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29 states require dental assistants to pass a certified dental assistant (CDA) exam, and 38 states recognize the certification.
If you’ve completed a CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) dental assistant program, you are eligible to take the CDA.
Before sitting for your CDA exam, it’s a good idea to practice the concepts on the test.
Questions include general chairside assistance, infection control, and radiation health and safety.
Dental Assistant Certification Practice Test
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Question 1 |
What is the primary responsibility of a dental assistant during a dental procedure?
Administering anesthesia | |
Assisting the dentist | |
Billing and coding | |
Scheduling appointments |
Question 2 |
Which type of radiograph provides a comprehensive view of the oral structures, including both upper and lower jaws?
Bitewing | |
Panoramic | |
Periapical | |
Occlusal |
Question 3 |
What is the purpose of a dental dam during dental procedures?
To isolate the operative field | |
To provide structural support | |
To protect against radiation | |
To enhance patient comfort |
Question 4 |
Which dental specialty focuses on the treatment of diseases and conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth?
Orthodontics | |
Endodontics | |
Periodontics | |
Prosthodontics |
Question 5 |
Infection control protocols in a dental office are designed to prevent the transmission of:
Only bacterial infections | |
Only viral infections | |
Bacterial and viral infections | |
Fungal infections |
Question 6 |
What is the purpose of a saliva ejector in dental procedures?
To rinse the oral cavity | |
To remove excess saliva | |
To deliver anesthesia | |
To isolate individual teeth |
Question 7 |
Which dental instrument is used to measure the depth of periodontal pockets?
Explorer | |
Periodontal probe | |
Mouth mirror | |
Condenser |
Question 8 |
What is the recommended technique for taking alginate impressions for study models?
Slow, continuous pressure | |
Quick, forceful pressure | |
Vertical pressure | |
No pressure, let it set naturally |
Question 9 |
Which tooth numbering system is commonly used in the United States for primary dentition?
Palmer notation | |
Universal numbering system | |
FDI World Dental Federation notation | |
Zsigmondy-Palmer notation |
Question 10 |
The term "gingiva" refers to:
Tooth decay | |
Gum tissue | |
Enamel | |
Dentin |
Question 11 |
What is the purpose of etching enamel before placing dental sealants?
To remove stains | |
To disinfect the tooth surface | |
To increase bond strength | |
To smooth the tooth surface |
Question 12 |
Which dental radiograph is commonly used to detect interproximal caries?
Panoramic | |
Bitewing | |
Periapical | |
Occlusal |
Question 13 |
What is the function of a dental liner?
To provide thermal insulation | |
To reduce sensitivity | |
To clean the tooth surface | |
To remove calculus |
Question 14 |
What is the purpose of a dental curing light in restorative procedures?
To remove debris | |
To cure or harden dental materials | |
To polish the tooth surface | |
To measure tooth shade |
Question 15 |
Which dental instrument is used for cutting and removing dental caries?
Amalgam carver | |
Excavator | |
Explorer | |
Condenser |
Question 16 |
What is the correct sequence for placing a dental restoration?
Etching, bonding, filling | |
Filling, bonding, etching | |
Bonding, etching, filling | |
Filling, etching, bonding |
Question 17 |
What is the purpose of a dental dam clamp during isolation?
To secure the dental dam in place | |
To provide structural support | |
To hold the dental dam in position on the tooth | |
To prevent saliva contamination |
Question 18 |
What is the purpose of a dental prophylaxis?
To treat cavities | |
To remove calculus and plaque | |
To extract teeth | |
To perform root canal therapy |
Question 19 |
Which dental specialty focuses on the correction of malocclusion and misaligned teeth?
Endodontics | |
Orthodontics | |
Prosthodontics | |
Oral surgery |
Question 20 |
Which of the following materials is commonly used for dental impressions?
Alginate | |
Amalgam | |
Composite resin | |
Glass ionomer |
Question 21 |
What is the purpose of a rubber dam in endodontic procedures?
To provide structural support | |
To isolate the tooth from saliva | |
To remove debris | |
To enhance patient comfort |
Question 22 |
The term "apex" in dentistry refers to:
The biting surface of a tooth | |
The root of a tooth | |
The front teeth | |
The space between teeth |
Question 23 |
Which dental instrument is used to measure the mobility of teeth?
Periodontal probe | |
Mouth mirror | |
Explorers | |
Periosteal elevator |
Question 24 |
What is the purpose of fluoride treatment in dental care?
To remove stains | |
To strengthen tooth enamel | |
To reduce gingival inflammation | |
To cure dental caries |
Question 25 |
What is the function of a dental dam punch?
To cut dental dam material | |
To create holes in the dental dam for isolation | |
To measure tooth shade | |
To hold dental dam in place |
Question 26 |
What is the role of a dental assistant in taking intraoral radiographs?
Positioning and exposing the radiographs | |
Diagnosing dental conditions | |
Developing the radiographs | |
Interpreting the radiographic images |
Question 27 |
What is the purpose of a dental matrix band during a restorative procedure?
To provide structural support | |
To shape and confine the dental material | |
To remove debris | |
To hold the dental dam in place |
Question 28 |
In dental charting, what does the symbol "MO" represent?
Missing tooth | |
Mesial and occlusal | |
Mandibular occlusal | |
Molar and occlusal |
Question 29 |
Which of the following is a common symptom of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder?
Tooth sensitivity | |
Jaw pain and clicking | |
Gum bleeding | |
Lingual papillae enlargement |
Question 30 |
What is the purpose of a dental explorer in a dental examination?
To measure tooth mobility | |
To detect caries and calculus | |
To remove debris | |
To measure the depth of periodontal pockets |
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
There are 30 questions to complete.
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