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Free National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Theory Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Theory Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A dental assistant omits a required step during patient care, and the omission causes the patient an injury. Under the CDAA Code of Ethics, how is this harmful omission classified?

    1. A.Professional negligenceCorrect answer: A
    2. B.Breach of confidentiality
    3. C.Conflict of interest
    4. D.Misrepresentation of qualifications

    Explanation: The Code states, "Acts of omission and commission that cause injury or harm to a patient will be considered professional negligence." The omitted care step caused injury, so the stated classification applies.

    Reference: CDAA Code of Ethics for Dental Assistants — Responsibilities to Patients Cont’d, p. 3

  2. 2A dental assistant is reviewing a patient's jaw symptoms before the dentist evaluates a suspected temporomandibular disorder. Which finding does NIDCR identify as the most common symptom of these disorders?

    1. A.Limited movement or locking of the jaw
    2. B.Pain in the chewing muscles or jaw jointCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Painful clicking during jaw movement
    4. D.Changes in how the upper and lower teeth meet

    Explanation: NIDCR lists "Pain in the chewing muscles and/or jaw joint (most common symptom)". The other findings may also signal TMD, but are not identified as its most common symptom.

    Reference: NIDCR — Temporomandibular Disorders — Symptoms

  3. 3In an Ontario dental office, microorganisms pass to a worker through a contaminated instrument rather than directly from the patient. Which mode of transmission describes the intervening instrument?

    1. A.Direct contact
    2. B.Indirect contactCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Droplet transmission
    4. D.Airborne transmission

    Explanation: The RCDSO standard states, "indirect contact transmission – contact with an intermediate contaminated object, such as a dental instrument, equipment or an environmental surface;" The instrument is the intermediate contaminated object.

    Reference: RCDSO — Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office — Patient Safety — Transmission of Microorganisms

  4. 4An Ontario practice holds the clinical record of a patient last treated at age 17. What is the minimum required retention endpoint, expressed as a birthday, under the general minor-record rule?

    1. A.18th birthday
    2. B.27th birthday
    3. C.28th birthdayCorrect answer: C
    4. D.38th birthday

    Explanation: The guideline states, "In the case of a minor, these records must be kept for at least ten years from the date the patient turned 18 years of age ." The minimum is 18 + 10 = 28 years. Eighteen omits the interval; 27 adds ten to the last-treatment age of 17; 38 adds the ten-year interval twice.

    Reference: RCDSO — Dental Recordkeeping Guidelines — Retention of Dental Records

  5. 5The dentist requests a justified dental radiograph after clinical examination. What principal diagnostic benefit should the assistant explain to the patient?

    1. A.It identifies physical conditions difficult to recognize otherwise.Correct answer: A
    2. B.It establishes the patient's systemic medication tolerance.
    3. C.It determines the patient's response to local anesthetic.
    4. D.It measures the patient's salivary buffering capacity.

    Explanation: The source states, "It is used in the diagnosis of physical conditions that would otherwise be difficult to identify, as well as to assist in the planning of treatment." Radiographs complement clinical findings and treatment planning; the alternatives describe other assessments.

    Reference: Health Canada — Safety Code 30 — Introduction

  6. 6An Ontario assistant reviews the office's document-retention schedule. Which item has a specific minimum retention of two years from provision or submission, rather than the usual ten-year record rule?

    1. A.Diagnostic study models
    2. B.Copies of dental claim formsCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Equipment service records
    4. D.Patient clinical records

    Explanation: The source states, "Copies of dental claim forms must be kept for at least two years from the date the claim was provided to the patient or submitted on the patient’s behalf" The exception applies to claim-form copies. Diagnostic study models, clinical records and equipment service records follow the longer requirements stated in the guideline.

    Reference: RCDSO — Dental Recordkeeping Guidelines — Retention of Dental Records, exception 2

  7. 7During oral-hygiene instruction, a patient asks what untreated periodontal disease can damage beyond the gums. Which supporting structure can become involved?

    1. A.Pulp chamber
    2. B.Alveolar boneCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Enamel prisms
    4. D.Dentin horns

    Explanation: The source states, "If left untreated, it can spread to the bones supporting the teeth" Progression can involve supporting bone and lead to mobility or tooth loss. The other structures are tooth tissues rather than the supporting bone affected by periodontal progression.

