Florida Dental Assistant Expanded
Functions Exam with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dental radiographs?
A. To whiten teeth
B. To diagnose conditions not visible during a clinical examination
C. To sterilize instruments
D. To remove plaque
Answer: B
Rationale: Dental radiographs help identify decay, bone loss, impacted teeth, and
other conditions that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
2. Which organization establishes infection control recommendations for dental
offices?
A. OSHA only
B. CDC
C. FDA only
D. EPA only
Answer: B
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes
infection control guidelines used in dental settings.
3. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. To improve patient comfort
B. To protect against exposure to infectious materials
C. To sterilize instruments
D. To sharpen instruments
,Answer: B
Rationale: PPE helps protect dental personnel and patients from cross-
contamination and infectious agents.
4. Which type of hand hygiene is most effective when hands are visibly soiled?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub only
B. Washing with soap and water
C. Wearing gloves only
D. Rinsing with water only
Answer: B
Rationale: Soap and water are required when hands are visibly dirty or
contaminated.
5. What is the purpose of sterilization?
A. Reduce odors
B. Eliminate all forms of microbial life
C. Remove visible debris only
D. Dry instruments
Answer: B
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
6. Which instrument is commonly used to place and carve dental amalgam?
A. Curette
B. Amalgam carver
C. Explorer
D. Hemostat
Answer: B
Rationale: Amalgam carvers are designed to shape and contour amalgam
restorations.
7. What does the term "occlusion" refer to?
, A. Tooth eruption
B. Contact between upper and lower teeth
C. Saliva production
D. Bone density
Answer: B
Rationale: Occlusion describes how the maxillary and mandibular teeth meet.
8. Which tooth surface faces the tongue?
A. Buccal
B. Labial
C. Lingual
D. Incisal
Answer: C
Rationale: The lingual surface is the side of the tooth facing the tongue.
9. What is the purpose of a dental matrix band?
A. Remove calculus
B. Form a temporary wall during restoration placement
C. Take impressions
D. Polish restorations
Answer: B
Rationale: Matrix bands help establish proper contour during restorative
procedures.
10. What is dental plaque?
A. Hardened calculus
B. A biofilm containing bacteria
C. Tooth enamel
D. Salivary gland tissue
Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque is a sticky bacterial biofilm that forms on tooth surfaces.
Functions Exam with Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dental radiographs?
A. To whiten teeth
B. To diagnose conditions not visible during a clinical examination
C. To sterilize instruments
D. To remove plaque
Answer: B
Rationale: Dental radiographs help identify decay, bone loss, impacted teeth, and
other conditions that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
2. Which organization establishes infection control recommendations for dental
offices?
A. OSHA only
B. CDC
C. FDA only
D. EPA only
Answer: B
Rationale: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publishes
infection control guidelines used in dental settings.
3. What is the purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
A. To improve patient comfort
B. To protect against exposure to infectious materials
C. To sterilize instruments
D. To sharpen instruments
,Answer: B
Rationale: PPE helps protect dental personnel and patients from cross-
contamination and infectious agents.
4. Which type of hand hygiene is most effective when hands are visibly soiled?
A. Alcohol-based hand rub only
B. Washing with soap and water
C. Wearing gloves only
D. Rinsing with water only
Answer: B
Rationale: Soap and water are required when hands are visibly dirty or
contaminated.
5. What is the purpose of sterilization?
A. Reduce odors
B. Eliminate all forms of microbial life
C. Remove visible debris only
D. Dry instruments
Answer: B
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores.
6. Which instrument is commonly used to place and carve dental amalgam?
A. Curette
B. Amalgam carver
C. Explorer
D. Hemostat
Answer: B
Rationale: Amalgam carvers are designed to shape and contour amalgam
restorations.
7. What does the term "occlusion" refer to?
, A. Tooth eruption
B. Contact between upper and lower teeth
C. Saliva production
D. Bone density
Answer: B
Rationale: Occlusion describes how the maxillary and mandibular teeth meet.
8. Which tooth surface faces the tongue?
A. Buccal
B. Labial
C. Lingual
D. Incisal
Answer: C
Rationale: The lingual surface is the side of the tooth facing the tongue.
9. What is the purpose of a dental matrix band?
A. Remove calculus
B. Form a temporary wall during restoration placement
C. Take impressions
D. Polish restorations
Answer: B
Rationale: Matrix bands help establish proper contour during restorative
procedures.
10. What is dental plaque?
A. Hardened calculus
B. A biofilm containing bacteria
C. Tooth enamel
D. Salivary gland tissue
Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque is a sticky bacterial biofilm that forms on tooth surfaces.
