Michigan Composite Technician Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of etching enamel
before placing a composite restoration?
A. To disinfect the tooth surface
B. To create a micromechanical retention
C. To calm pulpal sensitivity
D. To color-match the composite
Rationale: Etching enamel increases surface roughness and porosity
to allow micromechanical bonding of the adhesive and composite
material.
2. The most common concentration of phosphoric acid used for enamel
etching is:
A. 10%
B. 37%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Rationale: 37% phosphoric acid is widely accepted as the standard
concentration for effective enamel etching without excessive
demineralization.
3. The phenomenon of polymerization shrinkage in composite resins
primarily results in:
A. Increased translucency
B. Marginal gaps
C. Higher fluoride release
D. Enhanced wear resistance
, Rationale: Polymerization shrinkage pulls the composite toward the
light source and can create marginal gaps that lead to microleakage.
4. A bonding agent’s primary function is to:
A. Modify composite shade
B. Facilitate adhesion between tooth and composite
C. Increase composite viscosity
D. Deliver fluoride
Rationale: Bonding agents create a hybrid layer and resin tags for
strong adhesion of composite to etched tooth structures.
5. Which of the following restorative materials is most appropriate for a
Class I occlusal restoration in a young patient?
A. Amalgam
B. Composite resin
C. Glass ionomer cement
D. Gold inlay
Rationale: Composite resin is aesthetic, bonds to enamel and dentin,
and is commonly used for Class I restorations in younger patients.
6. When curing a composite increment, the ideal distance between the
light guide and the material should be:
A. Less than 1 mm
B. As close as possible without touching
C. 5–6 mm
D. Over 10 mm
Rationale: Placing the curing light close to the composite maximizes
light intensity and depth of cure without contamination.
7. Which composite filler particle type is known for superior
polishability?
A. Macrofilled
B. Hybrid
C. Microfilled
D. Nanohybrid
Rationale: Microfilled composites contain small particles that allow
for a smooth, highly polishable surface.
8. Incremental placement of composite is recommended to:
A. Reduce curing time
, B. Allow larger increments
C. Minimize polymerization shrinkage stresses
D. Increase light penetration
Rationale: Placing composite in small increments helps reduce
shrinkage stress and ensures adequate curing.
9. The oxygen-inhibited layer on a composite surface is beneficial
because it:
A. Causes staining
B. Weakens restoration
C. Allows bonding to subsequent layers
D. Inhibits curing
Rationale: The oxygen-inhibited layer remains tacky which enables
chemical bonding between composite layers.
10. A Gamma-radiopaque composite additive provides:
A. Increased strength
B. Radiopacity for radiographic detection
C. Better esthetics
D. Faster curing
Rationale: Radiopaque fillers allow the restoration to be
distinguished from tooth structure on radiographs.
11. When isolating a tooth for composite placement, the most
effective method is:
A. Cotton rolls only
B. Saliva ejector
C. Rubber dam
D. Cotton pellets
Rationale: Rubber dam isolation provides a dry field and prevents
contamination essential for bonding success.
12. In a sandwich technique, the material placed beneath composite
to release fluoride is:
A. Composite
B. Glass ionomer
C. Zinc phosphate cement
D. Amalgam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of etching enamel
before placing a composite restoration?
A. To disinfect the tooth surface
B. To create a micromechanical retention
C. To calm pulpal sensitivity
D. To color-match the composite
Rationale: Etching enamel increases surface roughness and porosity
to allow micromechanical bonding of the adhesive and composite
material.
2. The most common concentration of phosphoric acid used for enamel
etching is:
A. 10%
B. 37%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Rationale: 37% phosphoric acid is widely accepted as the standard
concentration for effective enamel etching without excessive
demineralization.
3. The phenomenon of polymerization shrinkage in composite resins
primarily results in:
A. Increased translucency
B. Marginal gaps
C. Higher fluoride release
D. Enhanced wear resistance
, Rationale: Polymerization shrinkage pulls the composite toward the
light source and can create marginal gaps that lead to microleakage.
4. A bonding agent’s primary function is to:
A. Modify composite shade
B. Facilitate adhesion between tooth and composite
C. Increase composite viscosity
D. Deliver fluoride
Rationale: Bonding agents create a hybrid layer and resin tags for
strong adhesion of composite to etched tooth structures.
5. Which of the following restorative materials is most appropriate for a
Class I occlusal restoration in a young patient?
A. Amalgam
B. Composite resin
C. Glass ionomer cement
D. Gold inlay
Rationale: Composite resin is aesthetic, bonds to enamel and dentin,
and is commonly used for Class I restorations in younger patients.
6. When curing a composite increment, the ideal distance between the
light guide and the material should be:
A. Less than 1 mm
B. As close as possible without touching
C. 5–6 mm
D. Over 10 mm
Rationale: Placing the curing light close to the composite maximizes
light intensity and depth of cure without contamination.
7. Which composite filler particle type is known for superior
polishability?
A. Macrofilled
B. Hybrid
C. Microfilled
D. Nanohybrid
Rationale: Microfilled composites contain small particles that allow
for a smooth, highly polishable surface.
8. Incremental placement of composite is recommended to:
A. Reduce curing time
, B. Allow larger increments
C. Minimize polymerization shrinkage stresses
D. Increase light penetration
Rationale: Placing composite in small increments helps reduce
shrinkage stress and ensures adequate curing.
9. The oxygen-inhibited layer on a composite surface is beneficial
because it:
A. Causes staining
B. Weakens restoration
C. Allows bonding to subsequent layers
D. Inhibits curing
Rationale: The oxygen-inhibited layer remains tacky which enables
chemical bonding between composite layers.
10. A Gamma-radiopaque composite additive provides:
A. Increased strength
B. Radiopacity for radiographic detection
C. Better esthetics
D. Faster curing
Rationale: Radiopaque fillers allow the restoration to be
distinguished from tooth structure on radiographs.
11. When isolating a tooth for composite placement, the most
effective method is:
A. Cotton rolls only
B. Saliva ejector
C. Rubber dam
D. Cotton pellets
Rationale: Rubber dam isolation provides a dry field and prevents
contamination essential for bonding success.
12. In a sandwich technique, the material placed beneath composite
to release fluoride is:
A. Composite
B. Glass ionomer
C. Zinc phosphate cement
D. Amalgam
