2016 SRTA Dental Hygiene Manual

1

Examination Year 2016

SOUTHERN

REGIONAL

TESTING

AGENCY

2016 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 Participating States of Southern Regional Testing Agency

Alabama South Carolina Virginia

Arkansas Tennessee 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, 31 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 firm 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 2016 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

LIST OF STATES THAT ACCEPT THE SRTA DENTAL HYGIENE EXAMINATION FOR LICENSURE

1. Alabama 2. Arkansas 3. Colorado 4. Connecticut 5. Hawaii 6. Illinois 7. Indiana 8. Kansas 9. Kentucky

10. Maine 11. Massachusetts 12. Missouri 13. Montana 14. Nebraska 15. New Hampshire 16. New Mexico

17. North Dakota 18. Ohio 19. Oregon 20. Pennsylvania 21. Rhode Island 22. South Carolina 23. Tennessee 24. Texas 25. Utah 26. Vermont 27. Virginia 28. Washington 29. West Virginia 30. Wisconsin 31. Wyoming

*Students are strongly suggested to verify the licensure acceptance with the individual state board in which they will be seeking a license within prior to registering for any examination.

4

I. GENERAL INFORMATION ...................... 6 A. Application ......................................................... 6 B. Applying for reexamination .................................. 7 C. Examination results ............................................ 7 D. SRTA personnel .................................................. 8

1. Clinic Floor Manager (CFM) .............................. 8 2. Dental Hygiene Administrator (DHA) ................ 8 3. Scoring Area Coordinator (SAC) ....................... 8 4. Examiners ...................................................... 8

E. Sites and fees ..................................................... 9 1. Site limitations .............................................. 10 2. Examination site contact information .............. 11

II. PRE-EXAMINATION PREPARATION .... 14 A. Patient eligibility ............................................... 14 B. Case selection .................................................. 15 C. Calculus requirements ....................................... 16 D. Radiographs ..................................................... 17 E. Required materials and instruments ................... 19 F. Forms to present at patient check-in .................. 21

1. Medical History Form .................................... 21 2. Dental Charting Form .................................... 24 3. Dental Hygiene Procedure Form..................... 25

G. Forms to present at registration ........................ 27 1. Candidate identification ................................. 27 2. Postoperative Care Agreement ....................... 27 3. Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form28 4. Incident Disclaimer ....................................... 29 5. Patient Medical History .................................. 30 6. Anesthesia Credentials .................................. 30 7. On-line Orientation affidavit ........................... 30

H. Shared patients ................................................ 30

I. Local anesthesia ............................................... 30 J. Infection control ............................................... 32 K. Patient communication ...................................... 32

III. EXAMINATION CONTENT .................... 34 A. Periodontal measurement exercise ..................... 35 B. Calculus detection exercise ................................ 37 C. Partial prophylaxis exercise ................................ 39 D. Tissue management .......................................... 39

1. Minor tissue trauma ....................................... 39 2. Major tissue trauma ....................................... 40

E. Anesthesia record ............................................. 40 IV. CLINIC SCHEDULE............................... 42 V. DAY OF EXAM ...................................... 42

A. Overview .......................................................... 42 B. Registration/examination briefing ....................... 42 C. Administration................................................... 43

1. Mass check-in and evaluation ......................... 43 2. Scoring area check-in and evaluation .............. 43

D. Cubicle set-up ................................................... 44 E. Patient check-in ................................................ 45 F. Clinical treatment time ...................................... 48 G. Final evaluation ................................................. 49 H. Clean-up ........................................................... 49 I. Surveys ............................................................ 49

VI. POINTS SYSTEM .................................. 52 VII. APPEALS .............................................. 54 VIII. CANDIDATE POLICIES ........................ 58 IX. STATE BOARDS OF DENTISTRY .......... 66 X. FAQ’S ................................................... 68 XI. CHECKLIST .......................................... 71

5

GENERAL INFORMATION

6

I. GENERAL INFORMATION Welcome to the Southern Regional Testing

Agency’s (SRTA) Dental Hygiene Examination.

SRTA provides this Candidate Guide so that candidates may become familiar with the

procedures and policies for the SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination. This manual covers

administrative procedures, including

application instructions, testing site information, fees, and schedules plus all

examination content and scoring criteria. 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 succeed on the

examination.

Examiners for SRTA evaluate candidates on

the following skills.

Presenting an eligible patient

Presenting diagnostic-quality

radiographs

Choosing a case that meets all criteria

Detecting and removing calculus,

plaque, and stain

Taking accurate periodontal pocket

depth measurements

Managing tissue appropriately

Documenting anesthesia

appropriately

SRTA uses a triple-blind scoring system,

which requires three examiners to perform

independent evaluations of the candidate’s

performance in meeting specific criteria for all

areas of the examination. Points are awarded

on a 100-point scale. Candidates must earn

75 or more points to pass.

A. Application SRTA uses an online application for the

candidate’s convenience. To apply online, go

to http://www.srta.org/ and click the “Apply Online” 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, close-up digital headshot 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 in order 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

QUICK TIP APPLY ONLINE AT

www.srta.org/apply

Gather these items prior to

beginning the online 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*

The online application portal allows

only one file to be uploaded for each

item listed above.

*Contact the SRTA office if using

veteran’s benefits.

http://www.srta.org/

mailto:[email protected]

7

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. SRTA also accepts debit cards if

allowable by the issuing bank and if they bear the Visa or MasterCard logo. No international

credit/debit cards are accepted. The total

payment includes the facility fee (site specific, see Section I-E of this manual) and the

examination fee. All payments are drawn immediately and must be paid in full,

including the 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 will verify the profile:

After the candidate uploads or enters all

required information and the information

is received by the SRTA office, the staff will verify 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 require

the profile to be re-verified by SRTA staff. Candidates may then apply for the

examination: Once all profile

information has been uploaded and

verified, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided by the

candidate. 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

clicking “Apply” at the top of the screen to begin the registration process.

Candidates must download

documents: Candidates should 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. Candidates must watch the online

orientation slides and complete an

affidavit attesting that the slides have been viewed.

B. 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 “Apply” at the top of the screen. Follow

instructions on the screen.

Please call the SRTA office for any further

assistance.

C. Examination results Candidates will receive notification via email

when their scores are available for viewing online. Results are usually available online

within three business days after the

examination. Log into the SRTA website using the password and username created

during the online registration process. Candidates who are unsuccessful can view the

details of their evaluation online. Details are not available for those who pass the

examination.

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 will 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 a candidate

wishes to practice will determine whether SRTA scores are accepted for licensure. SRTA

supplies the examination results to its

participating state boards but does not analyze or interpret the records and makes no

http://srta.brighttrac.org/

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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, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Each

current graduate’s university also receives his/her 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 SRTA scores

and to learn of other state-specific requirements.

Candidates are required to provide proof of

graduation within 90 days after their

graduation date. Alternatively, the dental

hygiene school’s dean/program director may

submit a list of students who graduated within

that timeframe. For candidates who have not

formally graduated, graduation requirements

must be completed within 12 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’s corporate

documents mandate that we cannot grant

extensions to these graduation requirements.

