DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam 2026: Professional
Certification Practice Examination — General Chairside Assisting,
Dental Instruments, Infection Control, Patient Care & Clinical
Procedures — 60 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1
A patient is scheduled for a Class II amalgam restoration on tooth #30. The dentist asks the
assistant to prepare the matrix system. Which type of matrix band is most appropriate for
this procedure?
A. Mylar strip
B. Tofflemire matrix band
C. Copper band matrix
D. Sectional matrix with separation ring
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Tofflemire matrix band is the standard choice for Class II amalgam
restorations, providing proper proximal contour and adaptation for condensation of
amalgam.
Question 2
During a composite resin restoration, the dentist instructs the assistant to apply the etchant.
What is the primary purpose of acid etching in this procedure?
A. To sterilize the cavity preparation
B. To create micromechanical retention for bonding
,C. To desensitize the dentinal tubules
D. To provide fluoride release at the restoration margin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phosphoric acid etching removes the smear layer and creates microporosity in
enamel and dentin, allowing resin tags to form for micromechanical retention of composite.
Question 3
A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for a prophylaxis. Which of the following
represents the most appropriate preventive measure?
A. Use latex gloves but double-glove over them
B. Schedule the patient as the last appointment of the day
C. Use non-latex gloves and ensure the treatment area is free of latex-containing items
D. Apply a topical antihistamine to the patient's hands before treatment
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Latex allergy requires complete avoidance of latex-containing products
including gloves, dams, and prophy cups; non-latex alternatives must be used throughout
the appointment.
Question 4
During a crown preparation appointment, which of the following describes the correct
sequence for the assistant?
,A. Seat the patient, mix impression material, prepare the tray, hand instruments to dentist
B. Prepare the tray, seat the patient, assist with preparation, mix impression material
C. Mix impression material, prepare the tray, seat the patient, assist with preparation
D. Seat the patient, prepare the tray, assist with preparation, mix impression material
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Proper chairside workflow begins with seating the patient and preparing the
tray, then assisting with the procedure before mixing materials at the appropriate step.
Question 5
A patient is undergoing extraction of tooth #17. The dentist requests a surgical suction tip.
Which suction device provides the most appropriate suction for this procedure?
A. Saliva ejector
B. High-volume evacuator (HVE) with surgical tip
C. Frazier suction tip
D. Yankauer suction tip
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A Frazier suction tip is designed for surgical procedures, providing precise
suction in the surgical site without damaging soft tissues during extraction.
Question 6
Which of the following instruments is used to remove supragingival calculus during a
prophylaxis?
, A. Gracey curette
B. Explorer
C. Sickle scaler
D. Periodontal probe
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sickle scalers are designed with a pointed tip and two cutting edges to remove
heavy supragingival calculus deposits from tooth surfaces.
Question 7
A patient reports a sudden onset of facial swelling and difficulty breathing after receiving a
local anesthetic injection. What should the assistant do FIRST?
A. Administer oxygen and monitor vital signs
B. Activate emergency response and prepare epinephrine
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Document the incident in the patient's chart
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signs of anaphylaxis require immediate emergency activation; epinephrine is
the first-line drug and must be prepared while activating emergency medical services.
Question 8
During a Class V restoration, where is the preparation located?
Certification Practice Examination — General Chairside Assisting,
Dental Instruments, Infection Control, Patient Care & Clinical
Procedures — 60 Multiple-Choice Questions with Answers &
Detailed Rationales
Question 1
A patient is scheduled for a Class II amalgam restoration on tooth #30. The dentist asks the
assistant to prepare the matrix system. Which type of matrix band is most appropriate for
this procedure?
A. Mylar strip
B. Tofflemire matrix band
C. Copper band matrix
D. Sectional matrix with separation ring
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A Tofflemire matrix band is the standard choice for Class II amalgam
restorations, providing proper proximal contour and adaptation for condensation of
amalgam.
Question 2
During a composite resin restoration, the dentist instructs the assistant to apply the etchant.
What is the primary purpose of acid etching in this procedure?
A. To sterilize the cavity preparation
B. To create micromechanical retention for bonding
,C. To desensitize the dentinal tubules
D. To provide fluoride release at the restoration margin
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Phosphoric acid etching removes the smear layer and creates microporosity in
enamel and dentin, allowing resin tags to form for micromechanical retention of composite.
Question 3
A patient with a known latex allergy is scheduled for a prophylaxis. Which of the following
represents the most appropriate preventive measure?
A. Use latex gloves but double-glove over them
B. Schedule the patient as the last appointment of the day
C. Use non-latex gloves and ensure the treatment area is free of latex-containing items
D. Apply a topical antihistamine to the patient's hands before treatment
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Latex allergy requires complete avoidance of latex-containing products
including gloves, dams, and prophy cups; non-latex alternatives must be used throughout
the appointment.
Question 4
During a crown preparation appointment, which of the following describes the correct
sequence for the assistant?
,A. Seat the patient, mix impression material, prepare the tray, hand instruments to dentist
B. Prepare the tray, seat the patient, assist with preparation, mix impression material
C. Mix impression material, prepare the tray, seat the patient, assist with preparation
D. Seat the patient, prepare the tray, assist with preparation, mix impression material
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Proper chairside workflow begins with seating the patient and preparing the
tray, then assisting with the procedure before mixing materials at the appropriate step.
Question 5
A patient is undergoing extraction of tooth #17. The dentist requests a surgical suction tip.
Which suction device provides the most appropriate suction for this procedure?
A. Saliva ejector
B. High-volume evacuator (HVE) with surgical tip
C. Frazier suction tip
D. Yankauer suction tip
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A Frazier suction tip is designed for surgical procedures, providing precise
suction in the surgical site without damaging soft tissues during extraction.
Question 6
Which of the following instruments is used to remove supragingival calculus during a
prophylaxis?
, A. Gracey curette
B. Explorer
C. Sickle scaler
D. Periodontal probe
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sickle scalers are designed with a pointed tip and two cutting edges to remove
heavy supragingival calculus deposits from tooth surfaces.
Question 7
A patient reports a sudden onset of facial swelling and difficulty breathing after receiving a
local anesthetic injection. What should the assistant do FIRST?
A. Administer oxygen and monitor vital signs
B. Activate emergency response and prepare epinephrine
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Document the incident in the patient's chart
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Signs of anaphylaxis require immediate emergency activation; epinephrine is
the first-line drug and must be prepared while activating emergency medical services.
Question 8
During a Class V restoration, where is the preparation located?
