients may be photographed during

the examination. SRTA uses the images

to revise the examiner standardization.

18. Patient privacy statement

At the conclusion of the SRTA

Examination, the examiners collect all

patient information. After a 12-month

holding period, the paperwork is

mechanically shredded. Patient data is

not stored electronically or by any other

means. SRTA uses patient information

only for examiner reference during the

examination or during the appeal

process.

19. Professional standards

The purpose of this examination is to

assess professional competency. SRTA

expects the candidates to maintain

professional standards in the following

areas:

Suitable operating attire,

inclusive of the Personal

Protective Equipment. Patients

must wear protective eyewear;

87

candidates must follow OSHA

and CDC Guidelines.

Consideration for patients and

cooperation with examiners, test

site personnel, and other

candidates.

Aseptic techniques and general

cleanliness of the cubicle during

all procedures. Candidates must

maintain proper infection control

throughout the entire

examination. Major violations of

these standards and guidelines

are grounds for immediate

dismissal and possible failure.

SRTA may deny reexamination

for one year (12 months) from

the date of dismissal from the

examination.

Protection of and concern for

tooth structure and supporting

tissue during patient treatment.

The unwarranted occurrence of

major tissue trauma will result in

automatic failure of the entire

examination.

Violation of any of these standards

is grounds for immediate dismissal

from the examination. SRTA may

deny reexamination for 12 months.

20. Questions

Direct all questions concerning

jurisprudence, licensing, reciprocity, and

licensure by credentials to the

appropriate state board where licensure

is sought. This manual lists the

addresses and telephone numbers of

the SRTA participating boards.

Direct questions concerning testing

facilities, equipment, and facility fees to

the appropriate test site. The

examination site instruction letter,

available on the SRTA website in the

downloadable forms section, may

address most questions. If necessary,

please contact the school/testing site

after thoroughly reading this letter.

This manual has a list of the addresses

and telephone numbers of all testing

facilities.

Direct all questions concerning

examination procedures, content,

applications, and examination dates to

the Southern Regional Testing Agency:



(757) 318-9082

Email general questions and questions

relating to the dental hygiene

examination to [email protected].

Be sure to include contact information.

Once an application has been processed

for a particular site, all questions for

both pre-examination and post-

examination must be initiated by the

candidate only. To preserve candidate

confidentiality, the SRTA staff and

examiners will not discuss candidate

concerns and questions with a

candidate’s spouse, parent, faculty

member, family member, or friend.

21. Reexamination

After three unsuccessful examination

attempts, the candidate must contact

the state in which licensure is sought

and obtain a letter of

approval/permission for a fourth

examination attempt. Some states may

require remedial training after three

unsuccessful attempts. Passing the

examination on four or more attempts

does not negate the required remedial

training. This letter from the state

dental board must be submitted with

the SRTA application for examination.

Follow the same procedure for all

subsequent examination attempts.

22. Refunds

SRTA will not refund examination fees

for candidates who fail to appear for a

scheduled examination unless SRTA has

received written notification 15 days

88

prior to the application deadline. In

such cases a 50 percent refund may be

given. SRTA does not provide refunds if

the candidate is unable to secure a

patient for the examination or if a

patient fails to appear or is deemed

ineligible by the examiners. Please call

the SRTA office for information on

transfer of application fees.

23. Restrictions

Candidates may not use

Nitrous oxide

Air-abrasive instruments

Assistants

24. Scheduling conflicts

Please contact the SRTA office for any

special requirements, including religious

exemptions.

25. Sharing equipment

SRTA discourages sharing sonic and

ultrasonic scalers, hand-pieces, and

other equipment because it is possible

that candidates who are sharing

equipment could be placed in the same

testing group and would need to use the

shared equipment simultaneously.

26. Unethical conduct

Professional behavior is a critical quality

in the practice of dental hygiene.

Candidates exhibiting unethical conduct

are subject to examination termination

and failure of said examination.

