Chapter 01: Introduction to Dental Materials
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Until 1970, which of the following groups of dental auxiliaries were allowed to perform
intraoral functions in all states?
1. Dental hygienists
2. Registered dental assistants
3. Certified dental assistants
4. On-the-job trained dental assistants
a. 1, 2, 3, 4
b. 1, 2, 3
c. 1, 2
d. 1
ANS: D
Until 1970, only the dental hygienist was allowed to perform intraoral functions in all states.
Although laws vary from state to state, virtually every state has modified, updated, and made
changes to state restrictions to allow for the performance of intraoral procedures by all allied
oral health care practitioners.
REF: p. 1 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
2. Silver paste was first mentioned as a restorative material for teeth by the:
a. Chinese.
b. Greeks.
c. Romans.
d. French.
ANS: A
Silver paste was first mentioned as a restorative material for teeth by the Chinese in 659 AD.
More than 1000 years later, in 1800, it was produced in France from “shavings from silver cut
from coins mixed with enough mercury to form a sloppy paste.” Health problems arising from
the high mercury content of this early amalgam prompted the American Society of Dental
Surgeons to pass a resolution in 1846 stating that amalgam should not be used under any
circumstances.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
3. What was the “Amalgam War” fought over?
a. Mining rights in states in the Western region of the United States
b. The price of silver in relation to tin and zinc
c. The value and safety of silver dental amalgam
d. Patent issues between France and England
ANS: C
The “Amalgam War” was fought over the value and safety of silver dental amalgam. It did not
end until 1895, when G.V. Black developed an acceptable amalgam formula.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
,4. Which of the following restorative techniques was first introduced in 1955?
a. Cast gold inlays
b. Cohesive gold foil
c. Acid-etch technique
d. Synthetic resins for denture bases
ANS: C
The acid-etch technique was introduced in 1955. Cohesive gold foil, which could be
condensed directly into the cavity preparation, was introduced in 1855. In 1907, Dr. William
Taggart demonstrated a casting method to produce gold inlays. Synthetic resins were
introduced in 1932; these resins soon replaced rubber as the denture base of choice. Around
this time, synthetic resins also became a popular tooth-colored alternative, and, together with
the introduction of the acid-etch technique, they have evolved into composite resin, one of the
most popular restorative materials.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
5. What is Dr. Frederick McKay credited with?
a. Developing an acceptable formula for silver dental amalgam
b. Noting dental fluorosis in Colorado Springs
c. Demonstrating a casting method to produce gold inlays
d. The introduction of dental cements
ANS: B
Dr. Frederick McKay is credited with noting dental fluorosis in Colorado Springs in 1901.
Together with G.V. Black, he determined that drinking water was the factor. These caries-free
but mottled teeth prompted Dr. McKay to suggest changes in the water supply, leading to the
first community water fluoridation programs in 1945.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
6. Since 2005, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is awarded to _____
products.
a. both professional and consumer
b. professional but not consumer
c. consumer but not professional
d. neither professional nor consumer
ANS: C
Since 2005, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is awarded to
consumer but not professional products. Although strictly a voluntary program, more than
1300 consumer dental products carry the Seal of Acceptance. Most common among these are
toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, floss and other interdental cleaners, sugar-free
chewing gum, and denture adherents and cleansers.
REF: p. 4 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (American Dental Association)
7. Dental materials considered devices, as well as over-the-counter products sold to the public,
are subject to control and regulation of the _____ Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
a. Food and Drug Administration
, b. Drug Enforcement Administration
c. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
d. Department of Human and Health Services
ANS: B
Dental materials considered devices, as well as over-the-counter products sold to the public,
are subject to control and regulation of the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices
and Radiological Health. The original Food and Drug Act of 1906 did not include provisions
to ensure medical and dental device safety or claims. In 1976, the Medical Device
Amendment was signed to give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over
medical and dental devices, which are now classified and regulated according to their degree
of risk to the public.
REF: p. 5
TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
8. Which of the following represents the standards used to develop specifications and testing on
an international level?
a. World Health Organization (WHO)
b. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
c. American Dental Association (ADA)
d. International Standards Organization (ISO)
ANS: D
The International Dental Federation and the International Standards Organization (ISO)
represent the standards used to develop specifications and testing on an international level.
These standards are developed through the ISO’s technical committee for dentistry (ISO TC
106).