    Reference: NIDCR — Gum Disease — Overview

  8. 8A capable adult patient understands the dentist's proposed treatment and the available options but chooses to decline it. Which ethical principle must guide the dental assistant's response to that choice?

    1. A.Accountability
    2. B.AutonomyCorrect answer: B
    3. C.Confidentiality
    4. D.Veracity

    Explanation: The Code states that the dental assistant will "respect the patient’s autonomy and their right of choice." Respect for this informed decision reflects autonomy; the other principles concern responsibility, privacy and truthfulness.

    Reference: CDAA Code of Ethics for Dental Assistants — Responsibilities to Patients — Informed Consent, p. 2

  9. 9During an oral examination, the dentist points to the bony plate that forms the roof of the mouth and separates it from the nasal cavity. Which structure should the assistant identify?

    1. A.Soft palate
    2. B.Nasal septum
    3. C.Hard palateCorrect answer: C
    4. D.Palatine tonsil

    Explanation: OpenStax states, "The hard palate is the bony plate that forms the roof of the mouth and floor of the nasal cavity, separating the oral and nasal cavities." This identifies the indicated bony partition.

    Reference: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Skull — 7.2, Maxillary Bone

  10. 10While confirming an elective appointment in Ontario, an assistant learns that the patient has fever and a cough. Rescheduling is feasible. Which appointment response is preferred by the RCDSO standard?

    1. A.Keep the appointment in a secluded operatory.
    2. B.Move the appointment to the final slot that day.
    3. C.Re-schedule the appointment for another date.Correct answer: C
    4. D.Keep the appointment with a longer room turnover.

    Explanation: The RCDSO standard states, "If staff learn that a particular patient has a fever or cough, dental appointments should be re-scheduled." The visit is elective and can be rescheduled; altered same-day arrangements do not replace the recommended response.

    Reference: RCDSO — Infection Prevention and Control in the Dental Office — Patient Safety — Screening of Patients

Exam Review

About National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Theory Examination

National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Theory Examination · CA

Key exam facts

Provider
National Dental Assisting Examining Board; third-party testing and psychometric provider not named in the handbook.
Format
Computer-based single-answer and matching items
Exam questions
Total questions: 200.
Time limit
Maximum 4 hours, except approved extra-time accommodations.
Passing score
Modified Angoff standard setting; passing score varies by form, generally in the low to mid 60% range.
Exam fee
CAD $730 theory examination fee; includes CAD $100 non-refundable application fee, with additional credit card processing fee.

Topics covered

The authority publishes percentage ranges for each content area. The practice percentages below use the midpoint of each range, normalized to 100%; they are not exact percentages published by the authority. Practice question counts may differ slightly because of rounding.

  • Ethical and Legal Practice as a Dental Assistant (Practice allocation: 5%)

    • Apply the principles of the Canadian Dental Assistants Association (CDAA) Code of Ethics when providing or assisting with dental services
    • Practice legally within the National and Provincial, and territorial regulatory scope of practice
    • Report suspected physical, sexual, emotional abuse or neglect and assist with documentation and supports
    • Obtain informed consent from patients and/or caregivers prior to treatment and accurately document discussion following record keeping guidelines
    • Maintain privacy and confidentiality with all forms of patient records, communications, and interactions
    • Recognize and report any conflicts of interest when providing or assisting with dental treatment
    • Explain legal and ethical practice for treating patients with known infectious diseases

  • Dental Sciences — Official range: 7–12% (Practice allocation: 8.76%)

