017-RHICE Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) Combination Exam: Preparation Guide and FAQs

The 017-RHICE Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) Combination Exam combines two important areas of dental assisting knowledge: radiation safety and infection prevention. The exam is offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), and DANB states that its RHS and ICE exams are recognized or required in many states.

For dental professionals preparing for this examination, understanding radiographic procedures, radiation protection, infection control, sterilization, and patient safety is essential.

What Is the 017-RHICE Exam?

The 017-RHICE exam is a combination examination covering Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE). DANB lists RHS/ICE as a combination exam and states that it can serve as a component of credentials such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA) and Certified Dental Assistant (CDA).

The combination format allows candidates to prepare for both subject areas through one examination process. According to DANB’s current exam page, the RHS/ICE examination contains 150 questions and has a 120-minute testing time.

What Topics Does the RHS/ICE Exam Cover?

Preparation should address both major subject areas.

Radiation Health and Safety

The RHS portion focuses on safe and effective dental radiography. Candidates should understand topics such as:

• Radiographic techniques
• Image quality
• Radiation protection
• Patient positioning
• Dental radiographic equipment
• Radiation exposure
• Digital and traditional imaging concepts
• Patient and operator safety
• Infection prevention during radiographic procedures

DANB’s RHS exam outline divides the standalone RHS content into areas including Purpose and Technique, Radiation Protection, and Infection Prevention and Control.

Infection Control

The ICE portion focuses on preventing the spread of infection in dental environments. Key preparation areas include:

• Standard precautions
• Hand hygiene
• Personal protective equipment
• Instrument processing
• Cleaning and disinfection
• Sterilization
• Surface management
• Sharps safety
• Exposure prevention
• Infection-control procedures

Understanding why a procedure is performed can be more useful than memorizing isolated rules.

How Should You Prepare for the 017-RHICE Exam?

1. Divide Your Study Time

Because the examination combines two subjects, create separate study sessions for radiation safety and infection control. This makes it easier to identify weak areas.

2. Review Radiographic Principles

Start with the fundamentals of dental radiography. Review positioning, image quality, radiation protection, exposure concepts, and common radiographic techniques.

Try to understand how changes in positioning or technique affect the final image rather than simply memorizing terminology.

3. Strengthen Infection-Control Knowledge

Review the complete infection-control process, including hand hygiene, PPE, instrument cleaning, sterilization, and environmental surface management.

A useful approach is to understand the chain of infection and how dental procedures can interrupt different links in that chain.

4. Practice Applying the Concepts

Scenario-based questions can help you connect theoretical knowledge with clinical situations. For example, consider what safety procedure should be followed when handling contaminated instruments or performing dental radiography.

5. Use Current Exam Resources

DANB provides an RHS/ICE application packet, candidate handbook, exam outlines, and preparation resources. Candidates should use current official materials because exam requirements and content can be updated.

Why Are RHS and ICE Important for Dental Assistants?

Radiation safety and infection control are both directly connected to patient and workplace safety. Dental assistants may participate in radiographic procedures while also handling instruments, equipment, and clinical surfaces.

Knowledge in these areas helps professionals understand appropriate safety procedures and supports compliance with applicable workplace and dental-practice requirements.

DANB notes that RHS and ICE are among its widely used examinations and that its exams are recognized or required in numerous states.

Can Practice Questions Help With Preparation?

Yes. Practice questions can help candidates identify knowledge gaps and become comfortable with different question formats. They are particularly useful after studying a topic because they show which concepts still require review.

However, practice questions should be used as a supplement to authoritative study material. Candidates should understand the reasoning behind an answer rather than relying on memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does RHICE stand for?

RHICE refers to the combination of Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) examinations administered by DANB.

How many questions are on the RHS/ICE exam?

DANB’s current RHS/ICE exam information lists 150 questions. The published testing time is 120 minutes.

What subjects should I study for the 017-RHICE exam?

Candidates should study dental radiography, radiation protection, radiographic techniques, infection prevention, sterilization, PPE, instrument processing, and patient and workplace safety.

Is RHS/ICE part of other DANB certifications?

Yes. DANB identifies RHS/ICE as a component of both the NELDA and CDA certification pathways.

Can the RHS/ICE exam be taken in Spanish?

Yes. DANB currently offers the RHS/ICE examination in Modern Spanish. DANB states that the Spanish and English versions follow the same exam outline, use the same question bank, and have the same pass point.

How can I improve my preparation?

Use a structured study plan covering both RHS and ICE. Review official exam outlines, study one topic at a time, practice applying concepts to clinical situations, and use practice questions to identify areas that need additional review.

Final Thoughts

The 017-RHICE Radiation Health and Safety (RHS) and Infection Control (ICE) Combination Exam brings together two fundamental areas of dental assisting knowledge. Successful preparation requires attention to both radiographic safety and infection prevention rather than focusing on only one subject.

A practical preparation strategy is to study the official exam outline, strengthen core concepts, review clinical safety procedures, and use practice questions to reinforce learning. Candidates should also check current DANB information before the examination to confirm the latest testing requirements and available resources.