Examples of unethical conduct include,

but are not limited to:

Using unauthorized equipment at

any time during the exam

Using unauthorized patients

Altering patient records or

radiographs

Treating patients outside clinic

hours or receiving assistance

from another practitioner during

clinical treatment time, except

for the use of a qualified

practitioner for administration of

local anesthesia

Engaging in dishonesty

Altering candidate worksheet or

treatment notes

Any other behavior that

compromises the standards of

professional behavior

When SRTA charges a candidate with

unethical conduct, it is SRTA’s policy to

notify all participating state boards of

the situation. Many state statutes have

criteria that include “good moral

character” as a requirement for

licensure. If a state board finds a

candidate guilty of the alleged unethical

conduct, the candidate may be ineligible

for licensure in that state at any time in

the future. While SRTA allows

candidates to retake the SRTA

Examination, they may be unable to

obtain licensure in any participating

state. Candidates are encouraged to

address these matters with the state in

which they desire licensure prior to

retaking the examination.

90

State boards of dentistry

91

STATE BOARDS OF DENTISTRY INFORMATION

SRTA automatically sends each

candidate’s scores to the state boards of

dentistry listed below immediately

following each examination. Candidates

taking the SRTA Examination must also

apply directly to the boards of dentistry

in the states in which they seek

licensure.

Note: Some states require a certified or

notarized copy of scores, which SRTA

will provide for a nominal fee. Please

contact our office to request this

additional service.

Licensure application forms for the

participating boards of dentistry are not

available through SRTA. Candidates

must obtain these from the various

boards of dentistry.

Individual state laws regarding remedial

training may vary. Contact the states in

which licensure is sought for their

requirements on remedial education.

SRTA does not provide remedial courses

or instruction.

SRTA’s policy allows score certification

of the most recent examination attempt

for a period of five years. The

individual state boards of dentistry

determine acceptance of scores.

92

Arkansas Tennessee

Donna Cobb, Executive Director

Arkansas Board of Dental Examiners

101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 111

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-2085

http://www.asbde.org

Dea Smith, Executive Director

Tennessee Board of Dentistry

Bureau of Health, Licensure & Regulation

Division of Health Related Boards

227 French Landing, Suite 300

Nashville, TN 37243

(800) 778-4123 or (615) 532-3202

http://health.state.tn.us/boards/Dentistry/

Kentucky Virginia

David Beyer, Executive Director

Kentucky Board of Dentistry

312 Whittington Parkway, Suite 101

Louisville, KY 40222

(502) 429-7280

http://dentistry.ky.gov

Sandra Reen, Executive Director

Virginia Board of Dentistry

9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300

Richmond, VA 23233-1463

(804) 367-4538

http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry

South Carolina West Virginia

Veronica Reynolds, Administrator

South Carolina State Board of Dentistry

Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Synergy Business Park, Kingstree Building

110 Centerview Drive, Suite 306

Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 896-4599

http://www.llr.state.sc.us

Susan Coombs, Executive Secretary

West Virginia Board of Dental Examiners

1319 Robert C. Byrd Drive

P.O. Box 1447

Crab Orchard, WV 25827

(877) 914-8266 or (304) 252-8266

http://www.wvdentalboard.org

Mississippi Alabama

Leah Diane Howell, Executive Director

Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners

600 East Amite Street, Suite 100

Jackson, MS 39201-2801

(601) 944-9622

http://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/msbde/msbde.nsf

Susan Franklin Wilhelm, Executive Director

Alabama Board of Dental Examiners

5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Ste. 112

Hoover, AL 35244

(205) 985-7267

http://www.dentalboard.org/index.htm

faq’s and quick examination checklist

http://www.asbde.org/

http://health.state.tn.us/boards/Dentistry/

http://dentistry.ky.gov/

http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/dentistry

http://www.llr.state.sc.us/

http://www.wvdentalboard.org/

93

FAQS

1. What is the best method to find

out what I have to do to pass the

SRTA exam?