    • ORAL ANATOMY
    • Describe, locate and identify structures and landmarks of the oral cavity
    • Describe, locate and identify anatomical landmarks of the permanent and primary teeth
    • Describe, locate and identify the tissues and supporting structures of the teeth
    • Describe the functions of teeth and their supporting structures
    • ANATOMY OF THE HEAD AND NECK
    • Identify and locate the bones of the head and describe their structure and function
    • Identify and describe anatomical landmarks of the head and face
    • Identify and describe the parts of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), its movements and disorders or diseases
    • Identify the muscles of the face and oral cavity and describe their function
    • Identify and locate the salivary glands and ducts and describe their function
    • Identify and locate the paranasal sinuses and describe their function
    • Identify and describe the innervations of the teeth and surrounding tissues, of mandibular and maxillary arches
    • Identify and locate the cervical lymph nodes and describe their functions
    • TOOTH DEVELOPMENT AND ERUPTION
    • Describe oral and facial development, including the teeth
    • Describe tooth eruption and exfoliation patterns for the primary and permanent dentitions
    • ORAL PATHOLOGY
    • Describe genetic, developmental and acquired anomalies/pathologies of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity, including the teeth
    • Describe the causes and progression of hard and soft tissue lesions
    • Identify and describe the correlation between nutrition/diet, prescription and non-prescription drug use, and oral pathologies
    • MICROBIOLOGY
    • Identify and describe diseases related to micro-organisms including bacteria, spores, viruses, fungi, protozoa and prions
    • Identify and describe the routes of disease transmission and chain of infection prevention and control
    • PHARMACOLOGY
    • Describe the effects and interactions of over-the-counter, non-prescription, prescription and illegal drugs on patient care and identify safety issues that could affect the delivery of dental treatment
    • Explain the rationale for identifying all medications/drugs taken, including dosages and frequency
    • Explain the indications and requirements for pre-medication, prior to dental treatment
    • Interpret information included on a prescription form, including acceptable medical and dental terminology and abbreviations

  • Clinical Support Procedures — Official range: 10–15% (Practice allocation: 11.53%)

    • PRINCIPLES OF ASEPSIS AND INFECTION PREVENTION 3.1.1.1. reception and business office area 3.1.1.2. clinical setting 3.1.1.3. laboratory area 3.1.1.4. remote locations 3.1.1.5. mobile clinics 3.1.2.1. standard infection control procedures 3.1.2.2. pre-cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of equipment and supplies 3.1.2.3. proper storage protocols for equipment and supplies 3.1.2.4. quality assurance protocols and proper use of instrument reprocessing equipment 3.1.2.5. personal protective equipment 3.1.2.6. immunization 3.1.3.1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 3.1.3.2. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 3.1.3.3. Waste Disposal Regulations
    • Explain the rationale for infection prevention procedures across dental care settings, including: 3.1.1.1. reception and business office area 3.1.1.2. clinical setting 3.1.1.3. laboratory area 3.1.1.4. remote locations 3.1.1.5. mobile clinics
    • Explain and demonstrate approved methods for the prevention of disease transmission including: 3.1.2.1. standard infection control procedures 3.1.2.2. pre-cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of equipment and supplies 3.1.2.3. proper storage protocols for equipment and supplies 3.1.2.4. quality assurance protocols and proper use of instrument reprocessing equipment 3.1.2.5. personal protective equipment 3.1.2.6. immunization
    • Employ accepted safety standards for infection prevention and handling of hazardous materials and substances in the workplace including: 3.1.3.1. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 3.1.3.2. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 3.1.3.3. Waste Disposal Regulations
    • Employ protocols for injury prevention, exposure control, post- exposure first aid and updating employee health records
    • Explain protocols used to reduce biofilm within dental unit waterlines and evacuation systems
    • Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies and operate equipment following best practice protocols for safety and asepsis
    • TEAM ERGONOMICS
    • Apply principles of ergonomics in positioning the patient, operator, dental assistant and equipment throughout all procedures
    • Apply the principles of instrument and material transfer to support patient safety, procedural efficiency, and injury prevention, when assisting an operator
    • Demonstrate operator ergonomics and proper instrumentation techniques, to ensure patient safety, procedural efficiency and prevent personal injury
    • Demonstrate exercises for prevention or relief of symptoms related to musculoskeletal disorders and injuries

  • Patient Records — Official range: 10–12% (Practice allocation: 10.15%)

    • Apply protocols to comply with legal requirements for updating, maintaining, storing, and transferring patient records, including authenticating entries with initials or signature.
    • Complete and update patient records using paper-based and electronic systems to include: 4.2.1. personal information 4.2.2. health and dental history, vital signs, medications, and medical alerts 4.2.3. intra-oral and extra-oral examination diagnoses 4.2.4. oral hygiene indices and periodontal notations 4.2.5. diagnostic records including: study models, bite registrations, radiographic images, and photographic images 4.2.6. consent forms, financial and insurance information 4.2.7. treatment plan and progress notes
    • Use professionally acceptable terminology, charting symbols, abbreviations, correct spelling, and tooth numbering systems

