Dental Assistant Exam Questions With
Correct Answers
Two red vertical lines drawn between the upper central incisors on a patient chart would indicate:
a) extraction of mesiodens
b) diastema
c) drifting
d) fixed bridge B) Diastema
Recommended technique for determining a patient's pulse or respiration rate is to:
Measure by 30 seconds and multiply by 2
To determine how much to inflate a BP cuff for an accurate reading, you must measure BPM and
add ___ to determine inflation level 40 mmHg
Average adult respiration rate is: 10-20
What is the normal pulse rate in a resting adult? 60-100 bpm
Standard practice provides, and some state laws require, that a signed privacy policy be kept in a
patient's file for a minimum of __ year(s).
A) 1
B) 2
,C) 3
D) None of the above D) None of the above
Some practices keep them for 6 years, some states require 5 years minimum
What is not part of a dental exam?
A) Radiographs
B) Soft Tissue Inspection
C) Impressions
D) Health History Review D) Health History Review
Not part of the dental exam but should be considered when assessing the patient's needs
What classification of decay is located on the gingival third on the facial or lingual surfaces of
teeth? Class V (5)
Which teeth are Class IV (4) decay located on? Incisors
What is another name for the neck of the tooth? CEJ
Cementoenamel Junction
What type of tissue covers alveolar bone attaching to the teeth at the margin of the gumlines?
Epithelial Attachment
,What is the tissue that divides the nasal cavity into 2 parts? Septum
Which nerve is the primary nerve for the mouth? Trigeminal
The pituitary gland is part of what body system? Endocrine
What position places the chair back until the patient is almost lying down? Supine
What is the best method of identifying working positions by a dental auxiliary?
A) Ergonomics
B) Clock Conception
C) Patient Cooperation
D) Range of Motion B) Clock conception
Dividing the tx area into zones helps to identify the appropriate working positions
When transferring an instrument from a right-handed operator, the assistant uses the ___
finger(s) on their left hand. last two
When transferring an instrument to the dentist, the dental assistant should:
A) transfer w/ sharp edge pointing toward them
B) transfer w/ working end facing the dentist
C) transfer w/ working end facing themselves
, D) transfer w/ working end facing down C) Transfer w/ working end facing themselves
Allows the dentist to receive the instrument in a way that allows immediate use w/o adjustment
Most of the time a dental assistant will be working in what "time zone" during a procedure?
2-4
Which chair has a foot bar for support? Assistant's chair
High volume evacuator tips should be placed slightly __ to the tooth being prepared
A) Occlusal
B) Lingual
C) Buccal
D) Distal Distal
What isolation method is appropriate for one or several teeth?
A) Cotton rolls
B) Dry angles
C) Dental dam
D) High volume evacuator C) Dental Dam
When setting up for a RCT appointment, what size hole punch is needed for premolar and
canines on a dental dam? No. 3
Correct Answers
Two red vertical lines drawn between the upper central incisors on a patient chart would indicate:
a) extraction of mesiodens
b) diastema
c) drifting
d) fixed bridge B) Diastema
Recommended technique for determining a patient's pulse or respiration rate is to:
Measure by 30 seconds and multiply by 2
To determine how much to inflate a BP cuff for an accurate reading, you must measure BPM and
add ___ to determine inflation level 40 mmHg
Average adult respiration rate is: 10-20
What is the normal pulse rate in a resting adult? 60-100 bpm
Standard practice provides, and some state laws require, that a signed privacy policy be kept in a
patient's file for a minimum of __ year(s).
A) 1
B) 2
,C) 3
D) None of the above D) None of the above
Some practices keep them for 6 years, some states require 5 years minimum
What is not part of a dental exam?
A) Radiographs
B) Soft Tissue Inspection
C) Impressions
D) Health History Review D) Health History Review
Not part of the dental exam but should be considered when assessing the patient's needs
What classification of decay is located on the gingival third on the facial or lingual surfaces of
teeth? Class V (5)
Which teeth are Class IV (4) decay located on? Incisors
What is another name for the neck of the tooth? CEJ
Cementoenamel Junction
What type of tissue covers alveolar bone attaching to the teeth at the margin of the gumlines?
Epithelial Attachment
,What is the tissue that divides the nasal cavity into 2 parts? Septum
Which nerve is the primary nerve for the mouth? Trigeminal
The pituitary gland is part of what body system? Endocrine
What position places the chair back until the patient is almost lying down? Supine
What is the best method of identifying working positions by a dental auxiliary?
A) Ergonomics
B) Clock Conception
C) Patient Cooperation
D) Range of Motion B) Clock conception
Dividing the tx area into zones helps to identify the appropriate working positions
When transferring an instrument from a right-handed operator, the assistant uses the ___
finger(s) on their left hand. last two
When transferring an instrument to the dentist, the dental assistant should:
A) transfer w/ sharp edge pointing toward them
B) transfer w/ working end facing the dentist
C) transfer w/ working end facing themselves
, D) transfer w/ working end facing down C) Transfer w/ working end facing themselves
Allows the dentist to receive the instrument in a way that allows immediate use w/o adjustment
Most of the time a dental assistant will be working in what "time zone" during a procedure?
2-4
Which chair has a foot bar for support? Assistant's chair
High volume evacuator tips should be placed slightly __ to the tooth being prepared
A) Occlusal
B) Lingual
C) Buccal
D) Distal Distal
What isolation method is appropriate for one or several teeth?
A) Cotton rolls
B) Dry angles
C) Dental dam
D) High volume evacuator C) Dental Dam
When setting up for a RCT appointment, what size hole punch is needed for premolar and
canines on a dental dam? No. 3
