HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD) - ANShighest rate of radiation exposure
Roentgen (R) - ANSbasic unit of exposure to radiation; C/kg
Rad (radiation absorbed dose) - ANSunit of absorbed radiation; Gy
Rem (roentgen equivalent measure) - ANSunit of radiation needed to produced same
biological effect of one R; Sv
Erythema Dose - ANSradiation overdose that produces redness of the skin
Dosimeter - ANSdevice to measure the amount of stray/secondary radiation
Lead Barriers, Shields - ANSdevice that blocks out scattered radiation
Phantom - ANSdevice used for practice in learning radiation-exposure techniques; Dexter
Express Contract - ANSVerbal or written words that are agreed on in an established contract
Liner applicator - ANSTo place calcium hydroxide or glass ionomer in cavity preparation.
Amalgam plugger - ANSused to pack amalgam into tooth
Sterilize - ANSthe process where ALL forms of life are completely destroyed. This includes
all microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, viruses and bacterial spores. (Eg - autoclave, chemical
vapor sterilization and dry heat sterilization)
Disinfect - ANSthe process where SOME forms of microorganisms are destroyed. it does not
destroy spores and resistant viruses.
Sanitize - ANSthe process that cleans and destroys FEW microorganisms
Distal - ANSfarthest from the midline
Root Canal Therapy - ANSprocess of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert
material.
palate - ANShard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth
Broad-spectrum activity - ANScapable of killing a wide variety of microbes
Bioburden - ANSany visible organic debris, blood saliva and other body fluids
Unerupted tooth - ANSa tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct
position in the dental arch
quadrant - ANS1/2 of one dental arch
abfraction - ANSloss of tooth surface in cervical area
ameloblast - ANSenamel forming cells
angle of the mandible - ANSarea from which the ramus ascends on the lower border of the
mandible
apex - ANSroot end of tooth
biteblock - ANSdevice used to hold radiation film in mouth for exposure
biteloop - ANSencircles periapical film
buccinator - ANSprincipal cheek muscle
cnaliculi - ANSsmall channels or canals may be present in cementum
candidiasis - ANSinfection of mouth, thrush
cantilever bridge - ANSonly one side of device attatched
cheilosis - ANSinflammation of lips
cingulum - ANSsmooth, convex, or rounded bump on lingual of maxillary anteriors
clasp - ANSextension of partial appliance that grasps surrounding teeth for support
,HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
commisure - ANScorner of the mouth where the lips meet
complex cavity - ANSdecay involving more than two surfaces of a tooth
compound - ANSnonelastic impression material used in edentulous impressions
condyloid - ANSposterior growth on ramus of the mandible
coping - ANSthin covering placed over remaining tooth surface
core buildup - ANSuse of synthetic material to enlarge tooth core area to provide support for
a crown
cortical plate - ANSouter bone layer growth of alveolar bone
crepitus - ANSgrinding, joint abrasion
cuspid - ANSthird tooth posterior of the midline, also called canine, eye tooth
cuticle - ANStissue layer covering tooth surface
Nasmyth's membrane - ANStissue layer covering tooth surface
denticle - ANSsmall tooth growth, pulp stone
embrasure - ANSv-shaped tooth gap between contact area and gingival crest
fontanel - ANSbaby's soft spot literally "little fountain"
genioplasty - ANSplastic surgery of the chin or cheek
gnarled enamel - ANSenamel rods twisting and curving within enamel tissue
gomphosis - ANSholding and anchoring action of a tooth in its socket
Hawley appliance - ANSorthodontic appliance to maintain space after correction
heterodont - ANSteeth of various shapes
hyoid - ANSsmall bone in neck area "Adam's apple"
incipient caries - ANSbeginning decay
incisor - ANScutting, anterior tooth
lacuna - ANSsmall open space in cementum
lamellae - ANSdevelopmental imperfections of the enamel extending to the dentin
Maryland bridge - ANSbridge cemented to adjacent teeth
masseter - ANSmuscle of mastication that closes the mouth
mentalis - ANSchin muscle that moves chin tissue and raises the lower lip
parotid - ANSlargest salivary gland located near the ear
pontic - ANSartificial tooth part of a bridge
prophy - ANSprofessional tooth cleaning
ptosis - ANSdrooping or sagging of organ, "witch's chin"
resin - ANSplastic type material used for dental appliances
resorption - ANSremoval of hard tooth surface and degeneration of root tissues retromolar
Sharpey's fibers - ANSperiodontal ligaments that attatch and hold the tooth
simple cavity - ANSdecay on only one surface
smile line - ANSamount of tooth space viewed when patient is smiling
symphysis - ANScenter of mandible
denture - ANSan artificial substitute for missing natural teeth
inventory - ANSan itemized compilation of materials on hand
dosage - ANSthe amount of a medicine administered
,HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
stable - ANSbone and soft tissue closing the space encompassedby the upper alveolar arch
crevice - ANSa narrow opening due to a fissure or crack
intubation - ANSinsertion of a tube
mulling - ANSfinal step of mixing dental amalgam
