General Chairside Board Review Exam Questions
with Detailed Solutions Graded A+ 2026
1. Rotary Burs -Correct Answer ✔-Refer to textbook
2. Drug Handout -Correct Answer ✔-Refer to drug handout
3. What type of restoration would you use a gingival retraction cord for? -Correct
Answer ✔-You would use a gingival retraction cord for a crown
4. What are the uses of gingival retraction cord? -Correct Answer ✔-A gingival retraction
cord is used to ensure that an impression with clear margins can be obtained.
5. For which patient would you not use an epinephrine impregnated gingival retraction
cord? -Correct Answer ✔-Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor which increases heartbeat
(tachycardia). It is contradicted for patients with heart disease, diabetes, or
hyperthyroidism.
6. What is the highest concentration of epinephrine? -Correct Answer ✔-1:20,000
7. Nitrous oxide to oxygen ratios? -Correct Answer ✔-The most common ratio is 2:1
8. When is it acceptable to send a patient who has not paid their dental bill an ultimatum
letter? -Correct Answer ✔-It is only appropriate to send an ultimatum letter after the first
3 stages of collection have failed. It must first go through the reminder stage,
inquiry/discussion stage and urgency stage.
9. How often does the organized dental assistant send a reminder of non-payment? -
Correct Answer ✔-Typically every 30, 60, 90 days. Or at the discretion of the Dentist.
10. A buffer period is primarily used for what? -Correct Answer ✔-To maintain the pH of
the mouth
11. Which muscle is not used for mastication? -Correct Answer ✔-The muscles of facial
expressions are not used during mastication, which includes the orbicularis oris,
buccinator, mentalis, and the zygomatic major. The muscles used during mastication
include the internal and external pterygoid muscles, masseter and temporal muscles.
12. What are the parts of the TMJ? -Correct Answer ✔-Composed of 3 parts:
The glenoid fossa of the temporal bone
The articular eminence of the temporal bone
The condyloid process of the mandible
,13. Which bone articulates with the mandible? -Correct Answer ✔-The temporal bone
14. Which gauge needle is used for injecting different areas in the mouth? -Correct
Answer ✔-Needle gauges used are 25, 27 and 30. The smaller the gauge, the larger the
diameter.
15. State the different injections used in the mouth and where the topical would be
placed. -Correct Answer ✔-Local infiltration (topical placed in the area of treatment)
Field block (topical placed in vestibule near apex of the tooth)
Nerve Block (topical placed posterior to retromolar pad and anterior to mandibular
foramen)
16. When is a dental implant implicated? -Correct Answer ✔-Used to replace one
individual tooth, multiple teeth, or to restore an edentulous arch.
17. What is ANUG? -Correct Answer ✔-Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The
symptoms include painful bleeding gums, and ulceration of the interdental papillae. This
is frequent in patients who smoke and those who are under stress.
18. What prophylactic antibiotic is used with a penicillin allergy? Non-penicillin allergy? -
Correct Answer ✔-Penicillin allergy:Clindamycin, cephalexin and doxycycline
Non-Penicillin allergy:Amoxicillin, penicillin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, nafcillin and
oxacillin
19. What types of stains does coronal polishing remove -Correct Answer ✔-It DOES
NOT remove intrinsic stains.
20. Why do you not use prophy paste before applying sealants? -Correct Answer ✔-It
can interfere with the retention of the sealant.
21. When would you not use a fluoride rinse? -Correct Answer ✔-Children under 6
years of age should not use fluoride rinses or mouthwashes because they may
accidentally swallow them
22. Which impression material is most flexible and least resistant to distortion? -Correct
Answer ✔-Polyvinyl siloxane is the most flexible and the least resistant to distortion
23. If the right 7th branch of the nerve is injured during an injection, what will occure? -
Correct Answer ✔-Facial nerve paralysis
24. For the new patient exam, what instruments will be needed? -Correct Answer ✔-
Mirror
Explorer
Perio-probe
,25. A 65-year-old woman with emphysema also has swelling of the hands and feet.
