DENTAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION
EXAM (DANB) PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which type of radiation has the highest energy and shortest
wavelength?
A. Ultraviolet
B. X-rays
C. Gamma rays
D. Infrared
X-rays have high energy and short wavelengths, allowing them to
penetrate tissues for imaging.
2. The purpose of a dental dam is to:
A. Enhance the taste of dental materials
B. Isolate the treatment area
C. Improve patient comfort
D. Reduce gag reflex
Dental dams isolate the tooth or teeth being treated, keeping the area
dry and free from saliva.
3. What is the correct order for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, mask, gown, eyewear
B. Mask, gown, gloves, eyewear
C. Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves
,D. Eyewear, gloves, gown, mask
Proper PPE protocol starts with the gown, then mask, eyewear, and
finally gloves.
4. What is the function of the parotid gland?
A. Produces digestive enzymes
B. Secretes saliva
C. Controls taste sensation
D. Regulates pH in the mouth
The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and secretes saliva to aid
in digestion and oral lubrication.
5. What instrument is used to remove calculus from teeth?
A. Excavator
B. Scaler
C. Curette
D. Probe
Scalers are designed to remove supragingival calculus and plaque from
tooth surfaces.
6. Which of the following is a symptom of gingivitis?
A. Tooth decay
B. Red, swollen gums
C. Loose teeth
D. Abscess formation
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, typically presenting with
redness, swelling, and bleeding.
7. What is the main ingredient in dental amalgam?
A. Composite resin
B. Mercury
C. Fluoride
D. Calcium hydroxide
, Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury with other metals such as
silver, tin, and copper.
8. Which sterilization method uses high pressure and steam?
A. Dry heat
B. Ethylene oxide
C. Autoclave
D. Chemical vapor
Autoclaves sterilize instruments using pressurized steam, effectively
killing all microorganisms.
9. The term "occlusion" refers to:
A. Tooth decay
B. Bite or contact between teeth
C. Gum disease
D. Jaw fracture
Occlusion is the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come
together when the mouth closes.
10. Which condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus?
A. Aphthous ulcers
B. Cold sores
C. Oral thrush
D. Periodontitis
Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, commonly found on the
lips and oral mucosa.
11. What is the purpose of a mouth mirror?
A. Remove plaque
B. Measure pockets
C. Indirect vision and retraction
D. Polish teeth
EXAM (DANB) PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which type of radiation has the highest energy and shortest
wavelength?
A. Ultraviolet
B. X-rays
C. Gamma rays
D. Infrared
X-rays have high energy and short wavelengths, allowing them to
penetrate tissues for imaging.
2. The purpose of a dental dam is to:
A. Enhance the taste of dental materials
B. Isolate the treatment area
C. Improve patient comfort
D. Reduce gag reflex
Dental dams isolate the tooth or teeth being treated, keeping the area
dry and free from saliva.
3. What is the correct order for donning PPE?
A. Gloves, mask, gown, eyewear
B. Mask, gown, gloves, eyewear
C. Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves
,D. Eyewear, gloves, gown, mask
Proper PPE protocol starts with the gown, then mask, eyewear, and
finally gloves.
4. What is the function of the parotid gland?
A. Produces digestive enzymes
B. Secretes saliva
C. Controls taste sensation
D. Regulates pH in the mouth
The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland and secretes saliva to aid
in digestion and oral lubrication.
5. What instrument is used to remove calculus from teeth?
A. Excavator
B. Scaler
C. Curette
D. Probe
Scalers are designed to remove supragingival calculus and plaque from
tooth surfaces.
6. Which of the following is a symptom of gingivitis?
A. Tooth decay
B. Red, swollen gums
C. Loose teeth
D. Abscess formation
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, typically presenting with
redness, swelling, and bleeding.
7. What is the main ingredient in dental amalgam?
A. Composite resin
B. Mercury
C. Fluoride
D. Calcium hydroxide
, Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury with other metals such as
silver, tin, and copper.
8. Which sterilization method uses high pressure and steam?
A. Dry heat
B. Ethylene oxide
C. Autoclave
D. Chemical vapor
Autoclaves sterilize instruments using pressurized steam, effectively
killing all microorganisms.
9. The term "occlusion" refers to:
A. Tooth decay
B. Bite or contact between teeth
C. Gum disease
D. Jaw fracture
Occlusion is the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come
together when the mouth closes.
10. Which condition is caused by the herpes simplex virus?
A. Aphthous ulcers
B. Cold sores
C. Oral thrush
D. Periodontitis
Herpes simplex virus type 1 causes cold sores, commonly found on the
lips and oral mucosa.
11. What is the purpose of a mouth mirror?
A. Remove plaque
B. Measure pockets
C. Indirect vision and retraction
D. Polish teeth
