106-MDG MARYLAND GENERAL DENTAL
ASSISTING EXPANDED FUNCTION EXAM
PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION) | VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | EFDA CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD STUDY PDF
106-MDG MARYLAND GENERAL DENTAL ASSISTING EXPANDED FUNCTION
EXAM PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION)
• This 200-question practice test mirrors the actual EFDA certification exam format,
covering all high-yield topics with verified correct answers and detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to reinforce your understanding.
• Study strategically by attempting each question independently before checking
the correct answer and EXPERT RATIONALE — this active recall method maximizes
retention and exam readiness.
1. Which instrument is used to condense amalgam into a prepared cavity?
A. Explorer
B. Periodontal probe
C. Hatchet
D. Spoon excavator
E. Amalgam condenser
Correct Answer: E. Amalgam condenser
EXPERT RATIONALE: An amalgam condenser (plugger) is specifically designed to
pack and condense amalgam restorative material into the prepared cavity to
eliminate voids and ensure proper adaptation to cavity walls.
,2. What is the primary purpose of cavity varnish?
A. To etch the enamel surface
B. To bond composite resin to dentin
C. To seal dentinal tubules and reduce microleakage under metallic restorations
D. To disinfect the cavity preparation
E. To harden the pulp tissue
Correct Answer: C. To seal dentinal tubules and reduce microleakage
under metallic restorations
EXPERT RATIONALE: Cavity varnish is applied to the cavity walls before placement
of metallic restorations to seal dentinal tubules, reduce sensitivity, and minimize
microleakage by providing a thin protective film.
3. Which surface of the maxillary first molar faces the cheek?
A. Mesial
B. Lingual
C. Occlusal
D. Buccal
E. Distal
Correct Answer: D. Buccal
EXPERT RATIONALE: The buccal surface is the surface of posterior teeth that faces
the cheeks (buccae). In maxillary molars, this surface is closest to the buccal
mucosa.
4. The process of removing the pulp from the root canal is known as:
A. Apicoectomy
,B. Pulpotomy
C. Pulpectomy
D. Curettage
E. Gingivectomy
Correct Answer: C. Pulpectomy
EXPERT RATIONALE: A pulpectomy involves the complete removal of the pulpal
tissue from both the coronal and radicular portions of the tooth, which is the basis
of root canal therapy.
5. What does the term "mesial" refer to in dental anatomy?
A. Toward the tongue
B. Toward the cheek
C. Toward the midline of the dental arch
D. Away from the midline
E. Toward the apex of the root
Correct Answer: C. Toward the midline of the dental arch
EXPERT RATIONALE: Mesial refers to the direction toward the midline of the face
along the dental arch. It is one of the five surfaces used to describe tooth surfaces.
6. Which type of radiograph shows the crowns of both upper and lower teeth
on a single film?
A. Periapical radiograph
B. Occlusal radiograph
C. Panoramic radiograph
D. Bitewing radiograph
, E. Cephalometric radiograph
Correct Answer: D. Bitewing radiograph
EXPERT RATIONALE: Bitewing radiographs capture the crowns and upper portions
of the roots of both maxillary and mandibular teeth simultaneously, making them
ideal for detecting interproximal caries and bone levels.
7. How many permanent teeth does an adult have in a full dentition?
A. 20
B. 24
C. 28
D. 32
E. 36
Correct Answer: D. 32
EXPERT RATIONALE: A complete adult dentition consists of 32 permanent teeth: 8
incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 third molars/wisdom
teeth).
8. What is the hardest substance in the human body?
A. Bone
B. Dentin
C. Cementum
D. Enamel
E. Cortical plate
Correct Answer: D. Enamel
ASSISTING EXPANDED FUNCTION EXAM
PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION) | VERIFIED
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | EFDA CERTIFICATION
SUCCESS GUIDE | HIGH-YIELD STUDY PDF
106-MDG MARYLAND GENERAL DENTAL ASSISTING EXPANDED FUNCTION
EXAM PRACTICE TEST (2026 EDITION)
• This 200-question practice test mirrors the actual EFDA certification exam format,
covering all high-yield topics with verified correct answers and detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to reinforce your understanding.
• Study strategically by attempting each question independently before checking
the correct answer and EXPERT RATIONALE — this active recall method maximizes
retention and exam readiness.
1. Which instrument is used to condense amalgam into a prepared cavity?
A. Explorer
B. Periodontal probe
C. Hatchet
D. Spoon excavator
E. Amalgam condenser
Correct Answer: E. Amalgam condenser
EXPERT RATIONALE: An amalgam condenser (plugger) is specifically designed to
pack and condense amalgam restorative material into the prepared cavity to
eliminate voids and ensure proper adaptation to cavity walls.
,2. What is the primary purpose of cavity varnish?
A. To etch the enamel surface
B. To bond composite resin to dentin
C. To seal dentinal tubules and reduce microleakage under metallic restorations
D. To disinfect the cavity preparation
E. To harden the pulp tissue
Correct Answer: C. To seal dentinal tubules and reduce microleakage
under metallic restorations
EXPERT RATIONALE: Cavity varnish is applied to the cavity walls before placement
of metallic restorations to seal dentinal tubules, reduce sensitivity, and minimize
microleakage by providing a thin protective film.
3. Which surface of the maxillary first molar faces the cheek?
A. Mesial
B. Lingual
C. Occlusal
D. Buccal
E. Distal
Correct Answer: D. Buccal
EXPERT RATIONALE: The buccal surface is the surface of posterior teeth that faces
the cheeks (buccae). In maxillary molars, this surface is closest to the buccal
mucosa.
4. The process of removing the pulp from the root canal is known as:
A. Apicoectomy
,B. Pulpotomy
C. Pulpectomy
D. Curettage
E. Gingivectomy
Correct Answer: C. Pulpectomy
EXPERT RATIONALE: A pulpectomy involves the complete removal of the pulpal
tissue from both the coronal and radicular portions of the tooth, which is the basis
of root canal therapy.
5. What does the term "mesial" refer to in dental anatomy?
A. Toward the tongue
B. Toward the cheek
C. Toward the midline of the dental arch
D. Away from the midline
E. Toward the apex of the root
Correct Answer: C. Toward the midline of the dental arch
EXPERT RATIONALE: Mesial refers to the direction toward the midline of the face
along the dental arch. It is one of the five surfaces used to describe tooth surfaces.
6. Which type of radiograph shows the crowns of both upper and lower teeth
on a single film?
A. Periapical radiograph
B. Occlusal radiograph
C. Panoramic radiograph
D. Bitewing radiograph
, E. Cephalometric radiograph
Correct Answer: D. Bitewing radiograph
EXPERT RATIONALE: Bitewing radiographs capture the crowns and upper portions
of the roots of both maxillary and mandibular teeth simultaneously, making them
ideal for detecting interproximal caries and bone levels.
7. How many permanent teeth does an adult have in a full dentition?
A. 20
B. 24
C. 28
D. 32
E. 36
Correct Answer: D. 32
EXPERT RATIONALE: A complete adult dentition consists of 32 permanent teeth: 8
incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 third molars/wisdom
teeth).
8. What is the hardest substance in the human body?
A. Bone
B. Dentin
C. Cementum
D. Enamel
E. Cortical plate
Correct Answer: D. Enamel
