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100+ Free DANB NELDA Practice Questions

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

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Which of the following increases the time it takes to take a digital radiograph but improves geometric accuracy?

A
B
C
D
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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: DANB NELDA Exam

230

Total NELDA Questions

DANB NELDA 2026 packet

180 min

Total Exam Time

DANB NELDA 2026 packet

$230

NELDA Package Fee

DANB NELDA 2026 packet

80/75/75

AMP/ICE/RHS Split

DANB NELDA 2026 packet

381,900

Dental Assistant Jobs (2024)

BLS OOH

8%

Projected Growth (2024-2034)

BLS OOH

DANB's NELDA 2026 application packet lists a 230-question package in 180 total minutes for $230: AMP (80 questions/60 min), ICE (75 questions/60 min), and RHS (75 questions/60 min). DANB's exam outlines list ICE domain weights at 34/41/25 and RHS at 50/25/25. BLS reports 381,900 dental assistant jobs in 2024 with 8% projected growth from 2024-2034.

Sample DANB NELDA Practice Questions

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

1How many teeth are in the complete permanent dentition?
A.20
B.28
C.32
D.24
Explanation: The permanent dentition contains 32 teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 third molars).
2Which tissue is the hardest in the human body and covers the anatomic crown of a tooth?
A.Dentin
B.Cementum
C.Enamel
D.Pulp
Explanation: Enamel covers the anatomic crown and is approximately 96% inorganic hydroxyapatite, making it the hardest tissue in the body.
3In the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is #8?
A.Maxillary right central incisor
B.Maxillary left central incisor
C.Mandibular left central incisor
D.Maxillary right lateral incisor
Explanation: Universal numbering begins with the maxillary right third molar as #1 and proceeds across the arch; #8 is the maxillary right central incisor.
4Which muscle of mastication is the strongest elevator of the mandible?
A.Buccinator
B.Masseter
C.Lateral pterygoid
D.Mylohyoid
Explanation: The masseter is the most powerful muscle of mastication and elevates the mandible to close the jaw against resistance.
5Which cranial nerve provides general sensory innervation to the teeth and most of the face?
A.CN VII (Facial)
B.CN V (Trigeminal)
C.CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D.CN X (Vagus)
Explanation: The trigeminal nerve (CN V) supplies sensation to the face and teeth via its three divisions: V1 ophthalmic, V2 maxillary, and V3 mandibular.
6Which nerve provides anesthesia to the mandibular molars when an inferior alveolar nerve block is administered?
A.Mental nerve
B.Lingual nerve
C.Inferior alveolar nerve (V3)
D.Greater palatine nerve
Explanation: The inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of V3, enters the mandibular foramen and supplies all mandibular teeth on the injected side.
7Which salivary gland is the largest and produces primarily serous secretion?
A.Sublingual
B.Submandibular
C.Parotid
D.Minor labial
Explanation: The parotid is the largest salivary gland and secretes a serous (watery, enzyme-rich) saliva via Stensen's duct opposite the maxillary second molar.
8Which bone of the skull contains the maxillary sinus and forms most of the upper jaw?
A.Mandible
B.Maxilla
C.Zygomatic
D.Palatine
Explanation: The maxilla houses the maxillary sinus and forms the upper jaw, hard palate (anterior), and floor of the orbit.
9What are the small rounded projections seen on newly erupted permanent incisors that wear away with use?
A.Cusps of Carabelli
B.Mamelons
C.Marginal ridges
D.Cingula
Explanation: Mamelons are the three small rounded enamel bumps on the incisal edge of newly erupted incisors; they wear off with normal occlusal function.
10An Angle's Class I molar relationship is defined by which landmark relationship?
A.Mesiobuccal cusp of maxillary first molar occluding in the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar
B.Mesiobuccal cusp of maxillary first molar occluding mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar
C.Mesiobuccal cusp of maxillary first molar occluding distal to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar
D.Distolingual cusp of maxillary first molar contacting the central fossa of the mandibular first molar
Explanation: Class I (neutroclusion) is the normal molar relationship: the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar fits into the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar.

About the DANB NELDA Exam

The DANB NELDA credential is an entry-level dental assistant pathway made up of three component exams: AMP (Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology), ICE (Infection Control), and RHS (Radiation Health and Safety).

Questions

230 scored questions

Time Limit

180 minutes total

Passing Score

Pass all 3 components (AMP, ICE, RHS)

Exam Fee

$230 package (DANB / Pearson VUE)

DANB NELDA Exam Content Outline

80 questions / 60 min

AMP (Anatomy, Morphology, and Physiology)

Head/neck anatomy, tooth morphology, dentition foundations, oral structures, and terminology for entry-level assisting

75 questions / 60 min

ICE (Infection Control)

Disease transmission, instrument processing, barriers/disinfection, hazard communication, and post-exposure response workflow

75 questions / 60 min

RHS (Radiation Health and Safety)

Image selection and technique, radiation characteristics/protection, ALARA, digital quality checks, and error correction

How to Pass the DANB NELDA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass all 3 components (AMP, ICE, RHS)
  • Exam length: 230 questions
  • Time limit: 180 minutes total
  • Exam fee: $230 package

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 NELDA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master AMP fundamentals first (dentition counts, tissue basics, notation) because they anchor many applied questions
2Memorize full instrument-processing flow from chairside transport through sterilized storage
3Practice RHS geometry troubleshooting daily (overlap, cone cuts, elongation/foreshortening, motion artifact)
4Use timed component drills to simulate 60-minute AMP/ICE/RHS windows
5Track misses by component and rebalance study time weekly toward the weakest domain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DANB NELDA exam format?

DANB's 2026 NELDA application packet lists three component exams totaling 230 questions in 180 minutes: AMP (80/60), ICE (75/60), and RHS (75/60).

How much does the NELDA package cost?

DANB's posted 2026 NELDA packet lists the package fee at $230.

What is tested most heavily on ICE and RHS?

DANB's outlines list ICE domain weights as Infection Prevention and Control (34%), Sterilization/Disinfection (41%), and Occupational Safety (25%). RHS is weighted Purpose and Technique (50%), Radiation Characteristics/Protection (25%), and Infection Prevention/Control (25%).

Where is NELDA tested?

DANB lists Pearson VUE testing-center delivery for NELDA component exams.

How should I prepare for NELDA efficiently?

Use component-based study blocks: rotate AMP fundamentals, then ICE workflows, then RHS retake-reduction drills. Practice in timed sets of 25-50 questions and review rationales immediately after each set.