What else might she be suffering from? -Correct Answer ✔-The patient could also have
pulmonary hypertension which could be causing the swelling
26. Which type of patients require a prophylactic antibiotic? -Correct Answer ✔-Patients
with infective endocarditis, and Joint prostheses
27. State the vitamins (fat soluble and water soluble) -Correct Answer ✔-Fat Soluble: A,
D, E, K
Water soluble: C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic acid, Biotin, Pantothenic acid
28. What are the zones of activity? -Correct Answer ✔-(R) handed dentistry:
Static zone - 12 to 2 o'clock
Assistant zone - 2 to 4 o'clock
Transfer zone - 4 to 7 o'clock
Operators zone - 7 to 12 o'clock
(L) handed dentistry:
Operators zone - 12 to 5 o'clock
Transfer zone - 5 to 8 o'clock
Assistant zone - 8 to 10 o'clock
Static zone - 10 to 12 o'clock
29. Which hand is used to transfer instruments to a right/left handed dentist? -Correct
Answer ✔-(R) handed dentist you transfer instruments with your left hand.
(L) handed dentist you transfer with your right hand.
30. Describe the positions used in four-handed dentistry...supine, upright,
Trendelenburg. -Correct Answer ✔-Supine position is patient's nose and knees are at
about the same level. Upright is back of chair is in a 90 degree angle, and
Trendelenburg is reclined position with head lower than the feet.
31. If a patient is having a seizure, what should the dental assistant? -Correct Answer
✔-Place the pt in a supine position in dental chair or on floor, remove objects from area
that could injure the pt, gently restrain the pt, DO NOT place anything or try to remove
anything from their mouth, once conscious turn the pt on their side to prevent aspiration,
be supportive once they regain consciousness, DO NOT allow pt to drive themselves
home, oxygen can be given after pt regains consciousness.
32. State the classifications of motion economy? -Correct Answer ✔-- Class 1: involves
only finger movement
, - Class 2: involves movement of the fingers and wrist
- Class 3: involves movement of the fingers, wrist, and elbow
- Class 4: involves movement of the entire arm and shoulder
- Class 5: involves movement of the arm and twisting of the body
33. How should fluoride varnish be applied? -Correct Answer ✔-Fluoride should be
painted on in a thin layer with a small disposable brush or CTA, to all surfaces of the
teeth
34. How should copalite varnish be applied? -Correct Answer ✔-Copalite varnish is
applied under gold or amalgam restorations. It should be applied in a dry cavity prep in
thin layer with a micro brush or cotton pellet. Air dry first layer and reapply. Dry again
and once you see a shiny hard surface it is ready to receive the restoration.
35. What is needed when you apply calcium hydroxide? -Correct Answer ✔-dycal
instrument or explorer
36. What is the time frame called from the time the alginate powder is mixed until it
hardens? -Correct Answer ✔-setting time
37. What needs to be done immediately before applying acidulated fluoride? -Correct
Answer ✔-the teeth must be thoroughly dried
38. A white patch is found in the oral cavity and will not wipe off with a 2X2 . What is it?
-Correct Answer ✔-Record the size, shape, and location in the patient's chart, take
intraoral photos of the lesion, and inform the dentist.
39. What are the cavity classifications? -Correct Answer ✔-Class I: Cavity in pits or
fissures on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars; facial and lingual surfaces of
molars; lingual surfaces of maxillary incisors (Class I corresponds to surfaces of a
posterior tooth you can clinically see—occlusal/lingual/buccal surfaces. Therefore, the
interproximal surfaces are not classified as Class I)
Class II: Cavity on proximal surfaces of premolars and molars (Class II corresponds to
surfaces of a posterior tooth you cannot see clinically)
Class III: Cavity on proximal surfaces of incisors and canines that do not involve the
incisal angle (Class III corresponds to surfaces of an anterior tooth you cannot see
clinically)
Class IV: Cavity on proximal surfaces of incisors or canines that involve the incisal
angle (Class IV lesion is the larger version of Class III that covers the incisal angle)
with Detailed Solutions Graded A+ 2026
1. Rotary Burs -Correct Answer ✔-Refer to textbook
2. Drug Handout -Correct Answer ✔-Refer to drug handout
3. What type of restoration would you use a gingival retraction cord for? -Correct
Answer ✔-You would use a gingival retraction cord for a crown
4. What are the uses of gingival retraction cord? -Correct Answer ✔-A gingival retraction
cord is used to ensure that an impression with clear margins can be obtained.
