106-MDG Maryland General Dental
Assisting Expanded Function (MDG)
Practice Exam Questions and Answers
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1. Question: What is the primary purpose of coronal polishing in dental hygiene?
o a) To remove calculus deposits
o b) To remove extrinsic stains and plaque
o c) To prepare teeth for sealant application
o d) To reduce tooth sensitivity
Answer: b) To remove extrinsic stains and plaque
Rationale: Coronal polishing is a procedure aimed at removing extrinsic stains and
plaque from the coronal surfaces of teeth, enhancing the patient's oral hygiene and
aesthetic appearance.
2. Question: Which instrument is commonly used to remove carious dentin during
restorative procedures?
o a) Excavator
o b) Condenser
o c) Burnisher
o d) Carver
Answer: a) Excavator
Rationale: An excavator is a dental instrument designed to remove carious dentin and
debris from the cavity preparation, facilitating effective restorative procedures.
3. Question: What is the primary function of a dental dam during restorative procedures?
o a) To isolate the tooth and control moisture
o b) To provide anesthesia to the treatment area
o c) To reflect light onto the treatment site
o d) To protect the patient from radiation
Answer: a) To isolate the tooth and control moisture
, Rationale: A dental dam is used to isolate the operative site, keeping the area dry and
free from contamination, which is crucial for the success of restorative procedures.
4. Question: Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of a rubber dam?
o a) Severe gag reflex
o b) Large carious lesions
o c) Endodontic treatment
o d) Restorative procedures
Answer: a) Severe gag reflex
Rationale: Patients with a severe gag reflex may find the placement of a rubber dam
uncomfortable, making its use a contraindication in such cases.
5. Question: What is the purpose of placing a wedge during restorative procedures?
o a) To stabilize the matrix band
o b) To adapt the matrix band to the gingival margin
o c) To carve the occlusal surface
o d) To condense the restorative material
Answer: b) To adapt the matrix band to the gingival margin
Rationale: A wedge is placed to ensure proper adaptation of the matrix band at the
gingival margin, preventing overhangs and ensuring a tight contact point.
6. Question: Which of the following is an acceptable method for sterilizing dental
instruments?
o a) Boiling water
o b) Autoclaving
o c) Chemical disinfection
o d) Dry heat sterilization
Answer: b) Autoclaving
Rationale: Autoclaving is the most effective method for sterilizing dental instruments,
using high-pressure steam to eliminate all forms of microbial life.
7. Question: What is the purpose of using a matrix band during restorative procedures?
o a) To provide a mold for the restoration
o b) To isolate the tooth
o c) To create a temporary filling
o d) To shape the restorative material
Answer: a) To provide a mold for the restoration
, Rationale: A matrix band serves as a mold to contain and shape the restorative material,
ensuring proper contour and contact with adjacent teeth.
8. Question: Which of the following is a common cause of postoperative sensitivity
following restorative procedures?
o a) Overhangs in the restoration
o b) Proper occlusal adjustment
o c) Adequate isolation during procedure
o d) Use of biocompatible materials
Answer: a) Overhangs in the restoration
Rationale: Overhangs can lead to plaque accumulation and inflammation, contributing to
postoperative sensitivity.
9. Question: What is the recommended method for handling extracted teeth for educational
purposes?
o a) Store in formalin solution
o b) Store in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature
o c) Store in a refrigerator with appropriate labeling
o d) Store in a freezer
Answer: c) Store in a refrigerator with appropriate labeling
Rationale: Extracted teeth should be stored in a refrigerator to prevent decomposition,
with proper labeling for identification and educational use.
10. Question: Which of the following is a characteristic of dental amalgam?
o a) Self-curing material
o b) Requires light curing
o c) Durable and wear-resistant
o d) Transparent appearance
Answer: c) Durable and wear-resistant
Rationale: Dental amalgam is known for its durability and resistance to wear, making it
suitable for posterior restorations.
11. Question: What is the primary purpose of etching a tooth before placing a composite
restoration?
• a) To harden the enamel
• b) To increase surface area for bonding
• c) To remove the smear layer completely
, • d) To reduce tooth sensitivity
Answer: b) To increase surface area for bonding
Rationale: Acid etching creates micro-porosities in enamel and dentin, increasing the surface
area and allowing better adhesion of composite restorative materials. This is essential for long-
term retention of the restoration.
12. Question: Which of the following instruments is specifically designed for condensing
amalgam into a prepared cavity?
• a) Carver
• b) Condenser
• c) Excavator
• d) Burnisher
Answer: b) Condenser
Rationale: Condensers (pluggers) are used to compact amalgam into the cavity preparation,
reducing voids and ensuring proper adaptation to cavity walls. Proper condensation is critical for
the durability of the restoration.
13. Question: Which is the correct sequence for placing a dental dam?
• a) Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam → Secure frame
• b) Place clamp → Punch holes → Invert dam → Secure frame
• c) Secure frame → Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam
• d) Invert dam → Punch holes → Place clamp → Secure frame
Answer: a) Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam → Secure frame
Rationale: The proper sequence ensures isolation of the tooth, patient comfort, and stability of
the dam. Punching the holes first allows correct positioning over teeth; clamps secure the dam,
which is then inverted to create a tight seal.