Read this Candidate Guide multiple

times. Each time through, you will

better understand the processes and

procedures. Mark important

sections with highlighters or Post-it

Notes. Bring this Candidate Guide

to the examination for quick

reference. There is also a helpful

examination overview presentation

on the SRTA website available after

January 1, 2015.

2. Where do I get the forms?

All forms are available on your

profile under the “Documents” tab

after your application is complete.

Make multiple copies in case you

make errors. Ensure current year

examination forms are completed in

ink. Complete the Dental Charting

Form in ink or pencil.

3. Which forms do I complete prior

to the day of the exam?

Complete the Health History Form,

Post-Operative Care Agreement;


Release Form; Incident Disclaimer;

and Dental Charting Form in full

prior to the day of the exam.

For the Dental Hygiene Procedure

Form, complete Sections 1, 2, 3, 4

(except for anesthesia quantity),

and “Comments to Examiners” prior

to the day of the exam. Do not

complete Sections 5 and 6 of the

Procedure Form until clinical

treatment time begins. Enter

anesthesia quantity in Section 4

after all injections are given.

4. Can I use a different explorer

than the 11/12?

No. Examiners will use only the

11/12 explorer, usually an ODU

11/12, to score calculus detection

and removal. If you provide another

type of explorer, the examiners

cannot evaluate the patient and

you will fail the examination. You

may use any scalers or explorers to

complete the calculus detection and

removal exercises, but examiners

use only the 11/12 for check-in and

final evaluation.

5. Can I use any probe I choose?

No. SRTA requires a probe with

markings of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-

11-12, e.g. a UNC probe, and color-

coded with yellow banding. If you

do not provide the correct probe, the

examiners will not be able to check

in the patient, and you will fail the

examination.

6. What is “qualifying calculus?”

See the ADEX Section of this manual

for the definition of qualifying

calculus. It must be easily

detectable with an 11/12

explorer and cause a definite

“bump” when explored. On all

teeth, calculus must be subgingival

to qualify. Examiners determine

whether a surface of calculus

qualifies. Only surfaces of qualifying

calculus in the selected quadrant

and any additional teeth selected by

the candidate will be eligible for

calculus removal points.

7. Why do I need to do the calculus

detection exercise before

starting the prophy?

During check-in, examiners

determine the presence or absence

of calculus on the four surfaces of

three assigned teeth. If you remove

calculus prior to completing the

detection exercise, you will be

unable to document the presence or

94

absence of calculus on the assigned

teeth.

8. Why do I need to complete the

periodontal assessment before

starting the prophy?

Examiners record their own

measurements during check-in.

Removing calculus prior to recording

pocket depths could result in

periodontal errors, as your readings

may vary by more than ± 1 mm

from those recorded by examiners

while calculus was still present on

the surface. In addition, it is quite

common for candidates to become

so involved in the calculus removal

exercise that they run out of time or

forget to do the periodontal

assessment.

9. Why should I select additional

teeth for the case presentation?

If you are confident that examiners

can verify at least 12 surfaces of

qualifying calculus in the selected

quadrant and the required posterior

teeth from the second quadrant and

that all of the proximal/posterior

calculus requirements can be met by

those required teeth, you may

choose not to present additional

teeth. However, if there is any

chance that fewer than 12 surfaces

of qualifying calculus can be verified

in the required quadrant and

posteriors from the second quadrant

or that the proximal/posterior

calculus requirements may not be

met by those teeth, it is wise to

select additional teeth for examiners

to evaluate. If examiners verify

fewer than 12 surfaces of qualifying

calculus in the quadrant, you will be

able to earn points for removal only

on the number of surfaces verified

by at least two examiners as having

qualifying calculus. If that number

is less than 12, the maximum

possible points are lowered and

chances of passing are lower. It is

in your best interest to provide

additional posterior teeth in case the

selected quadrant and the required

additional posterior teeth do not

meet all calculus requirements.

10. What radiograph criteria do

examiners evaluate?

