Washington State Dental Board Exam Questions &
Rationales 2026 | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. What is a dental crown primarily used for?
To fill cavities in teeth.
To restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a tooth.
To whiten teeth and improve their color.
To extract a damaged tooth.
2. Which statements are true regarding periodontal disease?
It involves inflammation of soft and hard structures supporting the
teeth.
All of these are true.
It may cause tooth mobility.
It may result in tooth loss.
3. Which of the following best describes calculus within the mouth?
The result of hyperplasia
Calcified dental plaque
Extra enamel in the mouth
The mathematical study of change
4. Periodontal disease is characterized by
severe dental caries.
inflammatory-mediated destruction of structures that support the
teeth.
, all of the above.
severe pain.
5. Describe what malocclusion means in the context of dental health.
Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth when the jaws are
closed, which can affect bite and oral function.
Malocclusion indicates the presence of cavities in teeth.
Malocclusion is the process of teeth whitening in dental procedures.
Malocclusion is a term for the removal of teeth.
6. What type of dental restoration is fitted to a cavity and cemented into place?
Fillings
Inlays
Crowns
Bridges
7. Describe the role of a dental filling in dental restoration.
A dental filling is a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity.
A dental filling serves to repair and restore the structure and
function of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.
A dental filling is primarily for cosmetic enhancement of teeth.
A dental filling is used to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
8. Dental plaque is a ________
mucus secretion
, biofilm
infection
9. What is the role of a dentist?
to prevent and correct abnormally spaced teeth
to promote healthy teeth and gums
to educate patients on proper dental hygiene
to diagnose and treat diseases affecting the teeth and gums
10. Describe the relationship between dentine and enamel in terms of tooth
sensitivity.
Enamel and dentine do not affect tooth sensitivity.
Dentine is always sensitive regardless of enamel condition.
If the enamel protection is lost, dentine can become sensitive.
Dentine protects enamel from sensitivity.
11. Describe the condition known as gingivitis and its potential impact on oral
health.
Gingivitis is the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth that causes bad
breath.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums that can lead to more
severe periodontal disease if untreated.
Gingivitis is the process of teeth whitening.
Gingivitis is a type of tooth decay that affects the enamel.
12. Describe the process of how inlays are used in dental restorations.
Rationales 2026 | Latest Update | Graded A+
1. What is a dental crown primarily used for?
To fill cavities in teeth.
To restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a tooth.
To whiten teeth and improve their color.
To extract a damaged tooth.
2. Which statements are true regarding periodontal disease?
It involves inflammation of soft and hard structures supporting the
teeth.
All of these are true.
It may cause tooth mobility.
It may result in tooth loss.
3. Which of the following best describes calculus within the mouth?
The result of hyperplasia
Calcified dental plaque
Extra enamel in the mouth
The mathematical study of change
4. Periodontal disease is characterized by
severe dental caries.
inflammatory-mediated destruction of structures that support the
teeth.
, all of the above.
severe pain.
5. Describe what malocclusion means in the context of dental health.
Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth when the jaws are
closed, which can affect bite and oral function.
Malocclusion indicates the presence of cavities in teeth.
Malocclusion is the process of teeth whitening in dental procedures.
Malocclusion is a term for the removal of teeth.
6. What type of dental restoration is fitted to a cavity and cemented into place?
Fillings
Inlays
Crowns
Bridges
7. Describe the role of a dental filling in dental restoration.
A dental filling is a temporary solution for tooth sensitivity.
A dental filling serves to repair and restore the structure and
function of a tooth that has been damaged by decay.
A dental filling is primarily for cosmetic enhancement of teeth.
A dental filling is used to prevent tooth decay from occurring.
8. Dental plaque is a ________
mucus secretion
, biofilm
infection
9. What is the role of a dentist?
to prevent and correct abnormally spaced teeth
to promote healthy teeth and gums
to educate patients on proper dental hygiene
to diagnose and treat diseases affecting the teeth and gums
10. Describe the relationship between dentine and enamel in terms of tooth
sensitivity.
Enamel and dentine do not affect tooth sensitivity.
Dentine is always sensitive regardless of enamel condition.
If the enamel protection is lost, dentine can become sensitive.
Dentine protects enamel from sensitivity.
11. Describe the condition known as gingivitis and its potential impact on oral
health.
Gingivitis is the overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth that causes bad
breath.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums that can lead to more
severe periodontal disease if untreated.
Gingivitis is the process of teeth whitening.
Gingivitis is a type of tooth decay that affects the enamel.
12. Describe the process of how inlays are used in dental restorations.