infusion - ANStherapeutic introduction of a fluid into a vein
distention - ANSa state of dilation
leverage - ANSmechanical use of a lever
penetration - ANSability of radiation to extend down into and go through substances
malposed - ANSin an abnormal position
current - ANSa measure of the number of electrons per second that pass a given point on a
conductor
germicide - ANSsubstance capable of killing a wide variety of microorganisms
respirator - ANSa device for giving artificial respiration
ligate - ANSto bind or tie with a suture
inspirator - ANSa form of inhaler or respirator
astringent - ANSan agent that limits the secretions of glands
hemisection - ANScomplete sectioning through the crown of a tooth
ejector - ANSa device used to remove debris and fluids; an aspirator
extrusion - ANSmovement of teeth beyond the natural coronal plane
stomatitis - ANSinflammation of oral soft tissues
deviation - ANSturning from a regular course
emulsion - ANSa colloidal dispersion of one liquid in another
sensory - ANSpertaining to sensation
vasomotor - ANScausing expansion or contraction of blood vessel walls
flexion - ANSbending of a joint; opposite of extension
cathode - ANSa negative electrode from which electrons are emitted
anode - ANSthe electrically positive terminal of a roentgen ray tube
diagnosis - ANStranslation of data into a definition of a condition
fibrillation - ANSlocal quivering of muscle fibers
lentula - ANSa flexible spiral-wire insturments
myoma - ANSa neoplasm characterized by muscle cells
sublingual - ANSlocated beneath the tongue
dentition - ANSthe natural teeth in position in the dental arches
cyst - ANSa pathologic space in bone or soft tissue containing fluid or semifluid material
cognition - ANShigher mental process of understanding
acidosis - ANSa acid-base imbalance of the body
adenitis - ANSinflammation of glandular tissue
halitosis - ANSbad breath
spatulation - ANSmanipulation of material with a spatula to mix it into a mass
mandrel - ANSa shaft that holds any object to be rotated
amalgam - ANSan alloy, one of the constituents of which is mercery
, HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
cementum - ANSspecialized connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of the tooth
facet - ANSflattened, highly polished wear pattern on teeth
osteotomy - ANSexcision of all or a part of a bone
resonance - ANSvibratory response to a frequency
embolus - ANSa blood clot or other material that travels in the bloodstream and lodges in a
vessel
fricative - ANSa forceable speech sound
antibody - ANSa specific substance that is produced by an animal as a reaction to the
presence of an anitgen
cannula - ANSa tube for insertion into the body
tincture - ANSan alcoholic solution of a drug
tragus - ANSprominence in front of the external ear opening
asepsis - ANSfree of viable pathogenic microorganisms
curie - ANSa measurement of radioactivity
hypertrophy - ANSenlargement of overgrowth of a part
osteoplasty - ANSsurgical modification of a bone
calcium - ANSan element essential for bone and teeth
glottis - ANSthe vocal apparatus of the larynx
detergent - ANSa cleanser
metabolism - ANSthe sum of chemical changes involved in the function of nutrition
rale - ANSabnormal sound heard in the trachea, bronchi or lungs
exrtrude - ANSto elevate.to move a tooth coronally
parenteral - ANSnot through the alimentary canal
sputum - ANSmatter ejected from the mouth
buckling - ANSthe crowding of anterior teeth in the dental arch
sarcoma - ANSmalignant neoplasm of connective tissue
hepatitis - ANSinflammation of the liver
dermatosis - ANSany disease of the skin
localization - ANSrestriction to a limited area
orthopedic - ANScorrection of abnormal form or relationship pf bone structures
autoclave - ANSan apparatus for sterilization by steam under pressure
reaction - ANSa response of a part to stimulation
lupus - ANSa disease of the skin and mucous membrane
tuberosity - ANSelevation from the surface, usually of a bone
radiolucent - ANSpermitting the passage of radiant energy
oxygenate - ANSto saturate with oxygen
ataxia - ANSmuscular incoordination characterized by irregular muscle activity
catalyst - ANSa substance the induces an increased rate of chemical reaction withoug
entering into the reaction or being changed by it
periodontics - ANSthe study of the supporting structures of teeth
clonus - ANSalternating muscular spasm and relaxation in rapid succession
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD) - ANShighest rate of radiation exposure
Roentgen (R) - ANSbasic unit of exposure to radiation; C/kg
Rad (radiation absorbed dose) - ANSunit of absorbed radiation; Gy
Rem (roentgen equivalent measure) - ANSunit of radiation needed to produced same
biological effect of one R; Sv
Erythema Dose - ANSradiation overdose that produces redness of the skin
Dosimeter - ANSdevice to measure the amount of stray/secondary radiation
Lead Barriers, Shields - ANSdevice that blocks out scattered radiation
Phantom - ANSdevice used for practice in learning radiation-exposure techniques; Dexter
Express Contract - ANSVerbal or written words that are agreed on in an established contract
Liner applicator - ANSTo place calcium hydroxide or glass ionomer in cavity preparation.