Examiners check to see that the

mount has the appropriate

information, that radiographs are of

sufficient diagnostic quality that they

can be determined to belong to the

patient presented, and that

radiographs are mounted correctly.

List your candidate number, the date

the radiographs were exposed, and

the patient's name on the mount or

digital printout.

Radiographs of the selected teeth

must be of sufficient quality for a

dentist to accurately diagnose

caries, periodontal health, or other

dental diseases and abnormalities.

Examiners evaluate only the

radiographs of the selected quadrant

and any additional teeth selected by

the candidate. Examiners dismiss

patients as ineligible if the

radiographs are not of sufficient

quality for examiners to determine

that they are an accurate depiction

of the patient’s mouth, and you will


11. What materials do the examiners

need for check-in and final

evaluation?

For check-in: Dental Hygiene

Procedure Form, Dental Charting

Form, radiographs, 11/12 explorer,

yellow-banded periodontal probe,

mirror, air-water syringe tip, 2” x 2”

gauze, saliva ejector, clipboard, two

sharpened No. 2 lead pencils

covered with a plastic film or

aluminum foil barrier

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For final evaluation: Radiographs,

11/12 explorer, mirror, clean

barriers, air-water syringe tip, 2” x

2” gauze, saliva ejector, clipboard,

two sharpened No. 2 lead pencils

covered with a plastic film or

aluminum foil barrier

For both check-in and final

evaluation, separate all instruments

required by examiners from

instruments used for patient

treatment. If paperwork or

instruments cannot be located,

examiners cannot check-in or

evaluate the patient.

Have the patient seated with a clean

bib. Discard all used gauze and

ensure that the instruments are free

of visible blood or other bioburden.

Cover air-water syringes, saliva

ejectors, prophy angles and other

areas in the treatment area with

clean barriers.

12. What should I tell the patient

about what will happen during

check-in and final evaluation?

Inform the patient not to turn the

light off and not to touch the scoring

forms. Inform the patient that three

or more examiners will be

conducting check-in and evaluations

and that each process could take as

long as 90 minutes. Patients may

take restroom breaks, but the

patient should notify the CFM prior

to leaving the clinic. SRTA

prohibits electronic devices

except for electronic readers

such as Nooks or Kindles.

Patients using other types of

electronic devices, especially any

device with a camera, will be

dismissed from the examination.

13. What type of disclosing agents

may I use?

The use of any color or type of

disclosing agent is permissible.

14. What materials do the schools

supply?

Most schools provide disposable

paper products, anesthetic

cartridges, and prophy angles;

however, you may provide your

own. It is your responsibility to

make sure you have the required

instruments and supplies. You will

receive a letter from the testing site

prior to the examination explaining

what supplies they do and do not

provide. Call the examination site

for specific questions regarding

supplies that are or are not

furnished.

15. Can I use an assistant?

No. SRTA does not allow assistants

for the dental hygiene examination.

16. Can I administer local

anesthesia to my patient?

Yes, if you have completed a local

anesthesia course in a CODA-

accredited dental or dental hygiene

school and have submitted the

required paperwork to the SRTA

office. Candidates may administer

up to four carpules. Do not

administer more than two carpules

prior to check-in.

If you have not completed a local

anesthesia course, you may use

topical anesthesia, including Oraqix

or other non-injectable anesthetic

agents.

You may also arrange for a qualified

practitioner to administer anesthesia

to your patient. SRTA does not

make those arrangements. See

Section IV for specific requirements

for using a qualified practitioner.

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17. If my patient does not show up,

can I present a different patient?

If a patient does not show up or if,

prior to the start of check-in, the

candidate realizes that the patient is

ineligible, a different patient may be

presented if the required

radiographs and paperwork are

available. After the start of check-

in, no patient substitutions are

allowed.

18. Are ultrasonic scalers provided

by the schools?

No. You must provide your own

ultrasonic scaler. Some schools will

rent them to candidates. Contact

the school to see if this service is

available. SRTA does not arrange

for rental equipment.