D. SRTA personnel These SRTA representatives are at the site

throughout the examination day:

1. Clinic Floor Manager (CFM) A dentist who works with candidates and

manages activities in the clinic during the

examination

2. Dental Hygiene Administrator

(DHA) A dental hygienist or member of SRTA

staff who serves as a liaison between the

candidates and the examiners, conducts

registration, examination briefing, and

assists candidates in the clinic.

3. Scoring Area Coordinator (SAC) A dental hygienist who is the team

leader of the clinical examiners.

4. Examiners Dental hygienists and dentists who are

calibrated and trained by SRTA to

conduct clinical examinations.

Candidates interact directly with the CFM and

the DHA during the course of the

examination. Candidates do not interact with

the SAC or the examiners.

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E. Sites and fees

Site Location Examination Date Application

Deadline

West Virginia University: Morgantown, WV March 19, 2016 February 5, 2016

Virginia Commonwealth University:

Richmond, VA April 1-2, 2016 February 19, 2016

University of Tennessee: Memphis, TN April 8-9, 2016 February 26, 2016

Greenville Technical College: Greenville, SC April 8-9, 2016 February 26, 2016

BridgeValley Community & Technical College:

Montgomery, WV April 15, 2016 March 4, 2016

University of Louisville: Louisville, KY April 15-16, 2016 March 4, 2016

Bluegrass Community & Technical College:

Lexington, KY April 22-23, 2016 March 11, 2016

Western Kentucky University: Bowling Green,

KY April 22-23, 2016 March 11, 2016

Midlands Technical College: West Columbia,

SC April 29-30, 2016 March 18, 2016

Ozarks Technical College: Springfield, MO April 29-30, 2016 March 18, 2016

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences:

Little Rock, AR May 6-7, 2016 March 25, 2016

Wytheville Community College: Wytheville,

VA May 6-7, 2016 March 25, 2016

Old Dominion University: Norfolk, VA May 13-14, 2016 April 1, 2016

Tennessee State University: Nashville, TN May 13-14, 2016 April 1, 2016

Virginia Commonwealth University:

Richmond, VA May 20-21, 2016 April 8, 2016

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith: Fort

Smith, AR May 27-28, 2016 April 15, 2016

University of Tennessee: Memphis, TN June 3-4, 2016 April 22, 2016

Midlands Technical College: West Columbia,

SC June 10, 2016 April 29, 2016

Remington College: Nashville, TN July 22-23, 2016 June 10, 2016

Concorde Career College: Memphis, TN September 9-10, 2016 July 29, 2016

Tennessee State University: Nashville, TN October 14-15, 2016 September 2, 2016

Remington College: Nashville, TN December 9-10, 2016 October 28, 2016

*Exam dates and locations may be subject to change. Please visit www.srta.org to see the most current examination

schedule.


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Institution Facility

Fee

Calculate Fees

Bluegrass Community &

Technical College

$150 Examination fee

(or reexamination fee) $ 1000

BridgeValley Community &

Technical College

$125 *Facility fee $

Concorde Career College $150 **Late registration fee

(if applicable) $ 100

Greenville Technical College $125 Total

(personal checks are not accepted) $

Midlands Technical College $125 1. 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.

Old Dominion University $135

Ozarks Technical College $125

Remington College $150

Tennessee State University $175

University of Arkansas - Fort

Smith

$135

University of Arkansas for

Medical Sciences

$135

University of Louisville $250

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. The facility fee you are charged when you submit

your payment is the final fee.

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

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2. 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

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/


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/


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

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

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/

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2. Examination site contact information

West Virginia

BridgeValley 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


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


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

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

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

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

13

PRE-EXAMINATION PREPARATION

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II. PRE-EXAMINATION PREPARATION

A. Patient eligibility 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 affected by

the examination process. Patients should be

informed that the time commitment is

approximately five hours.

Before the date of the examination, a

candidate must:

Identify a patient who meets all eligibility

requirements.

Select a case (a selection of the chosen

patient’s teeth that will be treated and

evaluated during the exam) that meets all

requirements.

Obtain radiographs of the patient to

present on the day of the examination.

To be considered eligible, a patient must meet all of these criteria:

Be at least 18 years of age

Be presented with a case that meets all requirements

Be presented with required radiographs

Have an acceptable health history, including a blood pressure within the guidelines of this

examination

Have a physician’s written clearance that is required for certain medical conditions

A patient is considered ineligible if he/she meets any of these criteria:

Is a dentist, dental hygienist, dental student, or dental hygiene student

Is currently taking or has a history of taking injectable bisphosphonate therapy

Is in the first or third trimester of pregnancy

Has an oral herpetic lesion (The eligibility of a patient with this condition may be left to the

discretion of the Clinic Floor Manager.)

Is presented with no radiographs or with radiographs that are of such poor quality that

examiners cannot determine that the images belong to the patient

Is presented with a case that does not meet the required criteria

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B. Case selection The presentation of a full quadrant and

additional posterior teeth for the SRTA

Examination is known as the “case.” The case

selection consists of one full quadrant with

at least six teeth plus two posterior teeth

from a second quadrant.

There must be at least two natural, permanent

molars in the selection. One of the six teeth in

the full quadrant and one of the two teeth in the

second quadrant must be molars. One of the

molars must have both a mesial and a distal

contact with adjacent teeth.

OPTIONAL: If the required quadrant and

additional posterior teeth do not have sufficient

moderate to heavy calculus to meet the criteria,

two additional posterior teeth may be included

in the case. These posterior teeth must be

located in the same quadrant as the required

additional posterior teeth.

At least two weeks prior to the

examination, candidates must enter their case

selection into SRTA’s computer scoring system

by logging into the candidate profile on the

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

to the day of the examination, candidates also

enter their case selections in Section 3 of the

Procedure Form (the form used to document

their work during the examination). The DHA

will verify the case selection and can help

candidates make necessary adjustments or

changes to the case the day of the examination.

Third molars: If the selected quadrant has a

third molar, the candidate must choose whether

to include it as part of the case to be treated. All

other teeth in the quadrant and/or the additional

teeth must be cleaned completely and will be

evaluated for remaining calculus, plaque, and

stain.

Primary teeth and restored implants located in

the selection will not count toward any calculus

requirements nor will they count as natural,

permanent molars for purposes of meeting the

molar requirements. They can, however, count

toward the six teeth in the quadrant.

QUICK TIP The case selection must include:

A full quadrant with at least six teeth,

plus two posterior teeth from a second

quadrant

At least two natural, permanent molars

o One must be located in the

selected quadrant.

o One must be located in the second

quadrant.

o One molar must have both a mesial

and a distal contacting tooth.

Must be free of excessive soft debris

o A patient presented with

excessive soft debris will be

required to brush thoroughly after

patient treatment time starts.

o Late check-in will be performed

after all debris is removed.

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 6 mm

https://srta.brighttrac.com/

16

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 all surfaces of all teeth in the case to

verify that the candidate removed all calculus

while protecting the surrounding tissue.

C. Calculus requirements The case must include at least 12 surfaces of

qualifying subgingival calculus distributed as

follows:

At least eight of the 12 surfaces must be on

premolars and molars.