Amalgam plugger - ANSused to pack amalgam into tooth
Sterilize - ANSthe process where ALL forms of life are completely destroyed. This includes
all microorganisms; bacteria, fungi, viruses and bacterial spores. (Eg - autoclave, chemical
vapor sterilization and dry heat sterilization)
Disinfect - ANSthe process where SOME forms of microorganisms are destroyed. it does not
destroy spores and resistant viruses.
Sanitize - ANSthe process that cleans and destroys FEW microorganisms
Distal - ANSfarthest from the midline
Root Canal Therapy - ANSprocess of removing pulp of a tooth and filling it with an inert
material.
palate - ANShard and soft tissue forming the roof of the mouth
Broad-spectrum activity - ANScapable of killing a wide variety of microbes
Bioburden - ANSany visible organic debris, blood saliva and other body fluids
Unerupted tooth - ANSa tooth that has not pushed through the gum and assumed its correct
position in the dental arch
quadrant - ANS1/2 of one dental arch
abfraction - ANSloss of tooth surface in cervical area
ameloblast - ANSenamel forming cells
angle of the mandible - ANSarea from which the ramus ascends on the lower border of the
mandible
apex - ANSroot end of tooth
biteblock - ANSdevice used to hold radiation film in mouth for exposure
biteloop - ANSencircles periapical film
buccinator - ANSprincipal cheek muscle
cnaliculi - ANSsmall channels or canals may be present in cementum
candidiasis - ANSinfection of mouth, thrush
cantilever bridge - ANSonly one side of device attatched
cheilosis - ANSinflammation of lips
cingulum - ANSsmooth, convex, or rounded bump on lingual of maxillary anteriors
clasp - ANSextension of partial appliance that grasps surrounding teeth for support
,HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
commisure - ANScorner of the mouth where the lips meet
complex cavity - ANSdecay involving more than two surfaces of a tooth
compound - ANSnonelastic impression material used in edentulous impressions
condyloid - ANSposterior growth on ramus of the mandible
coping - ANSthin covering placed over remaining tooth surface
core buildup - ANSuse of synthetic material to enlarge tooth core area to provide support for
a crown
cortical plate - ANSouter bone layer growth of alveolar bone
crepitus - ANSgrinding, joint abrasion
cuspid - ANSthird tooth posterior of the midline, also called canine, eye tooth
cuticle - ANStissue layer covering tooth surface
Nasmyth's membrane - ANStissue layer covering tooth surface
denticle - ANSsmall tooth growth, pulp stone
embrasure - ANSv-shaped tooth gap between contact area and gingival crest
fontanel - ANSbaby's soft spot literally "little fountain"
genioplasty - ANSplastic surgery of the chin or cheek
gnarled enamel - ANSenamel rods twisting and curving within enamel tissue
gomphosis - ANSholding and anchoring action of a tooth in its socket
Hawley appliance - ANSorthodontic appliance to maintain space after correction
heterodont - ANSteeth of various shapes
hyoid - ANSsmall bone in neck area "Adam's apple"
incipient caries - ANSbeginning decay
incisor - ANScutting, anterior tooth
lacuna - ANSsmall open space in cementum
lamellae - ANSdevelopmental imperfections of the enamel extending to the dentin
Maryland bridge - ANSbridge cemented to adjacent teeth
masseter - ANSmuscle of mastication that closes the mouth
mentalis - ANSchin muscle that moves chin tissue and raises the lower lip
parotid - ANSlargest salivary gland located near the ear
pontic - ANSartificial tooth part of a bridge
prophy - ANSprofessional tooth cleaning
ptosis - ANSdrooping or sagging of organ, "witch's chin"
resin - ANSplastic type material used for dental appliances
resorption - ANSremoval of hard tooth surface and degeneration of root tissues retromolar
Sharpey's fibers - ANSperiodontal ligaments that attatch and hold the tooth
simple cavity - ANSdecay on only one surface
smile line - ANSamount of tooth space viewed when patient is smiling
symphysis - ANScenter of mandible
denture - ANSan artificial substitute for missing natural teeth
inventory - ANSan itemized compilation of materials on hand
dosage - ANSthe amount of a medicine administered
,HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
stable - ANSbone and soft tissue closing the space encompassedby the upper alveolar arch
crevice - ANSa narrow opening due to a fissure or crack
intubation - ANSinsertion of a tube
mulling - ANSfinal step of mixing dental amalgam
