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100+ Free DANB CDA Practice Questions

Pass your DANB Certified Dental Assistant exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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66-74% Pass Rate
100+ Questions
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Question 1
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What information is typically included on a sterilization pouch's external label per CDC/ADA recommendations for traceability?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DANB CDA Exam

245

Total CDA Questions

DANB CDA page

195 min

Exam Time

DANB CDA page

$450

Exam Fee

DANB CDA page

95/75/75

GC/ICE/RHS Split

DANB CDA page

381,900

Dental Assistant Jobs (2024)

BLS

8%

Job Growth (2024-2034)

BLS

DANB lists the CDA as a combined 245-question exam delivered in 195 minutes for $450. The current CDA page shows domain emphasis by component as General Chairside 95 questions, Infection Control 75 questions, and Radiation Health & Safety 75 questions. DANB's candidate handbook was updated on February 3, 2026. BLS reports 381,900 dental assistant jobs in 2024 with 8% projected growth (2024-2034).

Sample DANB CDA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your DANB CDA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During a four-handed dentistry procedure, in which zone does the dental assistant primarily work relative to the patient's face viewed as a clock?
A.12 to 2 o'clock (static zone)
B.2 to 4 o'clock (assistant's zone)
C.4 to 7 o'clock (transfer zone)
D.7 to 12 o'clock (operator's zone)
Explanation: In ISO 4073 four-handed dentistry zones used in the U.S. (right-handed operator), the assistant's zone is 2-4 o'clock. The transfer zone (where instruments are exchanged) is 4-7 o'clock, the static zone (cart, supplies) is 12-2, and the operator's zone is 7-12.
2Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is the maxillary right first molar in a permanent dentition?
A.Tooth #2
B.Tooth #3
C.Tooth #14
D.Tooth #19
Explanation: The Universal Numbering System (ADA standard in the U.S.) numbers permanent teeth 1-32 starting at the maxillary right third molar (#1) and proceeding around the arch. The maxillary right first molar is #3.
3A surface of a posterior tooth that faces the cheek is correctly described as which surface?
A.Lingual
B.Buccal
C.Mesial
D.Occlusal
Explanation: Buccal refers to the surface of posterior teeth (premolars and molars) that faces the cheek. On anterior teeth, the analogous outward-facing surface is called facial or labial.
4The maximum permissible dose (MPD) of occupational ionizing radiation for dental personnel under NCRP guidelines is which of the following per year?
A.0.1 rem (1 mSv)
B.1 rem (10 mSv)
C.5 rem (50 mSv)
D.50 rem (500 mSv)
Explanation: NCRP Report No. 116 sets the occupational MPD for radiation workers at 5 rem (50 mSv) per year for whole-body effective dose. The non-occupational (public) MPD is 0.1 rem (1 mSv) per year.
5Which of the following is the gold-standard method for verifying that a steam autoclave has actually sterilized a load of instruments?
A.Chemical indicator strips that change color when exposed to heat
B.Biological indicator (spore test) using Geobacillus stearothermophilus
C.Visual inspection that wraps remained sealed and dry
D.Reading the autoclave's pressure and time gauges at the end of the cycle
Explanation: CDC dental infection control guidelines require weekly biological monitoring (spore testing) using Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores for steam sterilizers. Spores are the most resistant form of microbial life, so killing them confirms sterilization. Chemical and mechanical indicators are necessary but not sufficient.
6Per 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?
A.100 CFU/mL
B.200 CFU/mL
C.500 CFU/mL
D.1,000 CFU/mL
Explanation: The CDC recommends that water used for non-surgical dental procedures meet EPA drinking-water standards of less than or equal to 500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria. Sterile water or saline is required for surgical procedures.
7An 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?
A.Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and report to the designated provider
B.Apply bleach to the puncture site to disinfect the wound
C.Continue the appointment and document the exposure later that day
D.Squeeze the wound vigorously to express any pathogens
Explanation: Per OSHA's BBP Standard and CDC guidance, immediately wash the wound with soap and water (mucous membranes flush with water/saline) and report the exposure incident promptly to allow timely post-exposure evaluation including testing and possible PEP within hours.
8A 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?
A.Occlusal surface only
B.Buccal or lingual smooth surfaces
C.Two or more proximal surfaces of anterior teeth
D.Occlusal plus one or both proximal surfaces of a posterior tooth
Explanation: G.V. Black's classification defines Class II as proximal-surface caries/restorations on posterior teeth (premolars and molars), typically requiring access through the occlusal surface — yielding MO, DO, or MOD preparations.
9Which 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?
A.Bisecting-angle technique
B.Paralleling technique
C.Occlusal technique
D.Bitewing technique
Explanation: The paralleling technique (also called right-angle or long-cone technique) places the receptor parallel to the long axis of the tooth and directs the central ray perpendicular to both. It produces the most dimensionally accurate periapical images and is the recommended technique by the ADA.
10A radiograph appears very short with the apex 'cut off' and the tooth distorted in length. Which exposure error has occurred?
A.Elongation
B.Foreshortening
C.Cone cut
D.Overlap
Explanation: Foreshortening occurs when vertical angulation is too steep (excessive). The image of the tooth appears short and stubby. Elongation is the opposite — too little vertical angulation produces an elongated, stretched image.

About the DANB CDA Exam

The DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) credential combines three component exams: General Chairside (GC), Infection Control (ICE), and Radiation Health and Safety (RHS). It is a national credential for dental assistants and is administered at Pearson VUE test centers.

Questions

245 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours 15 minutes

Passing Score

Pass all 3 components (GC, ICE, RHS)

Exam Fee

$450 (DANB / Pearson VUE)

DANB CDA Exam Content Outline

95 questions

General Chairside (GC)

Patient assessment, records, charting, dental materials, chairside procedures, and emergencies

75 questions

Infection Control (ICE)

Disease transmission, instrument processing, PPE, hazard communication, and exposure response

75 questions

Radiation Health and Safety (RHS)

Exposure technique, radiation protection, image evaluation, retake reduction, and quality assurance

How to Pass the DANB CDA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass all 3 components (GC, ICE, RHS)
  • Exam length: 245 questions
  • Time limit: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Exam fee: $450

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

DANB CDA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study by component: rotate GC, ICE, and RHS instead of cramming one area at a time
2For ICE, memorize instrument flow from point-of-use to sterilized storage
3For RHS, focus on error correction (cone cuts, overlap, elongation/foreshortening) and ALARA
4For GC, drill charting, restorative workflows, and emergency first-response steps
5Practice timed 50-question blocks to build pacing for a 195-minute exam window
6Track misses by component and rebalance weekly study time toward your weakest area

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the DANB CDA exam?

DANB lists the combined CDA exam at 245 questions total: 95 General Chairside (GC), 75 Infection Control (ICE), and 75 Radiation Health and Safety (RHS).

How long is the DANB CDA exam and how much does it cost?

DANB lists the CDA exam at 195 minutes (3 hours 15 minutes) with a current exam fee of $450.

Where do I take the DANB CDA exam?

DANB administers the CDA exam through Pearson VUE test centers. DANB's CDA page currently lists test-center delivery for the combined exam.

What does DANB test in Infection Control and Radiation Health & Safety?

ICE focuses on infection-prevention workflow, instrument processing, PPE, and exposure response. RHS focuses on radiographic technique, radiation protection, image quality, and reducing retakes.

Is there strong job demand for dental assistants?

Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 381,900 dental assistant jobs in 2024 with 8% projected growth from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations.