MARYLAND Dentist Licensing EXAM 2026/2027
COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
WELL ELABORATED ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
(100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)
1. Which type of radiograph is ideal for detecting periapical lesions?
A. Periapical
B. Bitewing
C. Panoramic
D. Occlusal
Answer: A. Periapical
Rationale: Provides detailed visualization of the entire tooth root and surrounding alveolar
bone.
2. Which bacteria is most commonly associated with dental caries?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Porphyromonas gingivalis
C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
D. Actinomyces israelii
Answer: A. Streptococcus mutans
Rationale: Metabolizes sugars into acids that demineralize enamel.
3. Which local anesthetic provides the longest duration of pulpal anesthesia?
A. Bupivacaine
B. Lidocaine
C. Articaine
D. Mepivacaine
Answer: A. Bupivacaine
Rationale: Longer-acting anesthetic suitable for extended procedures.
4. Which instrument is primarily used for subgingival scaling?
A. Curette
B. Scaler
, C. Explorer
D. Probe
Answer: A. Curette
Rationale: Rounded tip allows safe adaptation below the gumline without damaging tissue.
5. Which condition involves reversible inflammation of gingival tissue without bone loss?
A. Gingivitis
B. Periodontitis
C. Periapical abscess
D. Oral candidiasis
Answer: A. Gingivitis
Rationale: Confined to soft tissue; proper oral hygiene can reverse the condition.
6. Which fluoride concentration is typically used in home toothpaste for caries prevention?
A. 1000–1500 ppm
B. 500 ppm
C. 250 ppm
D. 2000 ppm
Answer: A. 1000–1500 ppm
Rationale: Provides adequate enamel remineralization and decay prevention.
7. Which radiograph is preferred for detecting interproximal caries?
A. Bitewing
B. Panoramic
C. Periapical
D. Occlusal
Answer: A. Bitewing
Rationale: Displays crowns of posterior teeth and interproximal spaces clearly.
8. Which dental condition is characterized by alveolar bone loss and attachment loss?
A. Periodontitis
B. Gingivitis
C. Dental caries
D. Mucositis
, Answer: A. Periodontitis
Rationale: Inflammatory disease affecting supporting bone and connective tissue.
9. Which oral lesion is potentially premalignant?
A. Leukoplakia
B. Candidiasis
C. Aphthous ulcer
D. Herpes simplex lesion
Answer: A. Leukoplakia
Rationale: White plaque lesion that may progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
10. Which systemic disease is associated with increased risk of periodontal disease?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Asthma
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Osteoporosis
Answer: A. Diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Impaired immune response and vascular changes increase susceptibility to
periodontitis.
11. Which instrument is used to measure periodontal pocket depths?
A. Periodontal probe
B. Explorer
C. Scaler
D. Curette
Answer: A. Periodontal probe
Rationale: Provides standardized millimeter measurements for diagnosis and treatment
planning.
12. Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy and bleeding gums?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin A
COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
WELL ELABORATED ANSWERS AND RATIONALES
(100% CORRECT VERIFIED SOLUTIONS)
1. Which type of radiograph is ideal for detecting periapical lesions?
A. Periapical
B. Bitewing
C. Panoramic
D. Occlusal
Answer: A. Periapical
Rationale: Provides detailed visualization of the entire tooth root and surrounding alveolar
bone.
2. Which bacteria is most commonly associated with dental caries?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Porphyromonas gingivalis
C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
D. Actinomyces israelii
Answer: A. Streptococcus mutans
Rationale: Metabolizes sugars into acids that demineralize enamel.
3. Which local anesthetic provides the longest duration of pulpal anesthesia?
A. Bupivacaine
B. Lidocaine
C. Articaine
D. Mepivacaine
Answer: A. Bupivacaine
Rationale: Longer-acting anesthetic suitable for extended procedures.
4. Which instrument is primarily used for subgingival scaling?
A. Curette
B. Scaler
, C. Explorer
D. Probe
Answer: A. Curette
Rationale: Rounded tip allows safe adaptation below the gumline without damaging tissue.
5. Which condition involves reversible inflammation of gingival tissue without bone loss?
A. Gingivitis
B. Periodontitis
C. Periapical abscess
D. Oral candidiasis
Answer: A. Gingivitis
Rationale: Confined to soft tissue; proper oral hygiene can reverse the condition.
6. Which fluoride concentration is typically used in home toothpaste for caries prevention?
A. 1000–1500 ppm
B. 500 ppm
C. 250 ppm
D. 2000 ppm
Answer: A. 1000–1500 ppm
Rationale: Provides adequate enamel remineralization and decay prevention.
7. Which radiograph is preferred for detecting interproximal caries?
A. Bitewing
B. Panoramic
C. Periapical
D. Occlusal
Answer: A. Bitewing
Rationale: Displays crowns of posterior teeth and interproximal spaces clearly.
8. Which dental condition is characterized by alveolar bone loss and attachment loss?
A. Periodontitis
B. Gingivitis
C. Dental caries
D. Mucositis
, Answer: A. Periodontitis
Rationale: Inflammatory disease affecting supporting bone and connective tissue.
9. Which oral lesion is potentially premalignant?
A. Leukoplakia
B. Candidiasis
C. Aphthous ulcer
D. Herpes simplex lesion
Answer: A. Leukoplakia
Rationale: White plaque lesion that may progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma.
10. Which systemic disease is associated with increased risk of periodontal disease?
A. Diabetes mellitus
B. Asthma
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Osteoporosis
Answer: A. Diabetes mellitus
Rationale: Impaired immune response and vascular changes increase susceptibility to
periodontitis.
11. Which instrument is used to measure periodontal pocket depths?
A. Periodontal probe
B. Explorer
C. Scaler
D. Curette
Answer: A. Periodontal probe
Rationale: Provides standardized millimeter measurements for diagnosis and treatment
planning.
12. Which vitamin deficiency is associated with scurvy and bleeding gums?
A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin B12
D. Vitamin A