  • Patient Care Procedures — Official range: 40–50% (Practice allocation: 41.5%)

    • OBTAIN AND RECORD VITAL SIGNS
    • Explain the rationale for obtaining and recording vital signs.
    • Describe the equipment required for, and obtain and record: pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and respiration.
    • Discuss normal ranges for vital signs and the factors that can affect readings.
    • COLLECT DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION
    • Assist with diagnostic procedures
    • State the types of and provide the rationale for performing diagnostic procedure
    • Prepare and transfer equipment and supplies for diagnostic procedures
    • Observe, monitor and record responses and/or conditions that the patient may present with while in the dental setting
    • Obtain impressions and fabricate study models
    • State the rationale for obtaining impressions and bite registrations for the fabrication of study models
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies specific to the patient’s dentition and anatomy
    • Manipulate impression material according to manufacturer’s directions for use
    • Obtain mandibular and maxillary impressions following procedural steps
    • Evaluate, disinfect and prepare impressions for storage or pouring
    • Pour impressions for study models
    • Fabricate, trim, label and store study models
    • Obtain, evaluate and disinfect bite registrations
    • Provide pre-operative, operative and post-operative information/instructions
    • Produce and evaluate radiographic images
    • Describe components of x-ray machines and their functions
    • Describe factors that affect the quantity and quality of the x-ray beam
    • Describe composition and types of radiographic imaging receptors
    • Describe care, storage and handling of radiographic imaging receptors
    • Describe the biological effects of radiation exposure on patients and staff, and the purpose, equipment and processes for radiation monitoring
    • Define the types of radiographic images and the rationale for their use
    • Provide pre-exposure information and instructions to the patient or caregiver and obtain informed consent
    • Apply principles of extra-oral and intra-oral radiographic imaging techniques
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies specific to the patient’s dentition and anatomy
    • Expose prescribed radiographic images in accordance to A.L.A.R.A. principles
    • Upload radiographic image(s) to the patient’s record
    • Evaluate radiographic images for technical quality, accuracy and diagnostic information
    • Explain causes and corrective measures for radiographic image exposure errors
    • Explain image enhancement functions associated with software programs
    • Describe radiographic image duplicating, transferring and archiving procedures
    • Describe the appearance of radiopaque and radiolucent structures on an image
    • Identify and describe anatomical landmarks and dental anomalies on radiographic images, including whether they are radiolucent or radiopaque
    • EMERGENCY CARE
    • Assist with the assembly and maintenance of basic emergency supplies, drugs and equipment
    • Assist in the prevention and management of in-office patient emergencies
    • Identify and interpret signs and symptoms of medical conditions for the prevention and management of medical emergencies
    • Assist in the management and treatment of dental and medical emergencies within the dental facility
    • MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
    • Schedule appointments to accommodate patients that require treatment modifications
    • Adapt procedures according to patient’s physical needs, mobility limitations, age and/or mental health
    • Provide treatment information and instructions to patients, care givers and/or legal guardians with consideration of their cognitive level and communication ability
    • ANESTHESIA AND PAIN MANAGEMENT
    • Assist with the application of topical and administration of local anesthetic
    • Identify precautions during application of topical and administration of local anesthetic
    • Describe and locate injection sites for the placement of topical anesthetic for all injection techniques
    • Describe and monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to topical and/or local anesthetic
    • Describe procedure for application of topical and administration of local anesthetic
    • Prepare equipment and supplies for the application of topical and administration of local anesthetic
    • Apply techniques for the safe assembly, handling and disposal of needles
    • Manage needlestick injuries according to best practise protocols
    • Provide pre-operative, operative and post-operative information/instructions for application of topical and administration of local anesthesia
    • Apply topical anaesthetic agents as prescribed
    • Prepare equipment, supplies and injection site and apply the prescribed topical anesthetic agent according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Observe oral tissues for adverse reactions and apply corrective measures if needed
    • Assist with sedation and general anaesthesia
    • Differentiate between levels of sedation and general anaesthesia
    • Identify contra-indications for the administration of sedation techniques and general anesthesia
    • Describe and monitor signs and symptoms of adverse reactions to sedation and general anaesthesia
    • Prepare equipment and supplies for sedation techniques and general anesthesia
    • Monitor and document vital signs before, during and after sedation and general anesthesia
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions for sedation and general anesthesia
    • MOISTURE CONTROL TECHNIQUES
    • State indications and contra-indications for various moisture control techniques
