Free practice test

Dental Assistant Practice Test

Check what you know about the dental assistant job with 15 free questions and instant explanations.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
About this practice test

15 multiple-choice questions on dental assistant knowledge, safety and vocabulary. Submit to see your score and explanations, or open any question’s answer as you go. Nothing is saved or shared.

Question 1 of 15In the Universal Numbering System, adult teeth are numbered:
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Answer: 1–32. The Universal system numbers permanent teeth 1–32.

Question 2 of 15What does a spore test check?
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Answer: That the sterilizer is killing microorganisms. Biological indicators confirm sterilization effectiveness.

Question 3 of 15The surface of a tooth closest to the midline is called:
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Answer: Mesial. Mesial is toward the midline.

Question 4 of 15ALARA in radiography means:
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Answer: As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Keep radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.

Question 5 of 15Which tool removes fluids and debris during procedures?
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Answer: High-volume evacuator. The HVE is the large suction used chairside.

Question 6 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A large suction tip used to remove fluids and debris during procedures.”
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Answer: High-volume evacuator (HVE). High-volume evacuator (HVE): A large suction tip used to remove fluids and debris during procedures.

Question 7 of 15What does “Bitewing radiograph” mean?
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Answer: An X-ray showing upper and lower back teeth together, used to detect decay between teeth.. Bitewing radiograph: An X-ray showing upper and lower back teeth together, used to detect decay between teeth.

Question 8 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A protective coating placed on chewing surfaces to prevent decay.”
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Answer: Sealant. Sealant: A protective coating placed on chewing surfaces to prevent decay.

Question 9 of 15What does “Mesial” mean?
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Answer: The tooth surface closest to the midline of the dental arch.. Mesial: The tooth surface closest to the midline of the dental arch.

Question 10 of 15Which term matches this definition: “A technique where the dentist and assistant work together efficiently, passing instruments in a coordinated way.”
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Answer: Four-handed dentistry. Four-handed dentistry: A technique where the dentist and assistant work together efficiently, passing instruments in a coordinated way.

Question 11 of 15What does “Alginate” mean?
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Answer: An impression material used for study models and mouthguards.. Alginate: An impression material used for study models and mouthguards.

Question 12 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Recording gum pocket depths and other measures of gum health.”
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Answer: Periodontal charting. Periodontal charting: Recording gum pocket depths and other measures of gum health.

Question 13 of 15What does “Dental dam” mean?
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Answer: A thin sheet that isolates teeth during procedures to keep them dry.. Dental dam: A thin sheet that isolates teeth during procedures to keep them dry.

Question 14 of 15Which term matches this definition: “Professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus.”
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Answer: Prophylaxis. Prophylaxis: Professional cleaning to remove plaque and calculus.

Question 15 of 15What does “Occlusal” mean?
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Answer: The chewing surface of back teeth.. Occlusal: The chewing surface of back teeth.

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