ASPEN Dental Assisting Practice Exam

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• How should a patient with a history of bisphosphonate use be managed regarding invasive dental procedures?
• Which form of sedation involves a medically controlled state of depressed consciousness while maintaining airway protection and responsiveness?
• What is the importance of accurate charting with dental conditions and how should it be maintained?
• Which evaluation determines changes in periodontal health since prior examinations?
• The elongated projection cemented into the root canal to retain a core restoration is called a
• Amputation of the tip of the root end of a tooth is called what procedure?
• Which statement about dental dam clamps is true?
• What is the initial management for a patient having a generalized seizure during dental treatment?
• Which term describes the portion of the tooth's internal pumping chamber inside the root?
• What term describes a substance that helps join two surfaces and aids tissue healing?
• Which statement accurately describes alginate impressions in comparison to elastomeric materials?
• What dental condition is a localized collection of pus due to infection and tissue destruction?
• What elements must be included in an informed consent for treatment?
• Which term is the surface of the tooth toward the cheek or lips?
• What term describes a fixed partial denture featuring conservative retainers?
• What is the term for the lower jaw?
• The removal of soft tissue overlying a tooth.
• Which item is considered a red flag in the patient's medical history that may influence dental treatment planning?
• The nerve of the tooth inside the root below the dentin is called
• Which term is a dental restoration material tooth color filling?
• How should a dental assistant respond to a patient experiencing syncope during a dental visit?
• What prosthetic device replaces missing teeth?
• Which term pertains to the supporting and surrounding soft tissues of the teeth?
• Which term describes a problem-focused exam limited to a specific oral health problem?
• When should gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns be worn in the dental setting?
• Who should ensure staff are trained in the use of emergency medications in a dental office?
• Which practice should be avoided to prevent distortion during disinfection and handling of impressions?
• Which term describes the surgical removal of bone or tissue?
• Which PPE item is universally considered essential in dental practice?
• Which term describes the teeth behind the canines with two cusps
• What term describes a tooth that remains unerupted during development?
• Which term describes a tooth that is not visible in the mouth due to failure to erupt?
• A soft sticky substance that accumulates on teeth composed largely of bacteria is called
• Which term describes resurfacing the tissue side of a denture?
• The occlusal or biting surface of an anterior tooth.
• A tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity is defined as what?
• Protective measures reduce radiation exposure during dental radiography and what is ALARA?
• What is the first set of teeth in the human mouth commonly called?
• What is the purpose of a dental dam clamp and how is it selected?
• What is a dental dam and when is it used?
• The alloy commonly used in direct dental restorations is called what?
• When is fluoride varnish indicated and what are typical contraindications?
• What is the exposed portion of the tooth that is covered by enamel?
• Which term means replacing the base material to restore fit of a denture?
• Which term is the hard deposit on teeth formed from minerals?
• The 32 secondary or adult teeth are called
• The term for the relationship of the chewing surfaces of the teeth during biting is?
• What factors affect x-ray exposure settings (mA, kVp, time) and how should a dental assistant adjust them for a small patient?
• A tooth blocked by another tooth, preventing eruption.
• What records constitute the sterilization monitoring log and what should be documented?
• Which procedure involves removing plaque and is a preventive dental treatment?
• Which gypsum product is typically used for working models and dies?
• What information does a bite-wing radiograph best provide, and what is it commonly used to evaluate?
• When treating a patient with controlled periodontitis, which statement reflects the typical prophylaxis approach?
• What is the recommended action after a needlestick injury in terms of immediate first aid and reporting?
• What is the primary use of alginate impressions in dentistry?
• Which term describes a prosthesis placed immediately after tooth extraction?
• Which imaging modality best shows the entire jaw on one image?
• Which condition involves inflammation of gum tissue with bone loss around teeth?
• The surface of a back posterior tooth used for chewing
• Which emergency medications and equipment should a typical dental office stock for a medical emergency?
• Which material is an alloy used in direct dental restorations?
• Which procedure is performed to smooth the alveolar bone in preparation for a denture?
• Which procedure exposes more of a tooth for restoration?
• Which term is the process of removing tissue for evaluation?
• How should impression materials and gypsum impressions be disinfected and handled to prevent distortion?
• Which term refers to the connective tissue fibers that attach parts of the mouth together (for example, cheeks, lips, and tongue)?
• Which term means inside the mouth?
• A bony outgrowth on bone, often seen in the jaw, is called what?
• Advanced gum disease with bone loss that can lead to tooth loss if untreated is called?
• What term describes the decomposition of tooth structure?
• In dental terminology, what is the term for a tooth that has not erupted through the gingiva and into the mouth?
• In pediatric dentistry, what term is used for a tooth that has not erupted through the soft tissue?
• Which term refers to the portion of the mouth that divides into six equal sections behind the canines?
• Which word defines a tooth that has not yet pierced the oral mucosa?
