DASLE MN Exam 2026 Questions and
Answers
What system has a tightening wrench to tighten and loosen the band? - Answer -
Automatrix
What is the purpose of a wedge? How many do you need for an MOD restoration?
- Answer -To contour and hold the band securely, 2 wedges
auto matrix is unique in that it has a wrench that does what? - Answer -has no
retainer to hold the band in place. the tightening wrench is inserted into the coil
and is turned clockwise to tighten the band
What occurs if the wedge is not place properly? - Answer -Overhang or cupping
Class III & IV composites use what type of matrix system? - Answer -Celluloid
strip "Mylar"
wedges function is to? - Answer -insert into the lingual embrasure to hold the band
firmly against the gingival margin of the prep.
for posterior restoration, where is the wedge inserted? - Answer -inserted on the
lingual side
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,what is used to insert the wedge? - Answer -110 howe pliers
The universal band when placed should extend _____ mm above the ________
surface? - Answer -1 ½ to 2 mm above the occlusal surface
what is T-band made from? - Answer -stainless steel or copper
what is the universal retainer (tofflemire retainer) - Answer -a mechanical device
that holds the matrix band snugly in position. it's designed for class II amalgam
restoration and intermediate. It's positioned from the buccal surface of the tooth
being restored
Explain the rule for posterior teeth isolation. - Answer -Isolate 1 to 2 teeth distal to
the tooth being treated (working tooth), and isolate 3 to 4 teeth mesial or 6 to 8
teeth for better stability
Explain the rule for anterior teeth isolation. What is the exception to the rule? -
Answer -Isolate canine to canine, clamp may not be needed, ligate between canine
and 1st premolar
Anterior/cervical clamp may be used for Class V, endo tooth or premolar clamps
may be used
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,The bow of the dental dam clamp is placed towards the _____ and the four points
of the clamp are resting _______________? - Answer -The distal and below the
height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Answer -Lingual, this allows
for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Answer -Air, Plastic instrument
(blunt instrument), black spoon or beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
the bow of the dental dam clam is placed towards the _____ and the four points of
the clamp are resting _______? - Answer -towards the distal and the four points of
the clamp are resting below the height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Answer -Lingual, this allows
for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Answer -Air, Plastic instrument
(blunt instrument) black spoon or, beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
List the hole punch numbers for each type of tooth: - Answer -5 - Anchor Tooth
(clamped tooth) or keyhole punch #5 (double punched if using a winged clamp)
4 - MX & MN molars
3 - MX & MN canines and premolars
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, 2 - Maxillary anterior centrals & laterals
1 - Mandibular anterior centrals & laterals
List the steps for removal of the dental dam. - Answer -Remove opposite
ligature/anchor (Wedjet or floss)
Cut the dam septum on the facial side
Remove the clamp
Remove dam and frame
Check for pieces
Floss
Massage tissue
List the uses/advantages of using dental dam. - Answer -Better patient management
and protection from debris, materials and liquids
Controls moisture
Decreases operator time
Effective barrier control for infection control
Used for RCT, sealants, restorations, whitening, not used for oral surgery
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Answers
What system has a tightening wrench to tighten and loosen the band? - Answer -
Automatrix
What is the purpose of a wedge? How many do you need for an MOD restoration?
- Answer -To contour and hold the band securely, 2 wedges
auto matrix is unique in that it has a wrench that does what? - Answer -has no
retainer to hold the band in place. the tightening wrench is inserted into the coil
and is turned clockwise to tighten the band
What occurs if the wedge is not place properly? - Answer -Overhang or cupping
Class III & IV composites use what type of matrix system? - Answer -Celluloid
strip "Mylar"
wedges function is to? - Answer -insert into the lingual embrasure to hold the band
firmly against the gingival margin of the prep.
for posterior restoration, where is the wedge inserted? - Answer -inserted on the
lingual side
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,what is used to insert the wedge? - Answer -110 howe pliers
The universal band when placed should extend _____ mm above the ________
surface? - Answer -1 ½ to 2 mm above the occlusal surface
what is T-band made from? - Answer -stainless steel or copper
what is the universal retainer (tofflemire retainer) - Answer -a mechanical device
that holds the matrix band snugly in position. it's designed for class II amalgam
restoration and intermediate. It's positioned from the buccal surface of the tooth
being restored
Explain the rule for posterior teeth isolation. - Answer -Isolate 1 to 2 teeth distal to
the tooth being treated (working tooth), and isolate 3 to 4 teeth mesial or 6 to 8
teeth for better stability
Explain the rule for anterior teeth isolation. What is the exception to the rule? -
Answer -Isolate canine to canine, clamp may not be needed, ligate between canine
and 1st premolar
Anterior/cervical clamp may be used for Class V, endo tooth or premolar clamps
may be used
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
,The bow of the dental dam clamp is placed towards the _____ and the four points
of the clamp are resting _______________? - Answer -The distal and below the
height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Answer -Lingual, this allows
for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Answer -Air, Plastic instrument
(blunt instrument), black spoon or beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
the bow of the dental dam clam is placed towards the _____ and the four points of
the clamp are resting _______? - Answer -towards the distal and the four points of
the clamp are resting below the height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Answer -Lingual, this allows
for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Answer -Air, Plastic instrument
(blunt instrument) black spoon or, beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
List the hole punch numbers for each type of tooth: - Answer -5 - Anchor Tooth
(clamped tooth) or keyhole punch #5 (double punched if using a winged clamp)
4 - MX & MN molars
3 - MX & MN canines and premolars
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, 2 - Maxillary anterior centrals & laterals
1 - Mandibular anterior centrals & laterals
List the steps for removal of the dental dam. - Answer -Remove opposite
ligature/anchor (Wedjet or floss)
Cut the dam septum on the facial side
Remove the clamp
Remove dam and frame
Check for pieces
Floss
Massage tissue
List the uses/advantages of using dental dam. - Answer -Better patient management
and protection from debris, materials and liquids
Controls moisture
Decreases operator time
Effective barrier control for infection control
Used for RCT, sealants, restorations, whitening, not used for oral surgery
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