At least five of those eight must be on

mesial or distal surfaces of premolars and

molars.

At least three of the five mesial or distal

surfaces must be on molars.

The remaining four of the 12 surfaces with

qualifying calculus may be on any tooth but

must be subgingival.

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.

To maximize the number of points that can be earned, examiners must be able to verify the

presence of at least 12 tooth surfaces with deposits of heavy to moderate subgingival

calculus within the candidate’s case selection.

12 surfaces with heavy to moderate subgingival

calculus

8 of the 12

on molars and premolars

5 of these 8 on mesials or distals

3 of these 5 on mesial or distals of

molars

4 of the 12

on any tooth in the case selection: candidate’s

choice

17

D. Radiographs The candidate must present diagnostic-quality

radiographs for the chosen patient in order for

the patient to be deemed eligible. The term

“diagnostic quality” means that the images

of the teeth in the case selection must be have

sufficient contrast and density with adequate

visual details for a dentist to make an accurate

diagnosis of dental diseases and/or

abnormalities. Patients presented without

radiographs or with radiographs that are

of such poor quality that examiners cannot

determine if they belong to the patient

will be dismissed, and the candidate will

fail.

The candidate should also include a written

description of any restorative and/or surgical

treatment undergone by the patient since the

radiographs were taken (if applicable) in the

“Candidate Comments to Examiners” section of

the Dental Charting Form.

Candidates will not be permitted to take

radiographs at the exam sites, per the ruling of

the National Council on Radiation Protection and

Measurement (NCRP) in Report #145, which

states:

“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.”

Radiographs must meet these criteria:

Candidates must present either a full-mouth

series and bitewings or a panoramic

radiograph and bitewings.

If presenting a full-mouth series instead of a

panoramic, 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.

Periapical and panoramic images must be

current within three years.

Bitewings must be current within one year.

They may be vertical or horizontal.

The radiographs may or may not have been

exposed by the candidate.

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

• Significant enough in quantity to be readily discernible or detectable

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

18

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 were

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.

Although a full-mouth series with bitewings or

panoramic radiograph plus bitewings must be

presented, only the images of the selected

quadrant and additional teeth selected by

the candidate will be evaluated for diagnostic

quality for purposes of earning points for

radiographs.

Exemptions: The following conditions are

exempt from the diagnostic standards:

Unerupted, 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 If radiographs are missing or are of such poor quality that examiners

cannot determine that they belong to the patient, the patient will be

dismissed as ineligible and the candidate will fail.

The term “diagnostic quality” means that the images have sufficient

contrast and density with adequate visual details for a dentist to

accurately diagnose dental diseases or abnormalities.

19

E. Required materials and instruments

Candidates may use instruments of their

choice for the partial prophylaxis exercise.

However, for the calculus detection and

periodontal measurement exercises, all

candidates and examiners must 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

UNC probe. Therefore, candidates must use

these instruments during the calculus

detection and periodontal measurement

exercises. Presenting instruments other than

those recommended will cause a delay in the

check-in process. There are two required

instruments for the SRTA Examination.

1. Explorer: Only an 11/12 explorer

(e.g. the ODU or EXD 11/12) can be used

by candidates and examiners for calculus

detection.

2. Probe: Only a probe marked with 1 mm

increments (e.g. the UNC probe) can be

used for the probing exercise. SRTA

prefers probes that have colored

markings such as yellow/black,

yellow/bare metal, yellow/white plastic, or

any other combination of colored

markings. This improves accuracy of

measurements by both the candidates

and examiners.

Candidates are required to bring their own

instruments to the clinical examination. Some

materials and equipment may be available at

the testing site. An exam site letter will be

available under the “Documents” tab on your

profile that explains what materials will and

will not be available at that testing site.

Candidates should contact the testing site

directly to determine whether the equipment

available onsite is compatible with the

candidates’ equipment. At check-in, the tray

must be free of all instruments except

these:

1. Mouth mirror (can be single- or

double-sided)

2. 11/12 explorer (such as ODU or EXD)

3. Probe marked in 1 mm increments

(UNC probe); SRTA prefers probes

that are banded with yellow/black or

other colors for more accurate

measurement.

Figure 2: UNC probe

Figure 1: 11/12 explorer

20

REQUIRED MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTS

Paperwork

• Completed Patient Medical History Form

• Completed Dental Charting Form Comments to examiners

• Required radiographs of the patient

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

Medical alerts Case selection, i.e., quadrant and additional teeth selected for the partial prophylaxis

o These must be the same as entered into the website but can be adjusted or changed

by the DHA on the day of the exam, if needed Anesthesia record

Instruments

• 11/12 explorer for calculus detection

• Yellow/black or other 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

21

F. Forms to present at patient check-in

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. Candidates

may use copies of forms for pre-screening

patients and to aid in patient preparation.

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.

If errors are made on forms in ink during the

examination, candidates should make a single

line striking through the incorrect entry, make

the correction, and initial the correction using

their candidate number.

1. Medical History Form

This form will be reviewed by the CFM during

registration and set-up on the day of the

examination.

The majority of the information on the

Medical History Form (all questions except

Question 12 and the blood pressure area)

should be completed by the patient in ink

before the examination day (but no more

than 30 days before the exam). Ensure

that the patient signs and dates the form in

the appropriate blanks on pages 1 and 2.

On the day of the examination, have the

patient complete Question 12.

Take the patient’s blood pressure and enter it

into the “Blood Pressure - Required - Must Be

Taken Day of Examination” area during set-up

time. Do not complete this section until the

patient is seated in the cubicle because the

examiners need to know the patient’s blood

pressure at the time of treatment. Note that

the patient’s blood pressure on the day of the

exam must be below 160 (systolic)

and/or 100 (diastolic).

The Medical History Form must be

available during set-up time so the CFM

can verify that:

The patient's health status is

acceptable for treatment.

All sections are complete.

When required, a physician’s

statement is provided. The patient can have local anesthesia

administered, if needed.

After reviewing the form during set-up time,

the CFM will enter his/her PIN in the

appropriate area to indicate that he/she has

reviewed the form and the patient has been

approved to participate in the examination.

Do not administer any anesthesia until the

CFM has entered his/her PIN on both the

Medical History and Procedure Forms.

All questions on the Medical History Form

must be answered “Yes” or “No” by the

patient. If the patient responds “Yes” to any

question on the Medical History Form, check

“Yes” in Section 2 of the Dental Hygiene

Procedure Form (Medical Alert area).

If the patient responds “Yes” to any of the

following questions, SRTA requires a written

Forms Presented at Patient

Check-In

Patient Medical History Form

(and physician’s clearance

letter, when required)

Dental Charting Form

(completed prior to

examination day)

Dental Hygiene Procedure

Form

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 Dental Hygiene Procedure Form.


22

statement from a physician indicating that it is

safe for the patient to participate.

The candidate must present a

physician’s written clearance during

cubicle set-up (along with the Medical

History Form) for any patient with a

“Yes” to the specific questions listed

above. If the required physician’s statement

is not provided, the patient will be dismissed

as ineligible and the candidate will fail the

examination.