REF: p. 5 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (International Agencies)
9. Which of the following statements is true concerning the American Dental Association (ADA)
Seal?
a. All dental products qualify for the Seal.
b. It helps consumers make informed decisions about the safety and efficiency of
products.
c. The ADA Seal is usually awarded for the life of the product.
d. Once a product has been accepted, it does not need to be reevaluated if its
composition changes.
ANS: B
Consumers and dentists rely on the ADA Seal to assist them in making informed decisions
regarding a product’s safety and efficiency. Not all dental products qualify for the Seal. The
ADA Seal is usually awarded for a period of 5 years, at which time the product is reevaluated.
Products that have been previously accepted are also reevaluated anytime their composition
changes.
REF: p. 5 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (American Dental Association)
10. Who does the delivery of dental materials most often fall to?
a. The dentist
, b. The dental hygienist
c. The dental assistant
d. The dental laboratory technician
ANS: C
The dental assistant is most directly responsible for the delivery of dental materials within
specific guidelines outlined by the dental manufacturer.
REF: p. 1 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
11. Which of the following is not a classification of dental materials?
a. Preventive
b. Biological
c. Restorative
d. Therapeutic
ANS: B
Dental materials are classified as preventive, restorative, and therapeutic materials.
REF: p. 2 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
12. What is the best resource for choosing which dental material to use?
a. Reading professional journals
b. Meeting with manufacturers’ representatives
c. Discussing which materials colleagues use
d. All of the above are good resources.
ANS: D
Professional journals, dental materials manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives,
Internet links, and other resources can provide invaluable information.
REF: p. 2 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
13. The first acceptable amalgam formula was developed by _____ in 1895.
a. G.V. Black
b. Pierre Fuchard
c. Dr. Frederick McKay
d. Dr. William Taggart
ANS: A
The “Amalgam War” ended in 1895, when G.V. Black developed an acceptable amalgam
formula.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
14. What is today’s approach to dental care referred to as?
a. Individualized care
b. Comprehensive care
c. Science-based dentistry
d. Evidence-based dentistry
ANS: B
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Until 1970, which of the following groups of dental auxiliaries were allowed to perform
intraoral functions in all states?
1. Dental hygienists
2. Registered dental assistants
3. Certified dental assistants
4. On-the-job trained dental assistants
a. 1, 2, 3, 4
b. 1, 2, 3
c. 1, 2
d. 1
ANS: D
Until 1970, only the dental hygienist was allowed to perform intraoral functions in all states.
Although laws vary from state to state, virtually every state has modified, updated, and made
changes to state restrictions to allow for the performance of intraoral procedures by all allied
oral health care practitioners.
REF: p. 1 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
2. Silver paste was first mentioned as a restorative material for teeth by the:
a. Chinese.
b. Greeks.
c. Romans.
d. French.
ANS: A
Silver paste was first mentioned as a restorative material for teeth by the Chinese in 659 AD.
More than 1000 years later, in 1800, it was produced in France from “shavings from silver cut
from coins mixed with enough mercury to form a sloppy paste.” Health problems arising from
the high mercury content of this early amalgam prompted the American Society of Dental
Surgeons to pass a resolution in 1846 stating that amalgam should not be used under any
circumstances.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
3. What was the “Amalgam War” fought over?
a. Mining rights in states in the Western region of the United States
b. The price of silver in relation to tin and zinc
c. The value and safety of silver dental amalgam
d. Patent issues between France and England
ANS: C
The “Amalgam War” was fought over the value and safety of silver dental amalgam. It did not
end until 1895, when G.V. Black developed an acceptable amalgam formula.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
,4. Which of the following restorative techniques was first introduced in 1955?
a. Cast gold inlays
b. Cohesive gold foil
c. Acid-etch technique
d. Synthetic resins for denture bases
ANS: C
The acid-etch technique was introduced in 1955. Cohesive gold foil, which could be
condensed directly into the cavity preparation, was introduced in 1855. In 1907, Dr. William
Taggart demonstrated a casting method to produce gold inlays. Synthetic resins were
introduced in 1932; these resins soon replaced rubber as the denture base of choice. Around
this time, synthetic resins also became a popular tooth-colored alternative, and, together with
the introduction of the acid-etch technique, they have evolved into composite resin, one of the
most popular restorative materials.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
5. What is Dr. Frederick McKay credited with?
a. Developing an acceptable formula for silver dental amalgam
b. Noting dental fluorosis in Colorado Springs
c. Demonstrating a casting method to produce gold inlays
d. The introduction of dental cements
ANS: B
Dr. Frederick McKay is credited with noting dental fluorosis in Colorado Springs in 1901.
