CDCA-WREB-CITA DENTAL LICENSING PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) 2025
1. Which of the following is the most effective method for controlling salivary
contamination during a Class II composite restoration?
A) Cotton rolls
B) High-volume suction only
C) Rubber dam isolation
D) Dry angles
Rationale: Rubber dam isolation is the gold standard for moisture control during
composite restorations. It provides a dry field and prevents salivary
contamination, which is critical for proper bonding of resin-based materials.
2. A 45-year-old patient presents with a deep carious lesion on the distal surface
of tooth #19. Radiographically, the lesion is close to the pulp but there are no
signs of pulpitis. What is the best treatment option?
A) Extraction of tooth #19
B) Direct pulp cap
C) Indirect pulp cap
D) Root canal therapy
,Rationale: When the lesion is close to the pulp but the pulp is still vital and
asymptomatic, an indirect pulp cap is indicated to preserve pulp vitality by leaving
a thin layer of dentin to avoid pulp exposure.
3. What is the primary cause of postoperative sensitivity after placement of a
composite restoration?
A) Excessive curing light exposure
B) Microleakage due to inadequate bonding
C) Use of amalgam instead of composite
D) Over-carving of the restoration
Rationale: Postoperative sensitivity is commonly due to microleakage at the
tooth-restoration interface, allowing fluid movement in dentinal tubules, which
stimulates nerve endings.
4. Which dental material has the highest compressive strength suitable for
stress-bearing areas?
A) Glass ionomer cement
B) Zinc phosphate cement
C) Resin-modified glass ionomer
D) Amalgam
Rationale: Amalgam has the highest compressive strength and is ideal for stress-
bearing areas like Class I and II restorations, whereas glass ionomer and resin-
modified glass ionomer have lower strength.
, 5. What is the primary mechanism of fluoride in caries prevention?
A) Increasing salivary flow
B) Enhancing remineralization and inhibiting demineralization of enamel
C) Killing oral bacteria
D) Whitening teeth
Rationale: Fluoride promotes remineralization by forming fluorapatite, which is
more resistant to acid attack, and inhibits demineralization of enamel, thus
preventing caries.
6. During a root canal procedure, which irrigant is most effective at dissolving
organic tissue and disinfecting the canal?
A) Saline
B) Sodium hypochlorite
C) EDTA
D) Chlorhexidine
Rationale: Sodium hypochlorite is the preferred irrigant because it dissolves
organic tissue and has strong antimicrobial properties.
7. When fabricating a removable partial denture, what type of clasp is most
commonly used on an abutment with a short crown and limited undercut?
A) Embrasure clasp
B) Circumferential clasp
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) 2025
1. Which of the following is the most effective method for controlling salivary
contamination during a Class II composite restoration?
A) Cotton rolls
B) High-volume suction only
C) Rubber dam isolation
D) Dry angles
Rationale: Rubber dam isolation is the gold standard for moisture control during
composite restorations. It provides a dry field and prevents salivary
contamination, which is critical for proper bonding of resin-based materials.
2. A 45-year-old patient presents with a deep carious lesion on the distal surface
of tooth #19. Radiographically, the lesion is close to the pulp but there are no
signs of pulpitis. What is the best treatment option?
A) Extraction of tooth #19
B) Direct pulp cap
C) Indirect pulp cap
D) Root canal therapy
,Rationale: When the lesion is close to the pulp but the pulp is still vital and
asymptomatic, an indirect pulp cap is indicated to preserve pulp vitality by leaving
a thin layer of dentin to avoid pulp exposure.
3. What is the primary cause of postoperative sensitivity after placement of a
composite restoration?
A) Excessive curing light exposure
B) Microleakage due to inadequate bonding
C) Use of amalgam instead of composite
D) Over-carving of the restoration
Rationale: Postoperative sensitivity is commonly due to microleakage at the
tooth-restoration interface, allowing fluid movement in dentinal tubules, which
stimulates nerve endings.
4. Which dental material has the highest compressive strength suitable for
stress-bearing areas?
A) Glass ionomer cement
B) Zinc phosphate cement
C) Resin-modified glass ionomer
D) Amalgam
Rationale: Amalgam has the highest compressive strength and is ideal for stress-
bearing areas like Class I and II restorations, whereas glass ionomer and resin-
modified glass ionomer have lower strength.
, 5. What is the primary mechanism of fluoride in caries prevention?
A) Increasing salivary flow
B) Enhancing remineralization and inhibiting demineralization of enamel
C) Killing oral bacteria
D) Whitening teeth
Rationale: Fluoride promotes remineralization by forming fluorapatite, which is
more resistant to acid attack, and inhibits demineralization of enamel, thus
preventing caries.
6. During a root canal procedure, which irrigant is most effective at dissolving
organic tissue and disinfecting the canal?
A) Saline
B) Sodium hypochlorite
C) EDTA
D) Chlorhexidine
Rationale: Sodium hypochlorite is the preferred irrigant because it dissolves
organic tissue and has strong antimicrobial properties.
7. When fabricating a removable partial denture, what type of clasp is most
commonly used on an abutment with a short crown and limited undercut?
A) Embrasure clasp
B) Circumferential clasp