An acceptable medical clearance letter

includes the following elements:

A statement from a physician written on

his/her letterhead or prescription pad

dated 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

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 may 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.

These conditions require a physician’s

written clearance:

8. A. Angina/chest pain, shortness of

breath

8. B. Heart attack

8. C. Heart surgery

8. D. Stroke

8. E. Congestive heart failure

8. F. Coronary artery or other heart

disease

8. G. Arteriosclerosis/coronary occlusion

8. H. Epilepsy/seizures/convulsions

8. I. Valve damage following heart

transplant

8. J. Infective endocarditis (heart

infection)

8. K. Kidney/renal disease

QUICK TIP A patient will be classified as ineligible

and be dismissed from the examination

if he/she

Is currently taking or has a

history of taking injectable

bisphosphonate therapy

Has a latex allergy (if testing site

is not latex free)

Is in the first or third trimester

of pregnancy

Has 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.

23

QUICK TIP If the patient answers “Yes” to

questions 8. A., B., C., D., E., F., G.,

H., I., J., or K. on the Medical

History Form, a physician’s written

clearance is required.

Have patient answer Question 12

on the day of the exam.

24

2. Dental Charting Form Candidates must complete the Dental

Charting Form prior to the day of the

examination.

Section 1: General Information. The top

of the form provides an area for indicating in

ink the candidate number, cubicle number,

patient name, examination site, and the date

of examination.

Section 2: Candidate Comments to

Examiners: This section is provided so

candidates can 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

Any restorative and/or surgical treatment

undergone by the patient since the

radiographs were taken

• Unavoidable reason why radiographs are

less than diagnostic, e.g. patient is a

gagger, narrow palate, lingual tori, etc.

Section 3: Dental Charting

Charting may be done using either ink or

pencil.

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

crown of the tooth, circle the root, and write “RT” by the tooth number.

Section 4: Examiner Comments to Other

Examiners:

Do not write in this area. It is for

examiner use only.

25

3. Dental Hygiene Procedure Form

The Dental Hygiene Procedure Form has two

purposes:

Candidates use it to document their case

selection, the 12 surfaces where they believe qualifying calculus is located,

detection findings, periodontal pocket

measurements, and anesthesia record. Examiners use it to make detection and

periodontal teeth assignments and to

communicate comments to candidates regarding minor errors and patient care

concerns.

A blank Procedure Form is shown here.

The table on the following page explains each

section and provides instructions for completing the form.

All surfaces of all teeth in the case selected will be evaluated for remaining

calculus during final evaluation. The list of 12 surfaces on this form are only used for

examiners to being the case evaluation

process.

26

Section Number and Title Instructions

SECTION 1. General 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 Medical History Form.

Check “No” only if all answers on the Medical History Form are “No.”

SECTION 3. Calculus Removal Complete in ink prior to check-in:

Circle a quadrant and list the required two posterior teeth from a second quadrant. Indicate if the quadrant’s third molar is to be treated OPTIONAL: If the quadrant and required posterior teeth do not have sufficient

calculus to meet the requirements, one or two additional posterior teeth may be added to the selection. These must be located in the same quadrant as the two required additional posterior teeth.

SECTION 4: Surface List List 12 surfaces from the teeth in the case where moderate to heavy calculus is located.

This list is used only for examiners to begin the verification process. Other surfaces in

the case selection may be verified while some in the candidate’s list may not.

SECTION 5. Anesthesia Record Complete in ink prior to check-in:

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

slash mark. Complete in ink after all injections are given and prior to final evaluation:

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

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

During check-in, examiners assign two teeth for the periodontal assessment and note them in Section 6.

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

removal.

SECTION 7. Calculus Detection Do not write in Section 7 prior to patient check-in.

During check-in, examiners assign three teeth for the calculus detection exercise and note them in Section 7.

After check-in, circle “Yes” or “No” to indicate the presence or absence of any type of calculus on the three assigned teeth in Section 7.

Complete the detection exercise prior to starting calculus removal.

SECTION 8. Examiner Comments to

Candidate

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

patient. Examiners attach a “See CFM” sticker below this area (labeled “For Examiner

Use Only) to further alert the candidate. The candidate must see the CFM to verify that

corrections have been made before starting patient treatment.

27

G. Forms to present at registration

1. Candidate identification

Each candidate must provide a government- or

school-issued photo ID during registration. A

SRTA badge will be provided at registration and

must be worn at all times during the

examination.

2. Postoperative Care Agreement Complete this form in ink, ensuring that all

information is legible. The designated provider

of postoperative care must sign the form. Give

one copy to the patient. Bring two copies of the

form to registration:

Submit one copy for SRTA’s records.

Submit one copy for the examination

site’s records.

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.

Forms Presented at Registration

One form of government or school issued ID

Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

Incident Disclaimer

Postoperative Care Agreement (2 copies)

Affidavit stating that the on-line orientation

slides were viewed

Credentials of qualified practitioner, if local

anesthesia will be administered by someone other than the candidate. These credentials

may be submitted to SRTA before the examination day.

28

3. Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

The patient must sign and date this form in ink

prior to registration. Signatures on this form

must be witnessed. Any person other than

the candidate may serve as a witness. The

candidate must enter his/her candidate number.

QUICK TIP The candidate must

verify that this area is

filled out completely

prior to

registration/briefing.

The candidate cannot

sign as the witness.

29

4. Incident Disclaimer

Both the candidate and the patient must sign

and date the Incident Disclaimer. SRTA expects

candidates, as dental professionals, to review

this form thoroughly with their patients.

If this form cannot be completed prior to

registration (e.g., patient is not available for

signature), the candidate may review the form

with the patient and obtain his/her signature

during cubicle set-up time and submit the form

to the CFM or DHA before beginning clinical

exercises.

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 is

grounds for dismissal from the

examination.

30

5. Patient Medical History Bring the patient’s completed Medical History

Form to registration. The CFM will review the

form to identify any possible health issues prior

to cubicle set-up. Note that in addition to the

Medical History Form required for all patients,

some patients with sensitive medical conditions

may require an additional physician’s statement

clearing them for treatment.

If the patient has a condition that requires a

physician’s written clearance, candidates must

present the physician’s letter during registration

or set-up for review by the CFM. If no letter is

presented, the patient will not be allowed

to participate, and the candidate will fail

the examination for presenting an

ineligible patient.

6. Anesthesia Credentials

If the candidate has not previously provided

anesthesia credentials to the SRTA office, they

may be presented during registration for either

the candidate or a qualified practitioner to

administer local anesthesia. Credentials are not

required for topical anesthetics including

products such as Oraqix.

7. On-line Orientation affidavit

Prior to the examination and after registration,

all candidates must view the on-line orientation

slides and sign the form, available on-line with

other examination documents, attesting to

having viewed the slides. This is turned in with

other forms during the registration.

H. Shared patients SRTA understands that it is sometimes

necessary for candidates to share a patient.

The SRTA office must be notified by the

candidates who are sharing a patient so group

scheduling will not overlap.

I. 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 if not already provided by his/her school

officials. 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. Please

refer to the site letter to see if anesthesia

cartridges will be provided at that testing site.

