DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA)

During a four-handed dentistry procedure, in which zone does the dental assistant primarily work relative to the patient's face viewed as a clock?

• A12 to 2 o'clock (static zone)
• B2 to 4 o'clock (assistant's zone)
• C4 to 7 o'clock (transfer zone)
• D7 to 12 o'clock (operator's zone)

Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is the maxillary right first molar in a permanent dentition?

• ATooth #2
• BTooth #3
• CTooth #14
• DTooth #19

A surface of a posterior tooth that faces the cheek is correctly described as which surface?

• ALingual
• BBuccal
• CMesial
• DOcclusal

The maximum permissible dose (MPD) of occupational ionizing radiation for dental personnel under NCRP guidelines is which of the following per year?

• A0.1 rem (1 mSv)
• B1 rem (10 mSv)
• C5 rem (50 mSv)
• D50 rem (500 mSv)

Which of the following is the gold-standard method for verifying that a steam autoclave has actually sterilized a load of instruments?

• AChemical indicator strips that change color when exposed to heat
• BBiological indicator (spore test) using Geobacillus stearothermophilus
• CVisual inspection that wraps remained sealed and dry
• DReading the autoclave's pressure and time gauges at the end of the cycle

Per the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings (2003, updated 2016 Summary), what is the recommended maximum heterotrophic bacterial count for non-surgical dental treatment water?

• A100 CFU/mL
• B200 CFU/mL
• C500 CFU/mL
• D1,000 CFU/mL

An assistant accidentally sticks herself with a contaminated needle after a local anesthetic injection. According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030), what is the FIRST action she should take?

• AWash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and report to the designated provider
• BApply bleach to the puncture site to disinfect the wound
• CContinue the appointment and document the exposure later that day
• DSqueeze the wound vigorously to express any pathogens

A patient's chart notes a Class II amalgam restoration on tooth #30. Which surfaces are involved in a Class II restoration on a posterior tooth?

• AOcclusal surface only
• BBuccal or lingual smooth surfaces
• CTwo or more proximal surfaces of anterior teeth
• DOcclusal plus one or both proximal surfaces of a posterior tooth

Which radiographic technique uses a film holder that aligns the long axis of the tooth parallel to the receptor with the central ray perpendicular to both?

• ABisecting-angle technique
• BParalleling technique
• COcclusal technique
• DBitewing technique

A radiograph appears very short with the apex 'cut off' and the tooth distorted in length. Which exposure error has occurred?

• AElongation
• BForeshortening
• CCone cut
• DOverlap

According to the CDC, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) used in healthcare should contain what concentration of alcohol to be effective?

• A30-50%
• B60-95%
• CLess than 30%
• D100% absolute alcohol

When mixing two-paste alginate (irreversible hydrocolloid) for a preliminary impression, which manipulation step is MOST important to prevent setting problems?

• AUse ice-cold water to slow set time when needed
• BMix vigorously with a stropping motion against the bowl walls
• CUse distilled water exclusively
• DAllow the mix to slake for 60 seconds before mixing

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires that hepatitis B vaccination be offered to all at-risk employees within what timeframe of initial assignment?

• A10 working days
• B30 calendar days
• C60 calendar days
• D90 working days

A patient experiences a syncopal episode (fainting) in the dental chair. What is the appropriate IMMEDIATE positioning?

• AUpright Fowler's position with head elevated
• BTrendelenburg / supine with feet slightly elevated
• CRight lateral recumbent (recovery) position
• DProne position to protect the airway

Per the EPA Dental Effluent Guidelines (40 CFR Part 441, finalized 2017), dental offices that place or remove amalgam must install which device to capture amalgam waste from wastewater?

• ASediment trap with 100-micron mesh
• BISO 11143-compliant amalgam separator with at least 95% removal efficiency
• CActivated carbon filter on each operatory
• DReverse osmosis water filtration system

Which of the following is the MOST common location of mandibular nerve block (inferior alveolar nerve block) needle insertion?

• ADistal to the maxillary tuberosity
• BMucobuccal fold near the apex of the maxillary canine
• CPterygomandibular fold (raphe) at the depth approximately 6-10 mm above the occlusal plane
• DLingual to the mandibular incisors at the lingual frenum

Which restorative material releases fluoride and is often used as a base or for primary tooth restorations in pediatric dentistry?

• ADental amalgam
• BComposite resin
• CGlass ionomer cement (GIC)
• DGold foil

What does ALARA stand for in radiation safety?

• AAs Low As Reasonably Achievable
• BAlways Limit All Radiation Activities
• CAll Local Areas Require Aprons
• DAs Long As Radiation Allows