2024-2025 Top National Dental Board Exams multiple‐choice questions with answers—that
cover a range of topics commonly tested on. Use these to review key concepts in dental anatomy,
materials, pathology, radiology, periodontics, endodontics, operative dentistry, pediatric
dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pharmacology, and public health.
1. Dental Anatomy
Which tooth in the permanent dentition typically has three roots?
A) Mandibular first molar
B) Maxillary first molar
C) Mandibular canine
D) Maxillary canine
Answer: B) Maxillary first molar
2. Dental Materials
Which material is most commonly used for direct restorative procedures due to its superior
aesthetics?
A) Amalgam
B) Composite resin
C) Gold alloy
D) Porcelain
Answer: B) Composite resin
3. Oral Pathology
Which of the following is the most common odontogenic tumor?
A) Osteoma
B) Ameloblastoma
C) Odontoma
D) Central giant cell granuloma
Answer: C) Odontoma
4. Radiology
Bitewing radiographs are primarily used to detect:
A) Root fractures
B) Periodontal bone loss
C) Interproximal caries
D) TMJ abnormalities
Answer: C) Interproximal caries
, 5. Periodontics
Chronic periodontitis is best described as:
A) Rapid, aggressive destruction of the periodontium
B) Localized inflammation confined to the gingiva
C) Slow, progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth
D) Inflammation due to a viral infection
Answer: C) Slow, progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth
6. Endodontics
The primary purpose of endodontic therapy is to:
A) Restore a tooth with a crown
B) Remove infected pulp tissue and prevent reinfection
C) Seal interproximal surfaces
D) Enhance tooth aesthetics
Answer: B) Remove infected pulp tissue and prevent reinfection
7. Operative Dentistry
The longevity of a dental restoration largely depends on:
A) The color match of the material
B) The retention and resistance form provided
C) The time of day the restoration is placed
D) The age of the patient
Answer: B) The retention and resistance form provided
8. Pediatric Dentistry
Primary (baby) teeth typically begin to erupt at approximately:
A) 3–4 months of age
B) 6–8 months of age
C) 12–14 months of age
D) 18–20 months of age
Answer: B) 6–8 months of age
9. Orthodontics
The term “malocclusion” refers to:
A) Tooth decay
B) Abnormal alignment of the teeth
cover a range of topics commonly tested on. Use these to review key concepts in dental anatomy,
materials, pathology, radiology, periodontics, endodontics, operative dentistry, pediatric
dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pharmacology, and public health.
1. Dental Anatomy
Which tooth in the permanent dentition typically has three roots?
A) Mandibular first molar
B) Maxillary first molar
C) Mandibular canine
D) Maxillary canine
Answer: B) Maxillary first molar
2. Dental Materials
Which material is most commonly used for direct restorative procedures due to its superior
aesthetics?
A) Amalgam
B) Composite resin
C) Gold alloy
D) Porcelain
Answer: B) Composite resin
3. Oral Pathology
Which of the following is the most common odontogenic tumor?
A) Osteoma
B) Ameloblastoma
C) Odontoma
D) Central giant cell granuloma
Answer: C) Odontoma
4. Radiology
Bitewing radiographs are primarily used to detect:
A) Root fractures
B) Periodontal bone loss
C) Interproximal caries
D) TMJ abnormalities
Answer: C) Interproximal caries
, 5. Periodontics
Chronic periodontitis is best described as:
A) Rapid, aggressive destruction of the periodontium
B) Localized inflammation confined to the gingiva
C) Slow, progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth
D) Inflammation due to a viral infection
Answer: C) Slow, progressive loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth
6. Endodontics
The primary purpose of endodontic therapy is to:
A) Restore a tooth with a crown
B) Remove infected pulp tissue and prevent reinfection
C) Seal interproximal surfaces
D) Enhance tooth aesthetics
Answer: B) Remove infected pulp tissue and prevent reinfection
7. Operative Dentistry
The longevity of a dental restoration largely depends on:
A) The color match of the material
B) The retention and resistance form provided
C) The time of day the restoration is placed
D) The age of the patient
Answer: B) The retention and resistance form provided
8. Pediatric Dentistry
Primary (baby) teeth typically begin to erupt at approximately:
A) 3–4 months of age
B) 6–8 months of age
C) 12–14 months of age
D) 18–20 months of age
Answer: B) 6–8 months of age
9. Orthodontics
The term “malocclusion” refers to:
A) Tooth decay
B) Abnormal alignment of the teeth
