80+ Free DANB CDA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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A patient reports a new blood thinner during a posterior composite restoration. What is the BEST chairside response?

Proceed normally because premedical concerns are handled only at annual visits.

Pause and alert the dentist before treatment because medical history changes can affect care.

Document the update after treatment to avoid delaying the schedule.

Ask the patient to decide whether the information is clinically important.

to track

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

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 80+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient reports a new blood thinner during a posterior composite restoration. What is the BEST chairside response?

A.Proceed normally because premedical concerns are handled only at annual visits.

B.Pause and alert the dentist before treatment because medical history changes can affect care.

C.Document the update after treatment to avoid delaying the schedule.

D.Ask the patient to decide whether the information is clinically important.

Explanation: Current medical history can change bleeding risk and treatment planning. The assistant should immediately inform the dentist before invasive steps continue.

2In four-handed dentistry during a crown preparation appointment, which transfer technique is MOST appropriate?

A.Place instruments on the patient bib so the dentist can pick them up directly.

B.Hand all instruments handle-first without regard to orientation or timing.

C.Transfer the instrument in the transfer zone with the working end oriented for immediate use.

D.Set instruments on the tray and avoid direct transfer to reduce hand movement.

Explanation: Safe, efficient transfer uses the transfer zone and proper orientation so the operator can immediately continue treatment.

3When choosing moisture control during a pediatric restorative visit, what is the PRIMARY goal?

A.Use only a saliva ejector because high-volume evacuation is for surgery only.

B.Skip isolation if the patient reports minimal salivary flow.

C.Have the patient frequently rinse to control contamination on the prep site.

D.Select isolation that keeps the preparation dry and improves visibility throughout the procedure.

Explanation: Many restorative steps are moisture-sensitive. Reliable isolation supports bond strength, visibility, and patient safety.

4After removing an alginate impression during a limited emergency exam, what is the MOST correct handling sequence?

A.Rinse, disinfect with an approved product and contact time, then bag or hold as directed before lab transfer.

B.Spray quickly and send immediately because alginate should never be covered.

C.Immerse indefinitely to maximize disinfection before pouring the cast.

D.Skip disinfection if the impression appears visibly clean after rinsing.

Explanation: Proper impression disinfection follows product instructions and contact time to reduce cross-contamination while preserving dimensional accuracy.

5What is the BEST reason to place a matrix band during a bridge seat appointment?

A.A matrix system is used mainly to increase etching speed on enamel.

B.A matrix system helps recreate the missing proximal wall and supports proper contour/contact.

C.A matrix system prevents all occlusal adjustment after placement.

D.A matrix system is required only for anterior Class III restorations.

Explanation: For many posterior restorations, a matrix helps establish anatomic form and proximal contact while containing restorative material.

6A patient becomes pale and dizzy during a sealant clinic session. What is the FIRST chairside action?

A.Sit the patient fully upright and continue treatment after brief reassurance.

B.Give the patient water and ask them to walk to the reception area.

C.Move the patient to a supine position, monitor, and notify the dentist immediately.

D.Dismiss the patient and document symptoms at end of day.

Explanation: Possible syncope requires immediate support, monitoring, and team response under office emergency protocol.

7For esthetic restorative work during a new-patient comprehensive exam, when should shade selection occur?

A.Select shade after etching when the enamel appears brightest.

B.Select shade after final polishing because gloss reflects true dentin color.

C.Delay shade selection until temporary restoration placement is complete.

D.Select shade before dehydration and before prolonged isolation alters tooth appearance.

Explanation: Teeth can dehydrate during treatment, which changes perceived value/chroma. Early selection is preferred.

8Which documentation step is MOST critical before starting treatment during a removable prosth consult?

A.Verify informed consent is complete and documented before irreversible treatment begins.

B.Have the patient sign consent after anesthesia if treatment was urgent.

C.Use verbal consent only for all restorative procedures.

D.File blank consent forms and complete details at checkout.

Explanation: Consent and treatment documentation are legal and ethical requirements that should be completed before irreversible care.

9A patient reports a severe latex allergy during a simple extraction visit. Which response is MOST appropriate?

A.Proceed with standard products if the allergy was diagnosed years ago.

B.Use non-latex products and communicate the allergy status to the entire clinical team.

C.Use powdered latex gloves only because they are easier to remove quickly.

D.Document the allergy after treatment to avoid increasing patient anxiety.

Explanation: Latex allergy can cause serious reactions. Team-wide communication and non-latex alternatives reduce risk.

10Before final crown seating during a recare appointment, what preparation step is MOST important?

A.Leave temporary cement because new luting cement dissolves old residue.

B.Rinse only the crown interior and leave the preparation untouched.

C.Clean residual temporary cement from both prep and restoration before final cementation.

D.Skip cleanup if occlusion on the provisional looked acceptable.

Explanation: Residual temporary cement can interfere with complete seating and retention of the final restoration.

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.