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

31

dental hygienist) to anesthetize their patient. 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.

If a candidate wishes to utilize a licensed

practitioner from the exam site, 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; some schools may elect not to offer

anesthesia administration for the examination.

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 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.

For patient safety, when a patient is shared by

two or more candidates, follow the table of

maximum doses of anesthesia found below.

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.

32

Wahl, M.J., Brown, R.S., (2010). Dentistry’s wonder drugs: Local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors. General Dentistry, 58 (2), 114-

123.

J. Infection control Candidates must follow the infection control

procedures recommended by the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention. Failure to

follow standard precautions may result in

dismissal from and failure of the examination.

K. 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 Medical History Form

and obtain a physician’s clearance letter,

when required

Determine whether an interpreter will be

needed during the examination Complete the Dental Charting Form and

parts of the Procedure Form

Identify the quadrant and additional teeth

that will be included in the case selection and verify that at least 12 surfaces with

qualifying calculus can be identified easily by examiners

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

33

EXAMINATION CONTENT

34

III. EXAMINATION CONTENT The clinical skills section of the SRTA

Examination evaluates the candidate’s ability to:

Present an eligible patient, a case that

meets criteria, and diagnostic qualify

radiographs

Measure periodontal pocket depths

accurately

Detect calculus

Remove calculus without damaging the

surrounding tissue

Present the patient for final clinical skills

evaluation free of calculus, plaque, and

extrinsic stains in the case selection

The SRTA Dental Hygiene Examination does not

cover skills such as head and neck assessment,

oral cancer screenings, medical assessment,

emergency management, and pharmacology.

These are sufficiently covered by the National

Board Dental Hygiene Examination. SRTA

examiners, leadership, and educators believe

that including these skills in the clinical

examination would be redundant.

SRTA allows candidates 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

his/her 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

evaluated and the candidate will fail.

35

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

table below explain the criteria for scoring.

Skills

Evaluated Evaluation Criteria

Initial case

presentation

Patient meets all eligibility requirements and is free of excessive soft debris

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

second quadrant.

Case includes at least two natural, permanent molars.

o One is located in the selected quadrant.

o One of the teeth in the second quadrant is a molar.

o One of the molars has two proximal contacts with adjacent teeth.

Radiographs of the teeth selected must be of sufficient quality for a dentist to

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

abnormalities.

Measure

periodontal pocket

depths

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

Measurements made by the candidate are within ± 1 mm of the median of the

measurements recorded by the three examiners during check-in.

Detect calculus

The candidate accurately detects the presence or the absence of any type of calculus

on the four surfaces of the three assigned teeth.

The candidates “Yes” and “No” answers match at least two out of the three

examiners’ answers recorded during check-in.

Remove calculus

The candidate completely removed all calculus from every surface in the case

selection.

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

o No calculus is felt with 11/12 explorer.

Tissue

management

The candidate did not inflict any avoidable minor or major tissue damage during

calculus removal.

Final case

presentation

The patient was presented for final evaluation free of remaining calculus, plaque,

stain, or prophy paste residue in the treated area.

The anesthetic record was complete.

A. Periodontal measurement exercise During check-in, examiners assign one anterior

and one posterior tooth for the candidate to

measure periodontal pocket depths. Three

examiners measure and record periodontal

pocket depths on the two assigned teeth using a

UNC probe marked with 1 mm increments and

document their findings in the computer scoring

program.

During clinical treatment time, the candidate

must also measure and record pocket depths for

these two assigned teeth. His/her

measurements will be compared with the

measurements taken by the examiners. In order

to receive credit for the periodontal

measurement exercise, the candidate’s

measurements must be no more than ± 1 mm

from the median of the measurements made by

the three examiners.

36

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.

Each tooth has three surfaces where

measurements are evaluated: mesio-lingual

(ML), disto-lingual (DL), and lingual (L).

Record each measurement in the appropriate

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.

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.

During final evaluation, the DHA will assist

candidates in entering their periodontal pocket

depth measurements into the computer scoring

system.

37

B. Calculus detection exercise During check-in, examiners assign three teeth

for candidates 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 in

the computer scoring program.

Each tooth has four surfaces where calculus may

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

and lingual (L).

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 must

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 should indicate

“Yes” on the Procedure Form. If the candidate

finds no calculus on a surface, he/she should

enter “No” on the form.

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 defined

earlier in this manual.

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. Remember that the

examiners complete their own calculus

detection exercise during check-in and

prior to any calculus removal.

During final evaluation, the DHA assists

candidates in entering their detection answers

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 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

earn no points if they do not select an answer at

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

38

Detection procedures:

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 are 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.

QUICK TIP Complete the periodontal

measurements (Procedure Form,

Section 6) and calculus detection

exercise (Procedure Form, Section 7)

before beginning calculus removal.

39

C. Partial prophylaxis exercise After completing periodontal measurements and

calculus detection, candidates clean all teeth in

the case selection including the entire selected

quadrant, both required additional teeth from

the second quadrant, and any optional

posteriors from the second quadrant, of any are

selected. All surfaces in the case selection

will be evaluated for remaining calculus,

both supragingival and subgingival.

Remaining subgingival calculus and

supragingival calculus are scored equally.

The case selection made by the candidate must

have at least 12 surfaces of qualifying

moderate to heavy calculus. Two examiners

must independently validate the presence of

qualifying calculus on up to 12 surfaces. Four

and one-half points are awarded for complete

removal of calculus from each of those surfaces,

for a total of 54 possible points. Two additional

points can be awarded for complete removal of

calculus from all other surfaces in the case

selection. Candidates can earn up to 56 total

points for calculus removal - over half of the

examination’s 100 possible points. If four or

more surfaces of remaining calculus are

validated during final evaluation, a 15-

point penalty is assessed and the

candidate will fail.

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 on which at least two

examiners have confirmed the presence of

moderate to heavy qualifying calculus. If 12

surfaces of qualifying calculus are not validated

by at least two examiners, candidates will have

fewer opportunities to earn points for calculus

removal.

For example, if two of the three examiners are

able to validate only 10 surfaces of qualifying

calculus in the case selection, the candidate will

have only 10 opportunities to earn points for

calculus removal and can earn only 45 points for

that section of the examination.

Excessively decayed teeth, primary teeth, and

implants in the quadrant will not count as

molars for case selection and will not count

toward any calculus requirements but will count

toward the required six teeth in the quadrant.

Prior to check-in, document the case selection in

Section 3 of the Procedure Form by circling the

quadrant selected and listing the two required

posterior teeth from the second quadrant, one

of which must be a molar. Indicate whether the

third molar is to be included in the selection.

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.

During check-in, examiners evaluate all surfaces

in the case selection and validate up to 12

surfaces with qualifying calculus. The final list

may include some (but not all) of the surfaces

from the candidate’s list on the Procedure Form

plus others in the selection that were validated

by examiners during check-in. Candidates are

not informed of the final list of surfaces

that were validated as having qualifying

calculus. Therefore, candidates must clean all

surfaces of all teeth in the selection, as any of

these surfaces may be evaluated for remaining

calculus during final evaluation.