Together with G.V. Black, he determined that drinking water was the factor. These caries-free
but mottled teeth prompted Dr. McKay to suggest changes in the water supply, leading to the
first community water fluoridation programs in 1945.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
6. Since 2005, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is awarded to _____
products.
a. both professional and consumer
b. professional but not consumer
c. consumer but not professional
d. neither professional nor consumer
ANS: C
Since 2005, the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance is awarded to
consumer but not professional products. Although strictly a voluntary program, more than
1300 consumer dental products carry the Seal of Acceptance. Most common among these are
toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouth rinses, floss and other interdental cleaners, sugar-free
chewing gum, and denture adherents and cleansers.
REF: p. 4 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (American Dental Association)
7. Dental materials considered devices, as well as over-the-counter products sold to the public,
are subject to control and regulation of the _____ Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
a. Food and Drug Administration
, b. Drug Enforcement Administration
c. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
d. Department of Human and Health Services
ANS: B
Dental materials considered devices, as well as over-the-counter products sold to the public,
are subject to control and regulation of the Food and Drug Administration Center for Devices
and Radiological Health. The original Food and Drug Act of 1906 did not include provisions
to ensure medical and dental device safety or claims. In 1976, the Medical Device
Amendment was signed to give the Food and Drug Administration regulatory authority over
medical and dental devices, which are now classified and regulated according to their degree
of risk to the public.
REF: p. 5
TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
8. Which of the following represents the standards used to develop specifications and testing on
an international level?
a. World Health Organization (WHO)
b. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
c. American Dental Association (ADA)
d. International Standards Organization (ISO)
ANS: D
The International Dental Federation and the International Standards Organization (ISO)
represent the standards used to develop specifications and testing on an international level.
These standards are developed through the ISO’s technical committee for dentistry (ISO TC
106).
REF: p. 5 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (International Agencies)
9. Which of the following statements is true concerning the American Dental Association (ADA)
Seal?
a. All dental products qualify for the Seal.
b. It helps consumers make informed decisions about the safety and efficiency of
products.
c. The ADA Seal is usually awarded for the life of the product.
d. Once a product has been accepted, it does not need to be reevaluated if its
composition changes.
ANS: B
Consumers and dentists rely on the ADA Seal to assist them in making informed decisions
regarding a product’s safety and efficiency. Not all dental products qualify for the Seal. The
ADA Seal is usually awarded for a period of 5 years, at which time the product is reevaluated.
Products that have been previously accepted are also reevaluated anytime their composition
changes.
REF: p. 5 TOP: The Agencies Responsible for Standards (American Dental Association)
10. Who does the delivery of dental materials most often fall to?
a. The dentist
, b. The dental hygienist
c. The dental assistant
d. The dental laboratory technician
ANS: C
The dental assistant is most directly responsible for the delivery of dental materials within
specific guidelines outlined by the dental manufacturer.
REF: p. 1 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
11. Which of the following is not a classification of dental materials?
a. Preventive
b. Biological
c. Restorative
d. Therapeutic
ANS: B
Dental materials are classified as preventive, restorative, and therapeutic materials.
REF: p. 2 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
12. What is the best resource for choosing which dental material to use?
a. Reading professional journals
b. Meeting with manufacturers’ representatives
c. Discussing which materials colleagues use
d. All of the above are good resources.
ANS: D
Professional journals, dental materials manufacturers and manufacturers’ representatives,
Internet links, and other resources can provide invaluable information.
REF: p. 2 TOP: The Role of the Dental Auxiliary in the Use of Dental Materials
13. The first acceptable amalgam formula was developed by _____ in 1895.
a. G.V. Black
b. Pierre Fuchard
c. Dr. Frederick McKay
d. Dr. William Taggart
ANS: A
The “Amalgam War” ended in 1895, when G.V. Black developed an acceptable amalgam
formula.
REF: p. 3 TOP: The Historical Development of Dental Materials
14. What is today’s approach to dental care referred to as?
a. Individualized care
b. Comprehensive care
c. Science-based dentistry
d. Evidence-based dentistry
ANS: B