5. For which patient would you not use an epinephrine impregnated gingival retraction
cord? -Correct Answer ✔-Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor which increases heartbeat
(tachycardia). It is contradicted for patients with heart disease, diabetes, or
hyperthyroidism.
6. What is the highest concentration of epinephrine? -Correct Answer ✔-1:20,000
7. Nitrous oxide to oxygen ratios? -Correct Answer ✔-The most common ratio is 2:1
8. When is it acceptable to send a patient who has not paid their dental bill an ultimatum
letter? -Correct Answer ✔-It is only appropriate to send an ultimatum letter after the first
3 stages of collection have failed. It must first go through the reminder stage,
inquiry/discussion stage and urgency stage.
9. How often does the organized dental assistant send a reminder of non-payment? -
Correct Answer ✔-Typically every 30, 60, 90 days. Or at the discretion of the Dentist.
10. A buffer period is primarily used for what? -Correct Answer ✔-To maintain the pH of
the mouth
11. Which muscle is not used for mastication? -Correct Answer ✔-The muscles of facial
expressions are not used during mastication, which includes the orbicularis oris,
buccinator, mentalis, and the zygomatic major. The muscles used during mastication
include the internal and external pterygoid muscles, masseter and temporal muscles.
12. What are the parts of the TMJ? -Correct Answer ✔-Composed of 3 parts:
The glenoid fossa of the temporal bone
The articular eminence of the temporal bone
The condyloid process of the mandible
,13. Which bone articulates with the mandible? -Correct Answer ✔-The temporal bone
14. Which gauge needle is used for injecting different areas in the mouth? -Correct
Answer ✔-Needle gauges used are 25, 27 and 30. The smaller the gauge, the larger the
diameter.
15. State the different injections used in the mouth and where the topical would be
placed. -Correct Answer ✔-Local infiltration (topical placed in the area of treatment)
Field block (topical placed in vestibule near apex of the tooth)
Nerve Block (topical placed posterior to retromolar pad and anterior to mandibular
foramen)
16. When is a dental implant implicated? -Correct Answer ✔-Used to replace one
individual tooth, multiple teeth, or to restore an edentulous arch.
17. What is ANUG? -Correct Answer ✔-Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. The
symptoms include painful bleeding gums, and ulceration of the interdental papillae. This
is frequent in patients who smoke and those who are under stress.
18. What prophylactic antibiotic is used with a penicillin allergy? Non-penicillin allergy? -
Correct Answer ✔-Penicillin allergy:Clindamycin, cephalexin and doxycycline
Non-Penicillin allergy:Amoxicillin, penicillin, cloxacillin, erythromycin, nafcillin and
oxacillin
19. What types of stains does coronal polishing remove -Correct Answer ✔-It DOES
NOT remove intrinsic stains.
20. Why do you not use prophy paste before applying sealants? -Correct Answer ✔-It
can interfere with the retention of the sealant.
21. When would you not use a fluoride rinse? -Correct Answer ✔-Children under 6
years of age should not use fluoride rinses or mouthwashes because they may
accidentally swallow them
22. Which impression material is most flexible and least resistant to distortion? -Correct
Answer ✔-Polyvinyl siloxane is the most flexible and the least resistant to distortion
23. If the right 7th branch of the nerve is injured during an injection, what will occure? -
Correct Answer ✔-Facial nerve paralysis
24. For the new patient exam, what instruments will be needed? -Correct Answer ✔-
Mirror
Explorer
Perio-probe
,25. A 65-year-old woman with emphysema also has swelling of the hands and feet.
