CODA Board Exam Study Guide (2025/2026 Syllabus)
*100+ Practice Questions with Model Answers*
SECTION I: DENTAL ANATOMY & HISTOLOGY
1. What is the primary mineral component of tooth enamel?
ANSWER ✓ Hydroxyapatite (crystalline calcium phosphate).
2. Which cells are responsible for dentin formation?
ANSWER ✓ Odontoblasts.
3. Name the four types of papillae found on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
ANSWER ✓ Filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae.
4. What is the term for the natural space between adjacent teeth that allows for
normal tooth alignment?
ANSWER ✓ Diastema.
5. Which tooth surface faces toward the midline of the dental arch?
ANSWER ✓ Mesial surface.
SECTION II: ORAL PATHOLOGY & DIAGNOSIS
6. What is the most common benign salivary gland tumor?
ANSWER ✓ Pleomorphic adenoma.
7. Define leukoplakia.
ANSWER ✓ A white patch or plaque that cannot be characterized clinically or
pathologically as any other disease (a clinical term only).
8. Which oral lesion is characterized by a "white, lacy" pattern (Wickham's striae)?
ANSWER ✓ Oral lichen planus.
, 9. What is the most common odontogenic cyst?
ANSWER ✓ Radicular (periapical) cyst.
10. Which malignant tumor is associated with Epstein-Barr virus in endemic
regions?
ANSWER ✓ Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (also Burkitt's lymphoma in some contexts).
SECTION III: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY
11. What is the primary rule for minimizing radiation exposure?
ANSWER ✓ ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
12. Which radiographic technique minimizes image distortion by positioning the
film parallel to the tooth and the beam perpendicular to both?
ANSWER ✓ Parallel technique (long-cone technique).
13. What appears radiopaque on a dental radiograph?
ANSWER ✓ Enamel, dentin, bone, metallic restorations, and calculus.
14. Define foreshortening in radiography.
ANSWER ✓ An image where teeth appear shorter than actual due to excessive vertical
angulation.
15. What is the purpose of a lead apron with thyroid collar?
ANSWER ✓ To protect the thyroid gland and torso from scatter radiation.
SECTION IV: PHARMACOLOGY & PAIN CONTROL
16. What is the maximum recommended dose of lidocaine (2% with 1:100,000
epinephrine) for a healthy adult?
ANSWER ✓ Approximately 4.4 mg/kg, not to exceed 300 mg (or about 7 carpules for a
150 lb patient).
*100+ Practice Questions with Model Answers*
SECTION I: DENTAL ANATOMY & HISTOLOGY
1. What is the primary mineral component of tooth enamel?
ANSWER ✓ Hydroxyapatite (crystalline calcium phosphate).
2. Which cells are responsible for dentin formation?
ANSWER ✓ Odontoblasts.
3. Name the four types of papillae found on the dorsal surface of the tongue.
ANSWER ✓ Filiform, fungiform, circumvallate, and foliate papillae.
4. What is the term for the natural space between adjacent teeth that allows for
normal tooth alignment?
ANSWER ✓ Diastema.
5. Which tooth surface faces toward the midline of the dental arch?
ANSWER ✓ Mesial surface.
SECTION II: ORAL PATHOLOGY & DIAGNOSIS
6. What is the most common benign salivary gland tumor?
ANSWER ✓ Pleomorphic adenoma.
7. Define leukoplakia.
ANSWER ✓ A white patch or plaque that cannot be characterized clinically or
pathologically as any other disease (a clinical term only).
8. Which oral lesion is characterized by a "white, lacy" pattern (Wickham's striae)?
ANSWER ✓ Oral lichen planus.
, 9. What is the most common odontogenic cyst?
ANSWER ✓ Radicular (periapical) cyst.
10. Which malignant tumor is associated with Epstein-Barr virus in endemic
regions?
ANSWER ✓ Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (also Burkitt's lymphoma in some contexts).
SECTION III: DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY
11. What is the primary rule for minimizing radiation exposure?
ANSWER ✓ ALARA principle: As Low As Reasonably Achievable.
12. Which radiographic technique minimizes image distortion by positioning the
film parallel to the tooth and the beam perpendicular to both?
ANSWER ✓ Parallel technique (long-cone technique).
13. What appears radiopaque on a dental radiograph?
ANSWER ✓ Enamel, dentin, bone, metallic restorations, and calculus.
14. Define foreshortening in radiography.
ANSWER ✓ An image where teeth appear shorter than actual due to excessive vertical
angulation.
15. What is the purpose of a lead apron with thyroid collar?
ANSWER ✓ To protect the thyroid gland and torso from scatter radiation.
SECTION IV: PHARMACOLOGY & PAIN CONTROL
16. What is the maximum recommended dose of lidocaine (2% with 1:100,000
epinephrine) for a healthy adult?
ANSWER ✓ Approximately 4.4 mg/kg, not to exceed 300 mg (or about 7 carpules for a
150 lb patient).
