Central Regional Dental Testing

Content and Scoring

The dental hygiene examination is based on clinical patient treatment, with an evaluation of specific clinical skills as well as the candidate’s compliance with professional standards during the course of treatment. Below is a summary of the specific content and scoring associated with the examination.

Clinical Skill	Scorable Items x	Points scored per Item =	Max Points
Extra/Intra Oral Assessment Periodontal Probing Scaling/Subgingival Calculus Removal Supragingival Deposit Removal TOTAL EXAM POINTS/MAX SCORE	8 12 12 6	2 1 5 2	16 12 60 12 100

Examination Scoring System

There is one, comprehensive, total score reported by CRDTS for the Dental Hygiene Examination. CRDTS utilizes a criterion-based grading system to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable performance. Criteria have been established for each clinical procedure. Three examiners independently evaluate all treatment and apply the criteria in assessing performance. For every scorable item that is confirmed as an error by at least two independent examiners, points will be deducted from the 100 possible points.

Penalty Point Deductions

In addition to penalties assessed for unacceptable Treatment Selections, penalties assessed by the Dental Hygiene Coordinator for Treatment Standards categories such as patient management and infection control will also be computed into the score. If a candidate is assessed any penalty points, they will be notified of this fact during the exam via written communication (Treatment Standards Form) from the Hygiene Coordinator.

Treatment Selection: Penalty points are assessed for Treatment Selections that do not meet the criteria outlined in the candidate manual.

Maximum 4 treatment submissions allowed
7 penalty points for 1st Treatment Selection rejection .............................. -7 Points
7 penalty points for 2nd Treatment Selection rejection ............................. -7 Points
0 penalty points deducted for 3rd and 4th rejections

Treatment Standards: Penalty points are assessed for any violation of standards as defined for:

Improper Record Keeping -2 Points
Failure to properly complete Anesthetic Documentation -2 Points
Professional Demeanor -2 Points
Infection Control/Asepsis violations -2 Points
Patient Management/Inadequate pain control -5 Points
Tissue Trauma (2 errors allowed / 3 errors constitutes Critical Error) -5 Points
Time Penalty 1-15 minutes late -10 Points
Time Penalty 16 or more minutes late DISMISSAL FROM EXAM
Unprofessional Conduct DISMISSAL FROM EXAM

Critical Errors

Critical errors are any procedures that could lead to patient injury or may jeopardize overall treatment of the patient. Critical errors may result in failure of the Dental Hygiene Examination even though other rated treatment criteria are acceptably completed.

Critical Tissue Trauma Error: A tissue trauma critical error, resulting in failure of the exam, will be assessed if any of the following exist:

Damage to 3 or more areas of gingival tissue, lips or oral mucosa
An amputated papillae
An exposure of the alveolar process
A laceration or damage that requires suturing or periodontal packing
An unreported broken instrument tip found in the sulcus
One or more ultrasonic burns requiring follow-up treatment