Which charting symbol is most commonly used to indicate an existing amalgam restoration?

A blue shaded area on the surface

A circle drawn around the tooth

A diagonal line across the crown

End of Practice Test 1 – Section 5 (Questions 65–80) Say “Continue” when you are ready for Practice Test 1 – Section 6: Prevention and Management of Emergencies (Questions 81–96). The first step when a patient is found unresponsive in the dental office is to:

Check responsiveness and breathing

Begin chest compressions immediately

Call the patient’s emergency contact

Cavity varnish reduces postoperative sensitivity by:

Acting as an insulating barrier

Permanently sealing dentin tubules

DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam

Free DANB Certified Dental Practice Questions

10 sample questions for the DANB Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) Exam, with the correct answer and an explanation for each. No account needed. Try each one before you open the answer.

Sections covered on the exam: The Collection and Recording of Clinical Data, Chairside Dental Procedures, Chairside Dental Materials, Laboratory Materials and Procedures, Patient Education and Oral Health Management, Prevention and Management of Emergencies, Office Management Procedures.

Question 1 · The Collection and Recording of Clinical Data
Which charting symbol is most commonly used to indicate an existing amalgam restoration?
- A.A red outline of the surface
- B.A circle drawn around the tooth
- C.A blue shaded area on the surface
- D.A diagonal line across the crown
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. A blue shaded area on the surface
Existing restorations are typically charted in blue or black, while treatment needed is charted in red. Amalgam restorations are shown as blue shaded areas on the affected surfaces.
Question 2 · Chairside Dental Procedures
The primary purpose of coronal polishing is to:
- A.Remove calculus
- B.Strengthen enamel
- C.Treat periodontal disease
- D.Smooth tooth surfaces
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Smooth tooth surfaces
Coronal polishing removes plaque and stains, leaving the tooth surface smooth.
Question 3 · Chairside Dental Materials
The primary function of cavity varnish is to:
- A.Permanently seal enamel
- B.Remove bacteria
- C.Increase restoration strength
- D.Protect the pulp
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Protect the pulp
Cavity varnish creates a protective barrier that reduces irritation to the pulp.
Question 4 · Laboratory Materials and Procedures
When trimming casts, excessive removal of material may cause:
- A.Improved articulation
- B.Loss of anatomical landmarks
- C.Increased durability
- D.Faster laboratory turnaround
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Loss of anatomical landmarks
Over-trimming can remove critical anatomical landmarks needed for evaluation.
Question 5 · Prevention and Management of Emergencies
End of Practice Test 1 – Section 5 (Questions 65–80)
Say “Continue” when you are ready for Practice Test 1 – Section 6: Prevention and Management of Emergencies (Questions 81–96).
The first step when a patient is found unresponsive in the dental office is to:
- A.Check responsiveness and breathing
- B.Begin chest compressions immediately
- C.Call the patient’s emergency contact
- D.Retrieve emergency medications
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Check responsiveness and breathing
CPR protocol begins by checking responsiveness and normal breathing before initiating further action.
Question 6 · The Collection and Recording of Clinical Data
When you are ready, say “Start Practice Test 2”, and I will begin Practice Test 2 (Questions 101–116) following the same structure and rules, with no repeated questions.
When documenting existing restorations, which color is typically used to indicate completed dental work?
- A.Red
- B.Green
- C.Blue
- D.Yellow
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Blue
Completed or existing restorations are usually recorded in blue or black, while treatment needed is charted in red.
Question 7 · Chairside Dental Procedures
Which surface should be avoided during coronal polishing?
- A.Enamel with light stains
- B.Restorations
- C.Occlusal pits with plaque
- D.Smooth enamel surfaces
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Restorations
Polishing restorations can damage their surfaces and margins.
Question 8 · Chairside Dental Materials
Cavity varnish reduces postoperative sensitivity by:
- A.Permanently sealing dentin tubules
- B.Acting as an insulating barrier
- C.Bonding restorations to enamel
- D.Strengthening dentin
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Acting as an insulating barrier
Varnish provides a temporary barrier that reduces fluid movement in dentinal tubules.
Question 9 · Laboratory Materials and Procedures
Which instruction is essential on a laboratory prescription?
- A.Patient payment status
- B.Type of prosthesis requested
- C.Insurance carrier
- D.Appointment date
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Type of prosthesis requested
The lab prescription must clearly specify the prosthesis to be fabricated.
Question 10 · Prevention and Management of Emergencies
End of Practice Test 2 – Section 5 (Questions 165–180)
Say “Continue” when you are ready for Practice Test 2 – Section 6: Prevention and Management of Emergencies (Questions 181–196).
When performing adult CPR, chest compressions should be delivered to a depth of approximately:
- A.2 inches
- B.1.5 inches
- C.1 inch
- D.3 inches
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. 2 inches
Adult CPR guidelines recommend compressions at a depth of about 2 inches to ensure adequate blood circulation.

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