D. Tissue management Candidates must utilize hand instruments,

prophy cups and/or brushes, ultrasonic/sonic

cleaning devices, and dental floss without

causing soft tissue trauma such as abrasions,

lacerations, or burns.

1. 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.

40

Examples of minor tissue trauma: small

lacerations, cavitron burn, abrasions on papillae,

gingiva, tongue, lip

If four or more areas of minor tissue

trauma are validated, a major tissue

trauma error will be assessed, resulting in

automatic failure of the clinical

examination module.

2. 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 professional 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 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 Dental Charting Form.

E. Anesthesia record 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) planned and the name of the

anesthetic with ratio of vasoconstrictor.

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 the

candidate opts to use a qualified practitioner to

administer anesthesia, the practitioner must sign

in the area indicated to verify the amount and

type of anesthesia given.

If anesthesia is not planned,

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.

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 majortissue trauma will result in automatic failure of the examination.

Major tissue trauma

41

DAY OF EXAMINATION

42

IV. CLINIC SCHEDULE

V. DAY OF EXAM

A. Overview Prior to examination day, candidates must view

the online Examination Orientation slide

presentation available from the candidate’s

profile on the SRTA website. The candidate

must sign and submit an affidavit attesting that

he/she has viewed the slideshow. Submit the

affidavit during registration along with other

paperwork.

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.

The day begins with registration and

examination briefing at the designated time.

After submitting paperwork and answering

questions, candidates will go into the clinic to

set up their cubicles, where they will prepare

patients for treatment and organize paperwork

required for patient check-in. After examiners

check the patients in, candidates begin the 1 ½

hour treatment time. When the 1 ½ hours are

over, patients are evaluated by the examiners.

Candidates will then disinfect their cubicles and

gather personal belongings.

B. Registration/examination briefing On the day of the examination, candidates

attend registration/examination briefing

immediately prior to their group’s published set-

up time. Members of each group set up their

cubicles at the designated examination start

time found in the clinic schedule.

Examination briefing begins at the time

designated on the schedule for each group.

Candidates will receive notification about the

registration/briefing venue along with the other

logistical information provided by SRTA after

candidates are assigned to an examination site.

Registration/briefing follows this general format.

SRTA personnel may make minor adjustments to

the examination briefing format due to unique

site requirements:

The DHA and CFM provide a verbal

overview of the examination day and tips to help make the day less stressful.

Candidates ask questions about the

examination.

Candidates submit their paperwork.

Candidates receive their exam badges

and holders. Candidates receive badges for

interpreters and qualified practitioners

providing local anesthesia (if applicable).

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 a visit

directly with school officials, as SRTA

cannot arrange tours of sites. Candidates

who do not attend the examination briefing will

not receive separate instructions.

Registration/briefing is for candidates only.

Visitors and patients cannot participate unless

the CFM or DHA grants permission.

Groups

A (D)

Groups

B (E)

Groups

C (F)

Registration/Examination briefing* 7:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m.

Examination start-time (set-up) 7:30 a.m. 9:00 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.

43

C. Administration SRTA administers the examination using one of

two procedures, depending on the size and

layout of the clinic. The method to be used at

each site will be announced during

registration/examination briefing. All other

aspects of the examination are the same,

regardless of the method of administration.

1. Mass check-in and evaluation At examination sites using the mass check-in

and evaluation process, patients remain in their

cubicles throughout the examination. Examiners

will visit each cubicle to perform check-in and

final evaluation while candidates wait in a

designated area. After check-in is completed, all

candidates will return to their cubicles to begin

patient treatment at the same time. The patient

treatment start and stop-times are the same for

all candidates. At the end of the patient

treatment time, candidates return to the

designated waiting area while examiners

perform final evaluation in the cubicles.

2. Scoring area check-in and

evaluation At other sites, a separate scoring area is used

for check-in and final evaluation. At these sites,

patients must be sent to the designated scoring

area no later than 10:00 a.m. for the

morning group and no later than 3:15 p.m.

for the afternoon group. All forms, radiographs,

and instruments must be sent with the patient.

Each candidate has a unique start- and stop-

time for patient treatment, which will be

recorded and monitored by the CFM. Patients

must be sent to the scoring area for final

evaluation no more than five minutes after the

candidate’s clinic stop-time. Late patients will

not be evaluated and the candidate will fail.

QUICK TIP FORMS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION/EXAMINATION BRIEFING

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

• Completed Postoperative Care Agreement (two copies)

• Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

• Incident Disclaimer

• Patient Medical History with physician’s clearance letter, when required

• Signed form attesting that the on-line orientation slides were watched

• 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.

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.

44

D. Cubicle set-up

Candidates divide into groups to take the

examination as outlined in the clinic schedule.

The official 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.

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 either 1) leave the clinic floor

so examiners can enter to perform patient

check-in, or 2) send the patient to the scoring

area. The exact logistics will depend on the

scoring process at the examination site

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:

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 for examiners from

those used for clinical treatment so they are easily accessed by examiners.

4. Verify case selection (quadrant and additional teeth) in computer scoring

program. The DHA 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 Medical History Form.

Ensure the CFM PIN is entered on

the Medical History and Procedure Form.

Anesthetize patient.

45

The candidate must provide or have access to a

blood pressure measuring device and must take

the patient’s preoperative blood pressure

reading on the day of the examination.

Record these readings on the Medical 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. Have the patient answer Question

12 on the Medical History Form on the day of

the examination

If the patient is being shared with another

candidate at the same examination, blood

pressure readings must be taken immediately

prior to each examination and recorded on a

separate Medical History Form for each

candidate.

E. Patient check-in Patient check-in is the procedure during which

three examiners:

Evaluate the case selection for the required

criteria.

Assign teeth for the calculus 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

Validate up to 12 surfaces with

qualifying calculus for evaluation of

calculus removal skills. These will be

worth four and one-half points each if all

calculus is removed.

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. Patients found using phones or

cameras during the check-in process will be

dismissed, and the candidate will fail. 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. If a patient is

presented for check-in with excessive soft

debris, the check-in process will be postponed.

After clinical treatment time begins, the

candidate must instruct the patient to brush to

remove the excessive soft debris. After the

patient has brushed his/her teeth, examiners will

perform a late check-in

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 the clinic, re-enter

the clinic without permission from the CFM, or

attempt to enter the scoring area risk dismissal

from the examination and automatic failure.

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 to make them easily

available for examiners.

• Move all other paperwork and instruments out of the treatment area.

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

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

46

Procedure Form with candidate sections completed prior to check-in

QUICK TIP Complete Sections 1 through 5

(except for anesthesia quantity)

prior to patient check-in.

At least two weeks prior to the

examination, enter the

information from Sections 3 and

4, documenting the case

selection and surface list.

Adjustments can be made on

examination day by the DHA, if

needed.

47

Procedure Form after check-in is completed

SEE CFM BEFORE STARTING

PATIENT TREATMENT

QUICK TIP After check-in is complete, review the

Procedure Form for:

Two teeth assigned for the

periodontal assessment (Section 6)

Three teeth assigned for the

calculus detection exercise

(Section 7)

Comments to the candidate from

examiners; SEE CFM sticker.

