100+ Free NDAEB Theory Exam Practice Questions
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Key Facts: NDAEB Theory Exam Exam
200 questions
Multiple-choice items on the NDAEB Theory Examination
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
4 hours
Time allowed to complete the Theory Exam
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
7 domains
Content areas defined in the NDAEB Domain Description
NDAEB Domain Description for Dental Assisting
40-50%
Patient Care Procedures is the largest exam domain
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
Low-to-mid 60s%
Typical passing-score range set by the modified Angoff method
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
$730 CAD
Theory Exam fee, including a $100 non-refundable application fee
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
FDI notation
The NDAEB identifies teeth using FDI Two-Digit numbering
NDAEB Theory Examination Candidate Handbook
100
Free original practice questions in this bank
OpenExamPrep
The NDAEB Theory Examination is Canada's national written certification exam for dental assistants, made up of 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed within 4 hours in English or French. It is built from the NDAEB Domain Description and covers seven domains, with Patient Care Procedures the largest at 40-50% and Preventive Procedures at 15-20%. There is no fixed pass mark; the modified Angoff method sets passing scores that generally land in the low-to-mid 60s percent range. The fee is $730 CAD (including a $100 non-refundable application fee). This 100-question bank provides original, weighting-aligned practice on chairside assisting, dental materials, infection control, radiography, anatomy and patient care; the separate Clinical Practice Evaluation is not included.
Sample NDAEB Theory Exam Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your NDAEB Theory Exam exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1During four-handed dentistry, the dental assistant transfers instruments in which zone relative to the patient's face on an imaginary clock?
2Which dental material is most appropriate as a base placed in a deep cavity preparation to protect the pulp from thermal shock under a metallic restoration?
3A patient in the dental chair becomes pale, sweaty and light-headed, then loses consciousness briefly. The most likely medical emergency is:
4When mixing dental amalgam, the process of combining the alloy and mercury in an amalgamator is called:
5Three days after a tooth extraction, a patient reports severe throbbing pain radiating to the ear and a bad taste, with an empty-looking socket. This is most consistent with:
6Which impression material is an irreversible hydrocolloid commonly used to take preliminary impressions for study models?
7In endodontic treatment, the rubber dam is placed primarily to:
8Which of the following is a non-absorbable suture material?
9After a tooth extraction, the dental assistant should instruct the patient to avoid which action during the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot?
10Light-cured composite resin hardens through which method of polymerization?
About the NDAEB Theory Exam Exam
The NDAEB Theory Examination is the national written certification exam for entry-to-practice intra-oral dental assistants in Canada. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice test of 200 questions completed within four hours, offered in English and French at test centres. Questions are built from the NDAEB Domain Description for Dental Assisting and span seven domains, with the largest share devoted to Patient Care Procedures (chairside assisting, dental materials and clinical support) and significant coverage of Preventive Procedures, Clinical Support Procedures (infection control and sterilization), Patient Records, Dental Sciences, professional conduct and practice management. The NDAEB uses FDI Two-Digit tooth notation. Passing scores are set using the modified Angoff standard-setting method and generally fall in the low-to-mid 60s percent range. The Theory Examination is one part of the NDAEB certificate; the separate hands-on Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) is assessed independently and is not covered by this question bank.
Assessment
200 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions across seven domains: Conduct in a Professional Setting (5-10%), Dental Sciences (7-12%), Clinical Support Procedures (10-15%), Patient Records (10-12%), Patient Care Procedures (40-50%), Practice Management Procedures (5-10%) and Preventive Procedures (15-20%).
Time Limit
4 hours (240 minutes), unless an approved accommodation grants additional time.
Passing Score
No fixed cutoff. Passing scores are set with the modified Angoff method and generally fall in the low-to-mid 60s percent range, varying with each form's difficulty.
Exam Fee
$730 CAD for both initial and rewrite attempts (includes a $100 non-refundable application fee); non-refundable after the exam. (National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB), via a contracted third-party testing provider)
NDAEB Theory Exam Exam Content Outline
Patient Care Procedures
Largest domain. Chairside assisting and four/six-handed dentistry, dental materials (amalgam, composite, cements, bases and liners, impression materials, gypsum), restorative and prosthodontic support, oral surgery and suture care, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, local anesthesia and sedation support, and recognizing and managing medical emergencies in the dental office.
Preventive Procedures
Coronal polishing technique and contraindications, topical fluoride and other anti-cariogenic agents, pit-and-fissure sealants, oral hygiene instruction, plaque and biofilm control, the caries process and diet/nutritional counselling related to oral health.
Clinical Support Procedures
Asepsis and the chain of infection, Standard Precautions, surface barriers and disinfection, instrument processing from cleaning through sterilization and monitoring (biological/chemical indicators), waterline and equipment maintenance, and operatory turnover.
Patient Records
Charting with FDI Two-Digit notation, gathering and updating medical/dental histories, recording vital signs, radiographic documentation, informed consent records and confidentiality of patient information.
Dental Sciences
Tooth morphology and eruption, oral and dental anatomy and histology, head and neck anatomy and landmarks, microbiology, basic pharmacology and oral pathology relevant to assisting.
Conduct Appropriate to a Professional Setting
Provincial/national codes of ethics, professional and legal responsibilities, scope of practice, confidentiality, patient-centred communication and interprofessional collaboration.
Practice Management Procedures
Appointment scheduling and recall systems, inventory and supply control, dental insurance and billing terminology, WHMIS labels and pictograms, and general office safety and administration.
How to Pass the NDAEB Theory Exam Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: No fixed cutoff. Passing scores are set with the modified Angoff method and generally fall in the low-to-mid 60s percent range, varying with each form's difficulty.
- Assessment: 200 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions across seven domains: Conduct in a Professional Setting (5-10%), Dental Sciences (7-12%), Clinical Support Procedures (10-15%), Patient Records (10-12%), Patient Care Procedures (40-50%), Practice Management Procedures (5-10%) and Preventive Procedures (15-20%).
- Time limit: 4 hours (240 minutes), unless an approved accommodation grants additional time.
- Exam fee: $730 CAD for both initial and rewrite attempts (includes a $100 non-refundable application fee); non-refundable after the exam.
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
NDAEB Theory Exam Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the NDAEB Theory Examination and how long is it?
The Theory Exam has 200 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 4 hours, unless extra time has been granted through an approved accommodation. It is offered in English and French.
What is the passing score for the NDAEB Theory Exam?
There is no fixed percentage cutoff. The NDAEB uses the modified Angoff standard-setting method; passing scores generally fall in the low-to-mid 60s percent range and vary with the difficulty of each test form.
What does the NDAEB Theory Exam cover?
It is based on the NDAEB Domain Description and covers seven domains: professional conduct, dental sciences, clinical support procedures, patient records, patient care procedures (the largest at 40-50%), practice management and preventive procedures.
Is the Clinical Practice Evaluation part of the Theory Exam?
No. The Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) is a separate hands-on skills assessment with its own fee and handbook. The Theory Examination is the written multiple-choice exam and is what this question bank covers.
How much does the NDAEB Theory Exam cost?
The Theory Exam fee is $730 CAD for initial or rewrite attempts, which includes a $100 non-refundable application fee. After the exam the fee is non-refundable whether you pass or fail.
Are these official NDAEB exam questions?
No. These are original OpenExamPrep practice questions modelled on the NDAEB Domain Description domains and weightings. The NDAEB does not publish its live exam items; use the Domain Description and a current dental assisting textbook for official study.