• An artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture
• Which term describes the nerve of the tooth removed from the canal inside the roof and replaced with a filling material?
• What is a bite registration and why is it used in prosthodontics?
• The term for the biting edge of a front tooth is which?
• Which factor primarily controls the penetration of x-rays through tissues?
• A specialist limited to treatment of teeth with improper alignment is called?
• Name the five major recognized dental specialties and one task associated with each. Which of the following correctly pairs a major dental specialty with a typical task?
• What is the correct term for a tooth that remains below the gum line and has not emerged into the oral cavity?
• The upper arch is called what?
• When should latex-free PPE be used and what is a common symptom of latex allergy?
• How should impressions be stored prior to pouring and what issues can occur if not stored properly?
• Which statement best describes alginate as an impression material?
• A removable prosthetic device that overlays and may be supported by retained tooth roots or implants is called?
• In medical history, which medication use is a red flag for dental procedures due to potential complications?
• Which term is elevation or lump on the bone?
• A radiograph taken by placing film or digital sensors inside the mouth to image the tooth apices is called?
• Which measurements are typically recorded on a periodontal chart?
• The upper jaw bone that supports teeth is called?
• Which document is required under OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?
• Steam autoclave characteristics.
• Which term describes a component used to support a removable denture by attaching to a tooth or implant?
• The surfaces between teeth where the mesial and distal surfaces meet are referred to as which term?
• How should a chairside assistant position a patient for a maxillary arch exam or cleaning, and why?
• The large back teeth with high points on the chewing surface are called?
• What is the paralleling technique in intraoral radiography and why is it preferred?
• Which of the following are common components of a fixed orthodontic appliance?
• The back teeth behind the canines are the
• Which condition is characterized by inflammation of the gums?
• Why is daily flushing of dental unit waterlines important and what may happen if not done?
• Which material is commonly used for provisional restorations?
• What term describes an abnormal tissue change resulting from injury or disease?
• Which procedure removes gingival tissue, exposing more tooth structure?
• The nerve of the tooth inside the root is the
• What term refers to the 20 primary or baby teeth?
• Which instrument is primarily used to detect caries and calculus?
• Which term refers to the roof of the mouth?
• The term for the chewing surface of posterior teeth is?
• What is the purpose of periodontal maintenance?
• Which types of waste require special handling as regulated medical waste in dental offices?
• A specialist whose practice is limited to the treatment of gum disease is called?
• Which term refers to an artificial replacement of teeth that does not involve a dental implant?
• Which statement is NOT an expected outcome of barrier technique?
• The term for the front teeth region from canine to canine is what?
• Which term refers to the portion of the tooth that holds it in its bony socket?
• Which term describes the full procedure of removing the nerve and filling the canal?
• Which statement about bite registrations is true?
• Which surgical procedure recontours bone structures in preparation for a prosthesis?
• The term describing how the chewing surfaces of the teeth meet is?
• Which statement best describes alginate’s limitations compared with elastomeric impression materials?
• Which term describes an artificial replacement of teeth?
• Which term is used for a tooth that has not yet erupted into the oral cavity?
• Which term refers to a tooth that has not erupted through the tissues and is not yet in function?
• The surface of a tooth toward the tongue is called which term?
• Which term describes the tissues that support and surround the teeth?
• Surgical removal of bone or tissue is called what?
• Which term describes a provisional prosthesis designed for use over a limited period after which it is replaced by a more definitive restoration?
• Which term refers to a tooth that has not erupted but is expected to erupt later?
• Which professional's practice is limited to the treatment of gum disease?
• What part of the tooth lies beneath enamel and cementum?
• What procedure uses an acidic chemical to prepare enamel and dentin surfaces for bonding?
• List the five basic steps in instrument processing from receipt to storage.
• What is the purpose of environmental cleaning and disinfection in standard precautions?
• Which term describes a tooth that has not erupted and remains within the jawbone?
• In fixed dental prosthesis terminology, the component that replaces a missing tooth is called a
• Which statement about barrier technique is true?
• Which action is recommended during a generalized seizure in the dental setting?
• How does HIPAA govern patient information and what are the consequences of noncompliance?
• Which radiographic projection shows the entire jaw and surrounding structures on a single image?
• An elongated projection cemented into the root canal
• What is the primary purpose of standard precautions in dental settings, and name three components involved?
• Which term describes a recording of the teeth and gums done at the first visit?
• Also known as bicuspids, the teeth behind the canines with two cusps are called
• Which statement about latex allergy and PPE is accurate?
• What term describes someone without teeth?
• A dental specialist who limits practice to root canal treatment is called what?
• What term refers to an artificial substitute for natural teeth and gums?
• What term describes the tip of a tooth root?
• A tooth or implant used to support a dental prosthesis is called what?
• What is the recommended handling of gypsum impressions after disinfection to minimize distortion?
• Which term means material to assist in returning tissue to health?
• Which dental specialist focuses on treatment of the dental pulp and root canal system?
