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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Dental Assistant Quiz: Certification Practice

15 quick questions to check your skills. Instant results on this dental assistant practice quiz.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Henrique GobbiUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art displaying questions for Dental Assistant Certification Practice Quiz

This Dental Assistant Certification Practice Quiz helps you check core chairside knowledge with 15 quick multiple-choice questions. To build related skills, explore dental charting practice, test anatomy with the tooth identification quiz, or review numbers using the tooth numbering quiz. Get a quick sense of what to review next.

Which infection control step is performed first before donning gloves for patient care?
Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly
Open sterile instrument packs
Place mask on the patient
Disinfect operatory surfaces
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In four-handed dentistry, the assistant should transfer instruments using which hand for a right-handed dentist?
Left hand
Either hand equally
Right hand
Both hands simultaneously
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The thyroid collar should be used primarily during which type of radiograph to reduce radiation to sensitive tissues?
Cephalometric radiographs
Cone-beam CT scans
Panoramic radiographs
Intraoral radiographs
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Which instrument is primarily used to place and condense amalgam into a cavity preparation?
Condenser (plugger)
Explorer
Burnisher
Scalpel
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What is the primary purpose of a rubber dam during restorative procedures?
Isolate the operative field from saliva and moisture
Provide postoperative fluoride
Measure pocket depths
Polish the restoration
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For alginate impressions, how does using warmer water affect the setting time?
Stops the material from setting
Decreases setting time (sets faster)
Increases setting time (sets slower)
No effect on setting time
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Which vital sign range is considered normal for an adult at rest?
Systolic blood pressure consistently over 160 mmHg
Pulse 40-50 beats per minute
Respiratory rate 12-20 breaths per minute
Temperature 38.5 C (101.3 F)
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What is the primary purpose of biological (spore) testing of sterilizers?
To verify that the sterilizer reaches the set temperature
To confirm sterilization efficacy by killing highly resistant organisms
To document the sterilizer cycle duration
To validate the chemical indicator color change
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Which radiographic technique is preferred for periapical imaging due to improved dimensional accuracy and reduced distortion?
Occlusal technique
Bisecting angle technique
SLOB technique
Paralleling technique
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Which chemical is the active component in most intermediate-level surface disinfectants used in dental operatories?
Plain soap
Phenolic compounds or quaternary ammonium with alcohol
Distilled water
Sodium hypochlorite-free saline
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In the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is number 8?
Mandibular left central incisor
Maxillary right lateral incisor
Maxillary left first molar
Maxillary right central incisor
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Which error most likely causes elongation on a periapical radiograph when using the bisecting technique?
Cone cut from incorrect receptor size
Excessive horizontal angulation
Film placed too close to the tooth
Insufficient vertical angulation
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Which matrix system is most commonly used for a Class II amalgam restoration on a molar?
Copper band with orthodontic elastics
None; matrix is not used for Class II
Tofflemire retainer with a universal band and wooden wedge
Mylar strip alone
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Which gypsum product is best suited for making diagnostic study casts (not dies) where moderate strength and abrasion resistance are needed?
Type II model plaster
Type IV high-strength stone only for whitening trays
Type I impression plaster
Type III dental stone
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What is the recommended minimum time and temperature for gravity displacement steam sterilization of wrapped instruments unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer?
30 minutes at 121 C (250 F)
60 minutes at 100 C (212 F)
4 minutes at 132 C (270 F)
10 minutes at 121 C (250 F)
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What is the correct sequence for removing PPE after a clinical procedure to minimize self-contamination?
Gloves, goggles or face shield, gown, mask or respirator
Mask, gown, gloves, goggles
Gown, gloves, mask, goggles
Goggles, mask, gown, gloves
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Which medical emergency is best managed by positioning the patient supine with legs elevated and maintaining an open airway while monitoring vital signs?
Vasovagal syncope
Hyperventilation
Hypoglycemia in a conscious patient
Acute asthma attack
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Which of the following medications is most likely to cause gingival hyperplasia as an adverse effect?
Ibuprofen
Phenytoin
Acetaminophen
Amoxicillin
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Which disinfectant contact time is generally required for intermediate-level surface disinfectants unless the label states otherwise?
Overnight drying
10 seconds dry time only
1 to 10 minutes wet contact time
No contact time if wiped visibly clean
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What is the most appropriate management for a conscious patient with hypoglycemia in the dental chair?
Administer intramuscular epinephrine
Administer a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose gel
Place the patient supine and withhold all food and drink
Start chest compressions immediately
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyze dental anatomy and terminology for accurate patient care.
  2. Identify dental instruments and their specific clinical uses.
  3. Demonstrate proper chairside assistance techniques during procedures.
  4. Apply infection control protocols and sterilization standards correctly.
  5. Evaluate patient communication methods for enhanced comfort.
  6. Master procedural workflows in routine dental treatments.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Tooth Structure 101 - Dive into the world of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars to learn how each tooth plays its part in chewing and speech. Understanding their shape and location will help you identify and discuss dental anatomy like a pro. View Tooth Anatomy
  2. Dental Instrument Toolkit - Get hands-on with explorers, scalers, and forceps to see how each tool makes procedures smoother and more precise. Familiarity with these instruments means faster chairside assistance and fewer mix-ups during treatments. Explore Dental Tools
  3. Chairside Ninja Moves - Master instrument transfer methods and learn to keep the work area spotless so the dentist can focus on the patient. Practicing these techniques will up your game and make you an invaluable part of the dental team. Learn Assistance Techniques
  4. Infection Control Essentials - Arm yourself with hand hygiene best practices, proper PPE use, and sterilization methods to keep everyone safe. Following these guidelines is like donning an invisible shield against harmful pathogens in the clinic. Review CDC Protocols
  5. Communication Superpowers - Learn to explain procedures clearly, calm anxious patients, and give concise post-treatment instructions. Strong communication builds trust, making every appointment smoother and more pleasant for both patient and practitioner. Boost Your Communication
  6. Workflow Wizardry - Map out the setup, assistance, and cleanup stages of routine treatments to ensure nothing slows you down. Smooth procedural workflows mean less stress for you and a more comfortable experience for patients. Optimize Your Workflow
  7. Sterilization Savvy - Discover how autoclaves and dry-heat methods kill stubborn microbes and when each technique is most effective. Knowing these sterilization protocols inside and out is key to maintaining a germ-free environment. Understand Sterilization
  8. Stay Current on Safety - Keep up with the latest infection control guidelines to ensure your practice meets or exceeds health standards. Ongoing updates mean you're always ahead of the curve in protecting patients and staff. Check Latest Guidelines
  9. Instrument Classification - Learn to sort instruments by type and material and choose the correct sterilization or disinfection method. Accurate classification prevents damage and maintains tool longevity. Sort & Sterilize Tools
  10. Never Stop Learning - Embrace continuous professional development to stay informed about new techniques and technologies in dental assisting. Ongoing education keeps your skills sharp and your confidence sky-high. Pursue Further Study
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