NEW YORK DENTAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION
EXAM B QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) Q&A 2026|INSTANT
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1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a dental
dam?
A. To polish teeth
B. To isolate the operative field
C. To take impressions
D. To sterilize instruments
Rationale: A dental dam isolates the tooth being treated to
prevent contamination and improve visibility.
Correct Answer: B
2. What is the correct order of donning PPE in a dental
setting?
A. Gloves, mask, gown, eyewear
B. Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves
C. Mask, gown, gloves, eyewear
D. Eyewear, gloves, gown, mask
Rationale: PPE is donned in a sequence that ensures maximum
protection before exposure risk.
Correct Answer: B
,3. Which instrument is used for examining tooth decay?
A. Explorer
B. Forceps
C. Scaler
D. Amalgam carrier
Rationale: An explorer detects caries and surface irregularities.
Correct Answer: A
4. What is the main function of saliva?
A. Harden enamel
B. Aid digestion and protect teeth
C. Destroy bacteria completely
D. Whiten teeth
Rationale: Saliva helps in digestion, lubrication, and buffering
acids.
Correct Answer: B
5. Which layer of the tooth is the hardest?
A. Dentin
B. Pulp
C. Enamel
D. Cementum
,Rationale: Enamel is the most mineralized and hardest tissue in
the human body.
Correct Answer: C
6. What does sterilization eliminate?
A. Only viruses
B. Only bacteria
C. All microorganisms including spores
D. Only fungi
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microbial life forms.
Correct Answer: C
7. What is the role of the dental assistant during radiography?
A. Diagnose caries
B. Position film and patient
C. Interpret X-rays
D. Prescribe treatment
Rationale: Assistants position patients and film but do not
interpret results.
Correct Answer: B
8. Which class of cavity is found on posterior proximal
surfaces?
, A. Class I
B. Class II
C. Class III
D. Class V
Rationale: Class II cavities involve posterior teeth proximal
surfaces.
Correct Answer: B
9. What is the function of fluoride?
A. Whitens teeth instantly
B. Strengthens enamel and prevents decay
C. Removes plaque mechanically
D. Reduces gum size
Rationale: Fluoride enhances remineralization and prevents
caries.
Correct Answer: B
10. What is the normal adult dental formula per quadrant?
A. 1-1-2-3
B. 2-1-2-3
C. 2-2-1-3
D. 3-1-2-2
EXAM B QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) Q&A 2026|INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of a dental
dam?
A. To polish teeth
B. To isolate the operative field
C. To take impressions
D. To sterilize instruments
Rationale: A dental dam isolates the tooth being treated to
prevent contamination and improve visibility.
Correct Answer: B
2. What is the correct order of donning PPE in a dental
setting?
A. Gloves, mask, gown, eyewear
B. Gown, mask, eyewear, gloves
C. Mask, gown, gloves, eyewear
D. Eyewear, gloves, gown, mask
Rationale: PPE is donned in a sequence that ensures maximum
protection before exposure risk.
Correct Answer: B
,3. Which instrument is used for examining tooth decay?
A. Explorer
B. Forceps
C. Scaler
D. Amalgam carrier
Rationale: An explorer detects caries and surface irregularities.
Correct Answer: A
4. What is the main function of saliva?
A. Harden enamel
B. Aid digestion and protect teeth
C. Destroy bacteria completely
D. Whiten teeth
Rationale: Saliva helps in digestion, lubrication, and buffering
acids.
Correct Answer: B
5. Which layer of the tooth is the hardest?
A. Dentin
B. Pulp
C. Enamel
D. Cementum
,Rationale: Enamel is the most mineralized and hardest tissue in
the human body.
Correct Answer: C
6. What does sterilization eliminate?
A. Only viruses
B. Only bacteria
C. All microorganisms including spores
D. Only fungi
Rationale: Sterilization destroys all microbial life forms.
Correct Answer: C
7. What is the role of the dental assistant during radiography?
A. Diagnose caries
B. Position film and patient
C. Interpret X-rays
D. Prescribe treatment
Rationale: Assistants position patients and film but do not
interpret results.
Correct Answer: B
8. Which class of cavity is found on posterior proximal
surfaces?
, A. Class I
B. Class II
C. Class III
D. Class V
Rationale: Class II cavities involve posterior teeth proximal
surfaces.
Correct Answer: B
9. What is the function of fluoride?
A. Whitens teeth instantly
B. Strengthens enamel and prevents decay
C. Removes plaque mechanically
D. Reduces gum size
Rationale: Fluoride enhances remineralization and prevents
caries.
Correct Answer: B
10. What is the normal adult dental formula per quadrant?
A. 1-1-2-3
B. 2-1-2-3
C. 2-2-1-3
D. 3-1-2-2