• Which term means tooth decay?
• A restoration fabricated in a dental laboratory and used to restore a tooth without extending onto the cusps is called what?
• Which term refers to the portion of tooth that holds it in its bony socket?
• What is the role of biological indicators in sterilization monitoring and how often should they be used?
• What is the purpose of a temporary (provisional) restoration and which materials are commonly used?
• What hazards are associated with chemical disinfectants and what safety measures should be followed?
• Which term describes the surfaces located between adjacent teeth?
• Prosthesis placed immediately after extractions of teeth.
• What should be included in a post-exposure protocol for a needlestick incident?
• What is the first action after a needlestick exposure?
• A tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity is called what?
• What is the procedure called when the pulp is covered by placing material directly over a pulpal exposure?
• What step ensures a pack remains sterile after processing?
• Which dental specialty is primarily associated with gum disease management?
• Inflammation of gingival tissue.
• The term for a pathologically deepened gingival sulcus is
• An artificial substitute for all of the natural teeth in one arch.
• The upper or lower jaw is referred to as which term?
• Which term refers to a temporary denture designed for use over a limited period?
• Which term describes the pointed elevations on posterior teeth used for tearing food?
• What are the three main gypsum products and their typical uses?
• The surface of a tooth that is toward the back of the mouth and away from the midline is called what?
• Which sedation method is administered intravenously?
• Which procedure focuses on removing plaque and calculus to allow evaluation of the dentition?
• What term describes the restoration of lost tooth structure?
• Plaster or stone model of teeth used for diagnosis or treatment planning is called what?
• Who is responsible for disposal of regulated waste in a dental office?
• Which term describes a dental professional who corrects bite issues?
• What is a local anesthetic vasoconstrictor and why is it used?
• Which term describes a benign bony outgrowth on the palate or mandible?
• Which practice ensures that patient records are accessible only to authorized personnel?
• Distinguish between sterilization and disinfection and name two methods of each.
• Which term describes a prosthesis that spans a space where teeth are missing and is attached to adjacent teeth?
• The loss of pain sensation over a specific area without loss of consciousness is called what?
• Which term describes the outer surface of a tooth toward the cheek?
• Which term describes a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity?
• Surgical removal of a portion of the pulp
• Which term describes the upper or lower jaw?
• What is barrier technique and why is it important for infection control?
• Which procedure involves removing plaque and is a preventive dental treatment?
• What term describes a surgically placed device within the bone?
• What term is used as a general reference to the mandible or maxilla?
• How is anaphylaxis typically treated in a dental setting and what role does epinephrine play?
• How are permanent and primary teeth numbered or labeled in common systems used in dental assisting?
• Failure to store impressions properly most directly risks which outcome?
• Which term means the mild character of an illness?
• Removal of plaque and calculus to allow for an evaluation.
• Which term describes a tooth with two high points on the chewing surface?
• Which term refers to the symmetrical right and left sides of the mouth separated by the midline?
• The gas used to control the inhaled mixture during sedation is?
• Which term refers to a thin covering of the crown portion of a tooth, usually without an anatomic conformity?
• Which term is the recording of the teeth and gums at the first visit?
• Which practice helps ensure sterility of instruments during storage?
• Which term identifies a tooth that has not yet broken through the gingival surface?
• Why is patient privacy important in dental practice and what are some common ways to protect it?
• Overgrowth of bone is termed what?
• Therapy for preserving the health of gums is known as what?
• Which term refers to the removal of a tooth or tooth parts?
• What are the pointy high parts of the back teeth behind the canines called?
• A procedure in which a nearly exposed pulp is covered.
• Which term is used for a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity?
• What term refers to refitting a denture by replacing the base material?
• Which term means a hard deposit of mineralized material adhering to teeth?
• Removal of a tooth or parts of a tooth is called what?
• The surface of a tooth toward the front along the midline is called?
• What is the bone structure known as the lower jaw?
• What constitutes regulated waste in a dental office and how should it be stored?
• What is a key difference between elastomeric impression materials and alginate in terms of accuracy, tear resistance, and setting time?
• Surgical removal of a portion of the pulp
• Which term is defined as inside the mouth?
• Which term is a stitch used to repair incision or wound?
• What tasks can a dental assistant perform in a typical endodontic procedure under supervision?
• A laboratory-processed restoration that does not involve the cusps of a tooth is called what?
• Which part of the tooth lies beneath enamel and cementum?
• Which term describes a fixed partial prosthesis featuring conservative retainers?
• Which term is used to describe tooth decay?
• One of the four equal sections of the mouth—the left and right sides of the upper and lower arches—is called a
• Which term describes an individual with no natural teeth?
• The tip of the root of a tooth is called what?
• Which term is a prosthetic replacement of one or more missing teeth cemented or attached to the abutment teeth or implant abutment adjacent to the space?
• What are the key elements of an OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard compliance in a dental office?