infusion - ANStherapeutic introduction of a fluid into a vein
distention - ANSa state of dilation
leverage - ANSmechanical use of a lever
penetration - ANSability of radiation to extend down into and go through substances
malposed - ANSin an abnormal position
current - ANSa measure of the number of electrons per second that pass a given point on a
conductor
germicide - ANSsubstance capable of killing a wide variety of microorganisms
respirator - ANSa device for giving artificial respiration
ligate - ANSto bind or tie with a suture
inspirator - ANSa form of inhaler or respirator
astringent - ANSan agent that limits the secretions of glands
hemisection - ANScomplete sectioning through the crown of a tooth
ejector - ANSa device used to remove debris and fluids; an aspirator
extrusion - ANSmovement of teeth beyond the natural coronal plane
stomatitis - ANSinflammation of oral soft tissues
deviation - ANSturning from a regular course
emulsion - ANSa colloidal dispersion of one liquid in another
sensory - ANSpertaining to sensation
vasomotor - ANScausing expansion or contraction of blood vessel walls
flexion - ANSbending of a joint; opposite of extension
cathode - ANSa negative electrode from which electrons are emitted
anode - ANSthe electrically positive terminal of a roentgen ray tube
diagnosis - ANStranslation of data into a definition of a condition
fibrillation - ANSlocal quivering of muscle fibers
lentula - ANSa flexible spiral-wire insturments
myoma - ANSa neoplasm characterized by muscle cells
sublingual - ANSlocated beneath the tongue
dentition - ANSthe natural teeth in position in the dental arches
cyst - ANSa pathologic space in bone or soft tissue containing fluid or semifluid material
cognition - ANShigher mental process of understanding
acidosis - ANSa acid-base imbalance of the body
adenitis - ANSinflammation of glandular tissue
halitosis - ANSbad breath
spatulation - ANSmanipulation of material with a spatula to mix it into a mass
mandrel - ANSa shaft that holds any object to be rotated
amalgam - ANSan alloy, one of the constituents of which is mercery
, HOSA Dental Terminology Comprehensive
Exam Study Guide with Correct and Verified
Answers.
Latest Updated 2026/2026 Guide.
cementum - ANSspecialized connective tissue that covers the anatomic root of the tooth
facet - ANSflattened, highly polished wear pattern on teeth
osteotomy - ANSexcision of all or a part of a bone
resonance - ANSvibratory response to a frequency
embolus - ANSa blood clot or other material that travels in the bloodstream and lodges in a
vessel
fricative - ANSa forceable speech sound
antibody - ANSa specific substance that is produced by an animal as a reaction to the
presence of an anitgen
cannula - ANSa tube for insertion into the body
tincture - ANSan alcoholic solution of a drug
tragus - ANSprominence in front of the external ear opening
asepsis - ANSfree of viable pathogenic microorganisms
curie - ANSa measurement of radioactivity
hypertrophy - ANSenlargement of overgrowth of a part
osteoplasty - ANSsurgical modification of a bone
calcium - ANSan element essential for bone and teeth
glottis - ANSthe vocal apparatus of the larynx
detergent - ANSa cleanser
metabolism - ANSthe sum of chemical changes involved in the function of nutrition
rale - ANSabnormal sound heard in the trachea, bronchi or lungs
exrtrude - ANSto elevate.to move a tooth coronally
parenteral - ANSnot through the alimentary canal
sputum - ANSmatter ejected from the mouth
buckling - ANSthe crowding of anterior teeth in the dental arch
sarcoma - ANSmalignant neoplasm of connective tissue
hepatitis - ANSinflammation of the liver
dermatosis - ANSany disease of the skin
localization - ANSrestriction to a limited area
orthopedic - ANScorrection of abnormal form or relationship pf bone structures
autoclave - ANSan apparatus for sterilization by steam under pressure
reaction - ANSa response of a part to stimulation
lupus - ANSa disease of the skin and mucous membrane
tuberosity - ANSelevation from the surface, usually of a bone
radiolucent - ANSpermitting the passage of radiant energy
oxygenate - ANSto saturate with oxygen
ataxia - ANSmuscular incoordination characterized by irregular muscle activity
catalyst - ANSa substance the induces an increased rate of chemical reaction withoug
entering into the reaction or being changed by it
periodontics - ANSthe study of the supporting structures of teeth
clonus - ANSalternating muscular spasm and relaxation in rapid succession