14. Question: Which material is commonly used to seal pits and fissures to prevent caries?
• a) Glass ionomer
• b) Composite resin
• c) Dental amalgam
Assisting Expanded Function (MDG)
Practice Exam Questions and Answers
Best rated A+ Guaranteed Success Latest
Update
1. Question: What is the primary purpose of coronal polishing in dental hygiene?
o a) To remove calculus deposits
o b) To remove extrinsic stains and plaque
o c) To prepare teeth for sealant application
o d) To reduce tooth sensitivity
Answer: b) To remove extrinsic stains and plaque
Rationale: Coronal polishing is a procedure aimed at removing extrinsic stains and
plaque from the coronal surfaces of teeth, enhancing the patient's oral hygiene and
aesthetic appearance.
2. Question: Which instrument is commonly used to remove carious dentin during
restorative procedures?
o a) Excavator
o b) Condenser
o c) Burnisher
o d) Carver
Answer: a) Excavator
Rationale: An excavator is a dental instrument designed to remove carious dentin and
debris from the cavity preparation, facilitating effective restorative procedures.
3. Question: What is the primary function of a dental dam during restorative procedures?
o a) To isolate the tooth and control moisture
o b) To provide anesthesia to the treatment area
o c) To reflect light onto the treatment site
o d) To protect the patient from radiation
Answer: a) To isolate the tooth and control moisture
, Rationale: A dental dam is used to isolate the operative site, keeping the area dry and
free from contamination, which is crucial for the success of restorative procedures.
4. Question: Which of the following is a contraindication for the use of a rubber dam?
o a) Severe gag reflex
o b) Large carious lesions
o c) Endodontic treatment
o d) Restorative procedures
Answer: a) Severe gag reflex
Rationale: Patients with a severe gag reflex may find the placement of a rubber dam
uncomfortable, making its use a contraindication in such cases.
5. Question: What is the purpose of placing a wedge during restorative procedures?
o a) To stabilize the matrix band
o b) To adapt the matrix band to the gingival margin
o c) To carve the occlusal surface
o d) To condense the restorative material
Answer: b) To adapt the matrix band to the gingival margin
Rationale: A wedge is placed to ensure proper adaptation of the matrix band at the
gingival margin, preventing overhangs and ensuring a tight contact point.
6. Question: Which of the following is an acceptable method for sterilizing dental
instruments?
o a) Boiling water
o b) Autoclaving
o c) Chemical disinfection
o d) Dry heat sterilization
Answer: b) Autoclaving
Rationale: Autoclaving is the most effective method for sterilizing dental instruments,
using high-pressure steam to eliminate all forms of microbial life.
7. Question: What is the purpose of using a matrix band during restorative procedures?
o a) To provide a mold for the restoration
o b) To isolate the tooth
o c) To create a temporary filling
o d) To shape the restorative material
Answer: a) To provide a mold for the restoration
, Rationale: A matrix band serves as a mold to contain and shape the restorative material,
ensuring proper contour and contact with adjacent teeth.
8. Question: Which of the following is a common cause of postoperative sensitivity
following restorative procedures?
o a) Overhangs in the restoration
o b) Proper occlusal adjustment
o c) Adequate isolation during procedure
o d) Use of biocompatible materials
Answer: a) Overhangs in the restoration
Rationale: Overhangs can lead to plaque accumulation and inflammation, contributing to
postoperative sensitivity.
9. Question: What is the recommended method for handling extracted teeth for educational
purposes?
o a) Store in formalin solution
o b) Store in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature
o c) Store in a refrigerator with appropriate labeling
o d) Store in a freezer
Answer: c) Store in a refrigerator with appropriate labeling
Rationale: Extracted teeth should be stored in a refrigerator to prevent decomposition,
with proper labeling for identification and educational use.
10. Question: Which of the following is a characteristic of dental amalgam?
o a) Self-curing material
o b) Requires light curing
o c) Durable and wear-resistant
o d) Transparent appearance
Answer: c) Durable and wear-resistant
Rationale: Dental amalgam is known for its durability and resistance to wear, making it
suitable for posterior restorations.
11. Question: What is the primary purpose of etching a tooth before placing a composite
restoration?
• a) To harden the enamel
• b) To increase surface area for bonding
• c) To remove the smear layer completely
, • d) To reduce tooth sensitivity
Answer: b) To increase surface area for bonding
Rationale: Acid etching creates micro-porosities in enamel and dentin, increasing the surface
area and allowing better adhesion of composite restorative materials. This is essential for long-
term retention of the restoration.
12. Question: Which of the following instruments is specifically designed for condensing
amalgam into a prepared cavity?
• a) Carver
• b) Condenser
• c) Excavator
• d) Burnisher
Answer: b) Condenser
Rationale: Condensers (pluggers) are used to compact amalgam into the cavity preparation,
reducing voids and ensuring proper adaptation to cavity walls. Proper condensation is critical for
the durability of the restoration.
13. Question: Which is the correct sequence for placing a dental dam?
• a) Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam → Secure frame
• b) Place clamp → Punch holes → Invert dam → Secure frame
• c) Secure frame → Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam
• d) Invert dam → Punch holes → Place clamp → Secure frame
Answer: a) Punch holes → Place clamp → Invert dam → Secure frame
Rationale: The proper sequence ensures isolation of the tooth, patient comfort, and stability of
the dam. Punching the holes first allows correct positioning over teeth; clamps secure the dam,
which is then inverted to create a tight seal.
14. Question: Which material is commonly used to seal pits and fissures to prevent caries?
• a) Glass ionomer
• b) Composite resin
• c) Dental amalgam
