106-MDG Maryland General Dental Assisting
Expanded Function Practice Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale
2027 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Maryland Expanded
Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) when placing restorative
materials?
A. Diagnose dental disease
B. Prescribe medications
C. Perform authorized restorative procedures under the supervision of
a licensed dentist
D. Perform oral surgery independently
Rationale: Expanded Function Dental Assistants are authorized to
perform specific restorative and clinical procedures delegated by a
licensed dentist. They cannot diagnose diseases, prescribe
medications, or independently perform surgical procedures.
, 2. Before an EFDA places a permanent restoration, the dentist must
first:
A. Allow the assistant to prepare the cavity independently
B. Examine the tooth, prepare the cavity, and authorize the procedure
C. Leave the office during the procedure
D. Permit the patient to choose the restorative material
Rationale: The dentist is responsible for diagnosing the condition,
preparing the tooth, determining the restorative material, and
authorizing the EFDA to complete delegated restorative procedures.
3. Which dental material is commonly used for posterior tooth
restorations because of its strength?
A. Zinc oxide-eugenol
B. Glass ionomer liner
C. Dental amalgam
D. Calcium hydroxide
Rationale: Dental amalgam has long been valued for its durability and
compressive strength, making it suitable for restoring posterior teeth
subjected to heavy chewing forces.
, 4. Which instrument is primarily used to condense amalgam into a
prepared cavity?
A. Burnisher
B. Carver
C. Explorer
D. Condenser
Rationale: A condenser packs amalgam tightly into the cavity
preparation, eliminating voids and improving adaptation to cavity
walls.
5. The purpose of a matrix band during a Class II restoration is to:
A. Remove decay
B. Replace the missing wall of the tooth while the restoration is placed
C. Polish the restoration
D. Measure occlusion
Rationale: Matrix bands recreate the missing proximal wall, allowing
proper contour and contact during restoration placement.
6. Which device is commonly used to secure a matrix band around a
posterior tooth?
, A. Mouth prop
B. Rubber dam clamp
C. Tofflemire retainer
D. Saliva ejector
Rationale: The Tofflemire retainer holds the matrix band securely
around the tooth while restorative material is placed.
7. Why is isolation important during composite placement?
A. To improve patient comfort only
B. To reduce treatment cost
C. To prevent contamination by saliva or moisture
D. To increase curing time
Rationale: Composite materials require a dry field because moisture
contamination can significantly reduce bond strength and restoration
longevity.
8. What is the primary purpose of acid etching enamel?
A. Sterilize the tooth
B. Remove plaque permanently
Expanded Function Practice Exam Questions and
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale
2027 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary responsibility of a Maryland Expanded
Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) when placing restorative
materials?
A. Diagnose dental disease
B. Prescribe medications
C. Perform authorized restorative procedures under the supervision of
a licensed dentist
D. Perform oral surgery independently
Rationale: Expanded Function Dental Assistants are authorized to
perform specific restorative and clinical procedures delegated by a
licensed dentist. They cannot diagnose diseases, prescribe
medications, or independently perform surgical procedures.
, 2. Before an EFDA places a permanent restoration, the dentist must
first:
A. Allow the assistant to prepare the cavity independently
B. Examine the tooth, prepare the cavity, and authorize the procedure
C. Leave the office during the procedure
D. Permit the patient to choose the restorative material
Rationale: The dentist is responsible for diagnosing the condition,
preparing the tooth, determining the restorative material, and
authorizing the EFDA to complete delegated restorative procedures.
3. Which dental material is commonly used for posterior tooth
restorations because of its strength?
A. Zinc oxide-eugenol
B. Glass ionomer liner
C. Dental amalgam
D. Calcium hydroxide
Rationale: Dental amalgam has long been valued for its durability and
compressive strength, making it suitable for restoring posterior teeth
subjected to heavy chewing forces.
, 4. Which instrument is primarily used to condense amalgam into a
prepared cavity?
A. Burnisher
B. Carver
C. Explorer
D. Condenser
Rationale: A condenser packs amalgam tightly into the cavity
preparation, eliminating voids and improving adaptation to cavity
walls.
5. The purpose of a matrix band during a Class II restoration is to:
A. Remove decay
B. Replace the missing wall of the tooth while the restoration is placed
C. Polish the restoration
D. Measure occlusion
Rationale: Matrix bands recreate the missing proximal wall, allowing
proper contour and contact during restoration placement.
6. Which device is commonly used to secure a matrix band around a
posterior tooth?
, A. Mouth prop
B. Rubber dam clamp
C. Tofflemire retainer
D. Saliva ejector
Rationale: The Tofflemire retainer holds the matrix band securely
around the tooth while restorative material is placed.
7. Why is isolation important during composite placement?
A. To improve patient comfort only
B. To reduce treatment cost
C. To prevent contamination by saliva or moisture
D. To increase curing time
Rationale: Composite materials require a dry field because moisture
contamination can significantly reduce bond strength and restoration
longevity.
8. What is the primary purpose of acid etching enamel?
A. Sterilize the tooth
B. Remove plaque permanently
