DASLE MN Exam 2026 Questions and
Answers
What system has a tightening wrench to tighten and loosen the band? - Correct
answer-Automatrix
What is the purpose of a wedge? How many do you need for an MOD restoration?
- Correct answer-To contour and hold the band securely, 2 wedges
auto matrix is unique in that it has a wrench that does what? - Correct 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? - Correct answer-Overhang or
cupping
Class III & IV composites use what type of matrix system? - Correct answer-
Celluloid strip "Mylar"
wedges function is to? - Correct answer-insert into the lingual embrasure to hold
the band firmly against the gingival margin of the prep.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,for posterior restoration, where is the wedge inserted? - Correct answer-inserted on
the lingual side
what is used to insert the wedge? - Correct answer-110 howe pliers
The universal band when placed should extend _____ mm above the ________
surface? - Correct answer-1 ½ to 2 mm above the occlusal surface
what is T-band made from? - Correct answer-stainless steel or copper
what is the universal retainer (tofflemire retainer) - Correct 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. - Correct 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? -
Correct 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 _______________? - Correct answer-The distal and below
the height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Correct answer-Lingual, this
allows for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Correct 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 _______? - Correct 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? - Correct answer-Lingual, this
allows for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Correct answer-Air, Plastic
instrument (blunt instrument) black spoon or, beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
List the hole punch numbers for each type of tooth: - Correct answer-5 - Anchor
Tooth (clamped tooth) or keyhole punch #5 (double punched if using a winged
clamp)
4 - MX & MN molars
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, 3 - MX & MN canines and premolars
2 - Maxillary anterior centrals & laterals
1 - Mandibular anterior centrals & laterals
List the steps for removal of the dental dam. - Correct 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. - Correct answer-Better patient
management and protection from debris, materials and liquids
Controls moisture
Decreases operator time
Effective barrier control for infection control
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
Answers
What system has a tightening wrench to tighten and loosen the band? - Correct
answer-Automatrix
What is the purpose of a wedge? How many do you need for an MOD restoration?
- Correct answer-To contour and hold the band securely, 2 wedges
auto matrix is unique in that it has a wrench that does what? - Correct 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? - Correct answer-Overhang or
cupping
Class III & IV composites use what type of matrix system? - Correct answer-
Celluloid strip "Mylar"
wedges function is to? - Correct answer-insert into the lingual embrasure to hold
the band firmly against the gingival margin of the prep.
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,for posterior restoration, where is the wedge inserted? - Correct answer-inserted on
the lingual side
what is used to insert the wedge? - Correct answer-110 howe pliers
The universal band when placed should extend _____ mm above the ________
surface? - Correct answer-1 ½ to 2 mm above the occlusal surface
what is T-band made from? - Correct answer-stainless steel or copper
what is the universal retainer (tofflemire retainer) - Correct 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. - Correct 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? -
Correct 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 _______________? - Correct answer-The distal and below
the height of contour
Which side of the tooth is the clamp placed on first? - Correct answer-Lingual, this
allows for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Correct 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 _______? - Correct 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? - Correct answer-Lingual, this
allows for a fulcrum to place the clamp
List items that can be used to invert dental dam. - Correct answer-Air, Plastic
instrument (blunt instrument) black spoon or, beavertail burnisher, Waxed floss
List the hole punch numbers for each type of tooth: - Correct answer-5 - Anchor
Tooth (clamped tooth) or keyhole punch #5 (double punched if using a winged
clamp)
4 - MX & MN molars
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
, 3 - MX & MN canines and premolars
2 - Maxillary anterior centrals & laterals
1 - Mandibular anterior centrals & laterals
List the steps for removal of the dental dam. - Correct 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. - Correct answer-Better patient
management and protection from debris, materials and liquids
Controls moisture
Decreases operator time
Effective barrier control for infection control
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 4
