Maryland General Dental Assisting Expanded
Function (MDG) Practice Exam – Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The main role of a dental assistant during restorative procedures is to:
a) Diagnose carious lesions
b) Place final restorations
c) Assist the dentist and maintain isolation of the field
d) Prescribe medications
Dental assistants support the dentist by preparing materials, assisting with
instruments, and maintaining a dry field—not diagnosing or prescribing.
2. Which instrument is used to condense amalgam into a prepared cavity?
a) Explorer
b) Excavator
c) Condenser
d) Carver
The condenser packs amalgam tightly into the cavity preparation.
3. A wedge is placed interproximally with a matrix band to:
a) Provide retention for the band
b) Adapt the matrix band against the tooth at the gingival margin
c) Remove excess amalgam
d) Hold composite material in place
, The wedge ensures proper contour and prevents overhangs at the gingival
margin.
4. What is the correct ratio of powder to liquid when mixing zinc phosphate
cement?
a) 1:1
b) Incremental powder added to liquid until desired consistency
c) All powder at once into liquid
d) Liquid added to powder
Zinc phosphate cement must be mixed incrementally to control heat and
consistency.
5. Which of the following is considered a critical item requiring sterilization?
a) Dental chair
b) Scalpel blade
c) Light handle
d) Face mask
Critical items penetrate tissue or bone and require sterilization.
6. During four-handed dentistry, the assistant’s hands should be:
a) Higher than the dentist’s
b) 4–6 inches above the dentist’s hands
c) Same level as the dentist’s
d) Lower than the dentist’s
This positioning allows efficient instrument transfer and visibility.
7. A cavity liner is placed primarily to:
a) Add strength to the restoration
b) Protect the pulp from irritation
, c) Replace dentin
d) Prevent leakage around margins
Liners such as calcium hydroxide protect the pulp from thermal or chemical
irritation.
8. Which instrument is used to remove decay manually?
a) Carver
b) Spoon excavator
c) Burnisher
d) Condenser
The spoon excavator removes carious dentin manually.
9. The term “expanded function” in dental assisting refers to:
a) Clerical duties
b) Performing delegated intraoral tasks under dentist supervision
c) Diagnosing oral conditions
d) Billing patients
Expanded functions include placing liners, temporary restorations, and
assisting with impressions.
10.Which handpiece operates at the highest speed?
a) Low-speed with straight attachment
b) Low-speed with contra-angle
c) High-speed handpiece
d) Laboratory handpiece
High-speed handpieces operate up to 400,000 rpm for tooth preparation.
11.Which restorative material releases fluoride to help prevent recurrent
decay?
Function (MDG) Practice Exam – Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. The main role of a dental assistant during restorative procedures is to:
a) Diagnose carious lesions
b) Place final restorations
c) Assist the dentist and maintain isolation of the field
d) Prescribe medications
Dental assistants support the dentist by preparing materials, assisting with
instruments, and maintaining a dry field—not diagnosing or prescribing.
2. Which instrument is used to condense amalgam into a prepared cavity?
a) Explorer
b) Excavator
c) Condenser
d) Carver
The condenser packs amalgam tightly into the cavity preparation.
3. A wedge is placed interproximally with a matrix band to:
a) Provide retention for the band
b) Adapt the matrix band against the tooth at the gingival margin
c) Remove excess amalgam
d) Hold composite material in place
, The wedge ensures proper contour and prevents overhangs at the gingival
margin.
4. What is the correct ratio of powder to liquid when mixing zinc phosphate
cement?
a) 1:1
b) Incremental powder added to liquid until desired consistency
c) All powder at once into liquid
d) Liquid added to powder
Zinc phosphate cement must be mixed incrementally to control heat and
consistency.
5. Which of the following is considered a critical item requiring sterilization?
a) Dental chair
b) Scalpel blade
c) Light handle
d) Face mask
Critical items penetrate tissue or bone and require sterilization.
6. During four-handed dentistry, the assistant’s hands should be:
a) Higher than the dentist’s
b) 4–6 inches above the dentist’s hands
c) Same level as the dentist’s
d) Lower than the dentist’s
This positioning allows efficient instrument transfer and visibility.
7. A cavity liner is placed primarily to:
a) Add strength to the restoration
b) Protect the pulp from irritation
, c) Replace dentin
d) Prevent leakage around margins
Liners such as calcium hydroxide protect the pulp from thermal or chemical
irritation.
8. Which instrument is used to remove decay manually?
a) Carver
b) Spoon excavator
c) Burnisher
d) Condenser
The spoon excavator removes carious dentin manually.
9. The term “expanded function” in dental assisting refers to:
a) Clerical duties
b) Performing delegated intraoral tasks under dentist supervision
c) Diagnosing oral conditions
d) Billing patients
Expanded functions include placing liners, temporary restorations, and
assisting with impressions.
10.Which handpiece operates at the highest speed?
a) Low-speed with straight attachment
b) Low-speed with contra-angle
c) High-speed handpiece
d) Laboratory handpiece
High-speed handpieces operate up to 400,000 rpm for tooth preparation.
11.Which restorative material releases fluoride to help prevent recurrent
decay?
