California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

Dental prophylaxis, also known as a "prophy," is the more common term used to refer to a routine dental cleaning. This term is often used by dental professionals and may not be as recognizable to individuals outside of the dental field. Option A, deep cleaning, is a specialized dental procedure that goes beyond a regular cleaning and is usually recommended for patients with gum disease. Option B, tooth extraction, is the removal of a tooth and is not related to a routine dental cleaning. Option D, filling, is used to treat cavities and is also not related to a routine dental cleaning. So, while the options may seem similar, only option C is the most accurate term for a regular dental cleaning.