What else might she be suffering from? -Correct Answer ✔-The patient could also have
pulmonary hypertension which could be causing the swelling
26. Which type of patients require a prophylactic antibiotic? -Correct Answer ✔-Patients
with infective endocarditis, and Joint prostheses
27. State the vitamins (fat soluble and water soluble) -Correct Answer ✔-Fat Soluble: A,
D, E, K
Water soluble: C, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Folic acid, Biotin, Pantothenic acid
28. What are the zones of activity? -Correct Answer ✔-(R) handed dentistry:
Static zone - 12 to 2 o'clock
Assistant zone - 2 to 4 o'clock
Transfer zone - 4 to 7 o'clock
Operators zone - 7 to 12 o'clock
(L) handed dentistry:
Operators zone - 12 to 5 o'clock
Transfer zone - 5 to 8 o'clock
Assistant zone - 8 to 10 o'clock
Static zone - 10 to 12 o'clock
29. Which hand is used to transfer instruments to a right/left handed dentist? -Correct
Answer ✔-(R) handed dentist you transfer instruments with your left hand.
(L) handed dentist you transfer with your right hand.
30. Describe the positions used in four-handed dentistry...supine, upright,
Trendelenburg. -Correct Answer ✔-Supine position is patient's nose and knees are at
about the same level. Upright is back of chair is in a 90 degree angle, and
Trendelenburg is reclined position with head lower than the feet.
31. If a patient is having a seizure, what should the dental assistant? -Correct Answer
✔-Place the pt in a supine position in dental chair or on floor, remove objects from area
that could injure the pt, gently restrain the pt, DO NOT place anything or try to remove
anything from their mouth, once conscious turn the pt on their side to prevent aspiration,
be supportive once they regain consciousness, DO NOT allow pt to drive themselves
home, oxygen can be given after pt regains consciousness.
32. State the classifications of motion economy? -Correct Answer ✔-- Class 1: involves
only finger movement
, - Class 2: involves movement of the fingers and wrist
- Class 3: involves movement of the fingers, wrist, and elbow
- Class 4: involves movement of the entire arm and shoulder
- Class 5: involves movement of the arm and twisting of the body
33. How should fluoride varnish be applied? -Correct Answer ✔-Fluoride should be
painted on in a thin layer with a small disposable brush or CTA, to all surfaces of the
teeth
34. How should copalite varnish be applied? -Correct Answer ✔-Copalite varnish is
applied under gold or amalgam restorations. It should be applied in a dry cavity prep in
thin layer with a micro brush or cotton pellet. Air dry first layer and reapply. Dry again
and once you see a shiny hard surface it is ready to receive the restoration.
35. What is needed when you apply calcium hydroxide? -Correct Answer ✔-dycal
instrument or explorer
36. What is the time frame called from the time the alginate powder is mixed until it
hardens? -Correct Answer ✔-setting time
37. What needs to be done immediately before applying acidulated fluoride? -Correct
Answer ✔-the teeth must be thoroughly dried
38. A white patch is found in the oral cavity and will not wipe off with a 2X2 . What is it?
-Correct Answer ✔-Record the size, shape, and location in the patient's chart, take
intraoral photos of the lesion, and inform the dentist.
39. What are the cavity classifications? -Correct Answer ✔-Class I: Cavity in pits or
fissures on the occlusal surfaces of molars and premolars; facial and lingual surfaces of
molars; lingual surfaces of maxillary incisors (Class I corresponds to surfaces of a
posterior tooth you can clinically see—occlusal/lingual/buccal surfaces. Therefore, the
interproximal surfaces are not classified as Class I)
Class II: Cavity on proximal surfaces of premolars and molars (Class II corresponds to
surfaces of a posterior tooth you cannot see clinically)
Class III: Cavity on proximal surfaces of incisors and canines that do not involve the
incisal angle (Class III corresponds to surfaces of an anterior tooth you cannot see
clinically)
Class IV: Cavity on proximal surfaces of incisors or canines that involve the incisal
angle (Class IV lesion is the larger version of Class III that covers the incisal angle)