Additional questions?

Contact the SRTA staff at:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (757) 318-9082

mailto:[email protected]

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QUICK EXAMINATION CHECKLIST

Patient

At least 18 years old No latex allergy

No history of bisphosphonate therapy

Not in first or third trimester of pregnancy

Not a dentist, hygienist, junior

or senior dental student, hygiene student

Is presented with diagnostic-quality radiographs

Has a physician’s written

clearance to participate, if any “Yes” answers are noted on

questions 8. U, V, W, X, Y, Z, AA, or BB of the Health History Form

Bring to registration/orientation

Government- or school-issued photo ID

Signed Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

Signed Post-Operative Care Agreement (two copies)

Signed Incident Disclaimer

Completed Patient Health History

Credentials of qualified practitioner, if local anesthesia is being administered by

someone other than the candidate

Receive at registration/orientation: admission badge

Cubicle set-up

Check equipment, air, water, light, and chair to ensure proper

functioning. Contact the CFM if any problems are found.

Take patient’s blood pressure. Record readings on the Health History Form.

Note “Yes” or “No” for Medical

Alerts on the Procedure Form, if not already completed. Have

CFM enter his/her PIN in Section 2 of the Procedure Form.

If anesthesia is planned, enter the type of injection(s) planned

and the name of the anesthetic with percentage of vasoconstrictor on the

Procedure Form; administer anesthetic prior to check-in, if

needed. When deciding whether the patient needs anesthesia prior to check-in,

remember that three examiners will be using the explorer and

probe on the patient. Enter quantity of anesthesia on the Procedure Form prior to final

evaluation. If anesthesia is not planned,

slash through area on the Procedure Form and write

candidate number on slash mark.

Verify the accuracy of case and

surface selections, if entered prior to the examination date.

Last minute changes can be made, if needed. The DHC and CFM will assist with this

process.

Preparing for check-in

Place clean mirror, 11/12

explorer, and probe where examiners can easily find them (away from other instruments).

Place Procedure Form, Dental Charting Form, and radiographs

where examiners can easily find them.

98

Have a clipboard and covered pencils easily available. No

mechanical pencils, please. Have patient wear safety

glasses and clean bib; recline the patient with light on.

Ensure that patient is free of

gross soft debris.

Clinical treatment time

Complete periodontal

measurements and recording. Blanks are assessed as errors.

Complete detection exercise. Blanks are assessed as errors.

Perform oral prophylaxis on all

teeth in selected quadrant and additional teeth.

Preparing for final evaluation

Place clean bib on patient. Place clean mirror, 11/12

explorer, and probe where

examiners can easily find them (away from other instruments).

Clear area of contaminated gauze, instruments,

syringes, anesthetic carpules, floor hazards, etc.

Remove ultrasonic/sonic inserts

and contaminated prophy angles.

Attach tip to air/water syringe and a saliva ejector.

If anesthesia is used, verify that

the quantity is recorded on the Procedure Form.

Verify that all periodontal assessment measurements and detection findings are recorded

on Procedure Form. Ensure that all teeth in the case

selection are free of calculus, visible plaque, stain, and prophy paste.

Have patient wear safety glasses and clean bib; recline

the patient with light on, if patient is evaluated in the

cubicle.

During final evaluation

With assistance from the DHC and/or CFM, enter your

detection findings, periodontal probe measurements, and

anesthetic quantity into the computer-scoring program.

QUICK TIP Before sending patient to scoring area or clearing the clinic for final

evaluation:

1. Are all periodontal pocket measurements entered on the Procedure

Form? 2. Are all detection YES NO answers circled on the Procedure Form? 3. Is the quantity of anesthesia used entered on the Procedure Form? 4. Are clean barriers on all equipment? Does patient have a clean bib?

5. Are the 11/12 explorer, mirror, and a few clean 2 x 2 gauze squares

on the tray?

6. Does the patient have a clean bib and eye protection?