HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of inverting the rubber dam?

1. Enhance visibility

2. Prevent saliva leakage

3. Improve patient comfort

4. Facilitate easy removal

The correct answer is: Prevent saliva leakage

The primary purpose of inverting the rubber dam is to create a seal around the tooth, which effectively prevents saliva from leaking into the treatment area. This is crucial because saliva can compromise the procedure by introducing bacteria and contamination, making it difficult to maintain a dry field, which is essential for many dental treatments, such as restorative procedures. The inverted edge of the rubber dam tucks into the gingival sulcus, providing this seal and enhancing the isolation of the tooth being worked on. While visibility is improved by using a rubber dam, the inversion specifically focuses on preventing saliva leakage rather than just enhancing overall visibility. Patient comfort is a consideration in the use of rubber dams, but inversion primarily serves the purpose of achieving a complete seal. Although facilitating easy removal is important, it is a secondary benefit that does not relate directly to the main reason for inverting the dam during a procedure.