(Section 8)

48

F. Clinical treatment time

When check-in is completed, candidates may re-

enter the clinic. The CFM will announce

treatment start-time. At that point, candidates

may begin the clinical treatment portion of the

examination.

Candidates are allowed 1 ½ hours to complete

all patient treatment. During this time, the

candidate must complete the following

procedures:

1. Measure periodontal pocket depths on the

assigned teeth. Record measurements on

the Procedure Form in the designated area.

2. Complete the calculus detection exercise.

Assess the assigned teeth for the presence

or absence of calculus on the mesial, distal,

facial, and lingual surfaces of the three

assigned teeth. Circle “Yes” or “No” in the

appropriate area of the Procedure Form to

indicate the presence or absence of calculus

on each surface.

3. Thoroughly clean all surfaces of all teeth in

the case selection including the selected

quadrant, the required two additional

posterior teeth, and any optional posterior

teeth listed on the Procedure Form. All

surfaces of all teeth in the case selection will

be evaluated for remaining calculus by the

examiners.

The CFM or DHA will announce when clinical

treatment time is over. Candidates must vacate

the clinic or send the patient to the scoring area

when instructed to do so or risk dismissal from

the examination for unprofessional conduct and

failure of the examination.

Procedure Form after patient treatment is completed

QUICK TIP Sections 5, 6, and 7 in this

example show how the

Procedure Form should

appear prior to final

evaluation. Blanks in the

detection or periodontal

measurements are counted as

errors.

SEE CFM BEFORE STARTING

PATIENT TREATMENT

49

G. 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.

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.

To prepare for final evaluation, replace patient

bib and all barriers with clean ones. Remove all

instruments from the instrument tray except for

one mirror and one 11/12 explorer. A probe is

not needed for final evaluation.

When the examiners start final evaluation on the

patients, the DHA will collect 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.

H. 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.

I. Surveys Candidate surveys provide valuable feedback

and information to SRTA and are used to

improve the examination process. The surveys

are anonymous and are completed online after

the examination is over.

Notes for Final Evaluation

Patient Preparation For

Final Evaluation

Required Instruments &

Paperwork Information for Patient

• Wearing safety glasses

• Clean bib • Cubicle light on

• Remove contaminated

gauze, needles, and any other materials from the

tray that might cause infection control violations.

• Mirror

• Air-water syringe tip • 11/12 explorer

• Saliva ejector

• 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 hour. • 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.

50

51

POINTS SYSTEM

52

VI. POINTS SYSTEM 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.

Criteria Criteria for earning points Points

Possible

Initial case

presentation

Case includes a full quadrant with at least six teeth and two posterior teeth from a second quadrant 1

There is a molar in the quadrant and one of the additional posterior teeth is a molar 1

One of the molars has two proximal contacts with adjacent teeth 1

Patient is presented free of excessive soft debris 1

Radiographs Radiographs of the selected quadrant and additional teeth are of diagnostic quality. 8

Calculus

requirements

Qualifying calculus is verified by at least two out of three examiners in these locations:

Eight on any surfaces of posterior teeth

Five on M or D of posterior teeth

Three on M or D of molars

5

Calculus

detection Twelve surfaces worth 1.5 points each 18

Periodontal

assessment Six measurements worth one point each 6

Calculus removal

Complete removal of all calculus from surfaces verified as having moderate to heavy qualifying

calculus present during check-in.

Maximum of 12 surfaces will be verified by examiners. These are worth 4.5 points each, if

found to be free of all calculus during final evaluation.

If four or more of these surfaces are validated as having remaining calculus during final

evaluation, a 15-point penalty is assessed and the candidate will fail.

54

Tissue

management

No minor, avoidable tissue trauma verified in areas of the mouth treated by the candidate

The presence of four or more validated areas of minor trauma qualifies as major

tissue trauma and automatic failure.

3

Final case

presentation

Case is presented free of calculus on all surfaces in the selection, visible plaque, extrinsic stains,

prophy paste, and any other visible debris in the treated area. Anesthesia record is complete. 2

Total 100

Ineligible patient, major tissue trauma or major infection control violation 100-point deduction = automatic failure -100

If, after thorough examination of both the quadrant and all additional teeth selected by the candidate,

two examiners independently verify only 10 surfaces with qualifying calculus, the candidate can earn

points for removal only on those 10 surfaces, if all calculus is removed, for a maximum of 45 points for

removal. If examiners verify only eight surfaces of qualifying calculus, points for removal are 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.

53

APPEALS

54

VII. APPEALS SRTA reviews appeals based on facts

surrounding the decision made by the examiners

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

Postoperative 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 Administrator (DHA) 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 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.

In many cases, SRTA cannot process, evaluate,

and finalize 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 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 has made payment for a subsequent

examination and has been granted an appeal

before taking the examination. If SRTA makes a

favorable decision on an appeal, a full refund of

the appeal fee will be mailed to the candidate.

55

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




56

57

CANDIDATE POLICIES

58

VIII. CANDIDATE POLICIES

1. Anonymity

SRTA conducts all examinations anonymously.

All examination materials are identified by the

candidate number assigned by SRTA 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 the 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 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

59

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 Postoperative 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. 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 extra warm clothing or

blankets for their comfort, in case the

temperature in the clinics is cold.

6. 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.

7. 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; therefore, 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.

8. Examination results

Candidates must pass the clinical examination

with a score of at least 75 points out of 100.

Candidates who fail may retake the examination

and can login to their account on the SRTA

website to view the errors assessed.

60

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.

Although the SRTA Examination is accepted by

31 state dental boards for licensure, SRTA

automatically sends the examination record of

each candidate only to the SRTA Participating

state boards of dentistry, which are Alabama,

Arkansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia,

and West Virginia. For scores to be sent to any

of the other 25 states, please contact the SRTA

office.

Some state boards of dentistry may require a

notarized copy of the final report, which SRTA

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 six participating boards, 25

other states accept the SRTA results for

licensure. Candidates should contact the

individual state board of dentistry where they

are applying for licensure to verify acceptance of

SRTA scores and to learn of other state-specific

requirements.

SRTA supplies the examination results 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.

9. 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 I-E of this manual.

SRTA strongly advises candidates to visit the

examination site 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 testing

sites if candidates arrange in advance with the

school. The 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 DHA immediately so the

appropriate personnel may be contacted.

10. 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

61

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 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.

11. 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, Recommendations and Reports

December 19, 2003, Vol. 52, No. RR-17. Refer

to the aforementioned publication for a

complete listing of recommended practices.

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.

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, follow these

protocols:

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.

12. Instruments

Candidates must provide these instruments for

the examiners during check-in and final

evaluation:

A probe with markings of 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-

9-10 (UNC probe) only. SRTA prefers color-coded probes with yellow bands

alternating with any other color, including

bare metal or plastic. 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.

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.

62

If the candidate does not provide the

appropriate instruments, examiners cannot

evaluate the patient at check-in, and the

candidate will lose 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,

therefore, fail.

Candidates are encouraged to secure and

provide additional instruments for the

examination. Candidates will not be allowed

additional time if an instrument is dropped or

requires autoclaving. The candidate should

provide an additional sterile mirror, 11/12

explorer, and correct color-coded

periodontal probe in case an instrument is

dropped.

13. Interpreters

Candidates may use the services of an

interpreter if their patient does not speak

English or is has a hearing impairment that

cannot be corrected with the use of a hearing

device. 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 DHA and receive a

badge that he or she must wear throughout the

examination.

14. 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 licensure is sought to arrange

to take the jurisprudence examination.

15. 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 2016 SRTA clinical examination in

dental hygiene. SRTA’s liability coverage does

not extend to qualified practitioners providing

local anesthetic services.

16. 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.

Determination of patient eligibility (that is,

identifying a patient whose dental condition

meets the criteria for the examination) must be

completed independently. It is the candidate’s

responsibility to analyze patient data critically.

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. A

woman in her first or third trimester of

pregnancy is not acceptable as a patient.

Patients who have received injectable

bisphosphonate medications may not participate

in the examination.

63

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 and the candidate will fail.

Patients who answer “Yes” to questions 8.

A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, or K of the

Medical History Form but do not present a

written physician’s clearance to

participate will be dismissed as ineligible

and the candidate will fail.

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.

17. Patient privacy statement

At the conclusion of the SRTA Examination, the

examiners will collect all patient information.

After a 12-month holding period, the paperwork

will be shredded mechanically. 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.

18. 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; 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.

19. 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

testing site after thoroughly reading this letter.

Refer to Section I-E for contact information for

each testing site.

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

your contact information. Once an application

has been processed for a particular site, all

questions for both pre-examination and post-

64

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.

20. Reexamination

After three unsuccessful examination attempts,

the candidate must contact the state in which

licensure is sought to obtain a letter of

approval/permission for a fourth examination

attempt. Some states may require remedial

training after three unsuccessful attempts.

Passing the examination after 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.

21. 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 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.

22. Restrictions

Candidates may not use

Nitrous oxide

Air-abrasive instruments Assistants

23. Scheduling conflicts

Please contact the SRTA office for any special

requirements, including religious exemptions. If

a patient is being shared by two or more

candidates, the candidates must contact the

SRTA office must prior to the application

deadline so that the candidates’ group

assignments can be adjusted accordingly.

24. 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.

25. 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.

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.

65

STATE BOARDS OF DENTISTRY

66

IX. STATE BOARDS OF DENTISTRY

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.

Arkansas Tennessee

Arkansas Board of Dental Examiners

101 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 111

Little Rock, AR 72201

(501) 682-2085

http://www.asbde.org

Tennessee Board of Dentistry

Bureau of Health, Licensure & Regulation

Division of Health Related Boards

665 Mainstream Drive

Nashville, TN 37243

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

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

Alabama Virginia

Alabama Board of Dental Examiners

5346 Stadium Trace Pkwy, Ste. 112

Hoover, AL 35244

(205) 985-7267

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

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

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

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

http://www.asbde.org/

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

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

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

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

http://www.wvdentalboard.org/

67

FAQ’S AND CHECKLIST

68

X. FAQ’S

1. What is the best method to find out

what I have to do to pass the SRTA

exam?

Read this Candidate Guide and watch the

on-line Pre-Examination and the Orientation

slide shows 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.

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 Medical History Form,

Postoperative Care Agreement, Patient

Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form,

Incident Disclaimer, Orientation Affidavit,

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,and 5 (except

for anesthesia quantity) prior to the day of

the exam. Do not complete Sections 6 and

7 of the Procedure Form until clinical

treatment time begins. Enter anesthesia

quantity in Section 5 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, e.g. a UNC probe, and

prefers a color-coded instrument with

yellow/black or other colored 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?”

It is easily detectable with an 11/12

explorer and causes a definite “bump”

when explored. It must be subgingival and

moderate to heavy to be considered

“qualifying.” Examiners determine whether a

surface of calculus qualifies.

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, when all

the calculus is still in place. If you remove

calculus prior to completing the detection

exercise, you will be unable to document the

presence or 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 when all calculus is still in

place. Removing calculus prior to recording

pocket depths could result in measurement

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

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assessment.

9. 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.

After determining that the radiographs

presented belong to the patient, examiners

evaluate the radiographs of the quadrant

and any additional teeth selected by the

candidate to be included in the case for

diagnostic quality.

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.

10. 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

UNC color-coded (ideally yellow/black)

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

For final evaluation:

Radiographs

11/12 explorer

Mirror

Clean barriers and bib

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 materials

in the treatment area with clean barriers.

11. What should I tell the patient about

what will happen during check-in and

final evaluation? Inform the patient that three or more

examiners will be conducting evaluations

and that each process could take as long as

90 minutes. Inform the patient not to turn

the light off and not to touch any forms.

Patients may take restroom breaks, but the

patient should notify the Clinic Floor

Manager (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.

12. What type of disclosing agents may I

use?

The use of any color or type of disclosing

agent is permissible.

13. What materials do the schools supply?

Most schools provide disposable paper

products, anesthetic cartridges, and prophy

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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.

14. Can I use an assistant?

No. SRTA does not allow assistants for the

dental hygiene examination.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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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XI. CHECKLIST

Prior to the day of the examination

Complete application and submit all

required materials online.

Watch the online orientation slide

presentation.

Sign the form attesting that you

watched the slide presentation.

Select an eligible patient with a

sufficient amount of moderate to heavy

calculus.

Complete all pre-examination forms.

Obtain radiographs.

Patient

At least 18 years old No latex allergy (unless testing site is

latex free) No history of injectable

bisphosphonate therapy

Not in first or third trimester of pregnancy

Not a dentist, hygienist, dental student, or dental hygiene student

Has a physician’s written clearance to participate, if any “Yes” answers are

noted on questions 8. A, B, C, D, E, F,

G, H, I, J, or K of the Medical History Form

Bring to registration/examination briefing

Government- or school-issued photo ID

Signed Patient Disclaimer, Consent, and Release Form

Signed Postoperative Care Agreement (two copies)

Signed Incident Disclaimer

Signed affidavit attesting that you watched the on-line orientation slides

Completed Patient Medical History Credentials of qualified practitioner, if

local anesthesia is being administered

by someone other than the candidate Receive at registration: 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 Medical 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, administer up to two cartridges of anesthetic prior to

check-in. If anesthesia is not planned, slash through area on the Procedure

Form and write candidate number on

slash mark. Verify the accuracy of case selection, if

entered electronically prior to the examination date. Last minute changes

can be made, if needed. The DHA 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.

Put all other forms and paperwork out

of sight of examiners and away from the clinical treatment area.

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.

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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, both required

additional teeth, and any optional posterior teeth included in the case

selection.

Preparing for final evaluation

Ensure that all teeth in the case selection are free of calculus, visible

plaque, stain, and prophy paste.

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

probe where examiners can easily find them and 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 clean 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.

Replace contaminated barriers. Have patient wear safety glasses and

recline the patient with light on, if

patient is evaluated in the cubicle.

During final evaluation

With assistance from the DHA 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 exiting 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?

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

squares on the tray?

6. Is the tip removed from the ultrasonic/sonic scaler and put away

with other scaling instruments?

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