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies and assist with moisture control for prescribed procedures
    • Place and remove moisture control equipment and supplies with consideration of the patient’s dentition and personal needs
    • Apply and remove dental dam
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies considering the patient’s dentition and prescribed procedure
    • Assist with the application and removal of dental dam
    • Apply and remove dental dam following procedural steps
    • Evaluate, identify and correct dental dam placement and positioning errors
    • Evaluate, identify and correct isolation effectiveness and isolation errors
    • Provide pre-operative, operative and post-operative information/instructions
    • Position oral evacuation to maintain a dry operating field, for single or multiple operator procedures, considering patient comfort
    • OPERATIVE DENTISTRY PROCEDURES
    • Assign cavity classifications to lesions and restorations
    • Use terminology associated with cavity preparations and restorations
    • Assist with the application of supplemental dental materials
    • Describe the functions and benefits of liners, bases, and bonding materials and the indications and contra-indications for their use
    • Describe the components of bonding systems, their uses, effects and precautions
    • List the order of placement and location for treatment liners, bases and bonding systems
    • Prepare, manipulate and transfer treatment liner, base, acid etchant and bonding materials according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Apply treatment liners (no pulpal involvement), acid etch and bonding materials
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies appropriate to the selected material(s)
    • Apply treatment liners, acid etchant and bonding materials following procedural steps and manufacturer’s instruction for use
    • Evaluate placement according to criteria and make corrective measures as required
    • Assist with the application and removal of matrix systems and wedges
    • State the rationale for using differing matrix systems and wedges
    • Select and assemble a matrix system and wedge(s) for prescribed restorative procedures
    • Assist with placement and removal of matrix system and wedge(s)
    • Apply and remove matrix systems and wedge(s)
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies
    • Apply matrix system and wedge(s) following procedural steps and evaluate according to criteria
    • Correct application or placement errors for matrix system or wedge(s)
    • Remove matrix system and wedge(s) following procedural steps and assess adjacent tissues
    • Assist with preparation and placement of permanent restorative materials
    • Describe the properties of and explain the rationale for the use of amalgam and permanent, direct restorative materials
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with amalgam placement, finishing and adjustment procedures, observing mercury hygiene best practice management
    • Describe permanent, direct restorative materials and their polymerization
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with placement, finishing and adjustment of permanent, direct restorative materials
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions
    • Assist with the preparation and placement of temporary restorative materials
    • Explain the rationale for using various types of temporary restorative materials
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with preparation, placement, finishing and adjustment of temporary restorative materials
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions
    • Assist with vital and non-vital tooth whitening techniques
    • State indications and contra-indications for whitening of vital and non-vital teeth
    • Describe vital and non-vital tooth whitening materials and techniques
    • Describe the side-effects which may result from tooth whitening
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with vital and non-vital tooth whitening
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions
    • Assist with placement of dental implants
    • State indications and contra-indications for the placement of the various types of dental implants
    • Describe diagnostic information necessary to prepare for dental implant placement
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and describe the treatment sequence required for the placement of dental implants
    • Assist with dental implant placement following protocols for sterile surgical conditions
    • Describe the treatment/management of complications or conditions that may arise from the placement of dental implants
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions
    • ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES
    • State indications and contra-indications for surgical procedures
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with indicated surgical procedure(s)
    • Assist with procedure following protocols for sterile surgical conditions
    • Describe treatment/management of complications or conditions that may arise from surgical procedures
    • Perform suture removal
    • Identify various suture materials/compositions and suturing techniques
    • Assess post-surgical soft tissue for signs of healing, infection or post- operative complications; report to the dentist and record findings
    • Debride and evaluate surgical/operative site to determine where to cut suture(s)
    • Cut and remove suture(s)
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post- operative and home care information/instructions
    • ENDODONTIC PROCEDURES
    • State indications and contra-indications for endodontic procedures
    • Describe diagnostic tests and responses, to determine tooth vitality
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with indicated endodontic procedures in both primary and permanent dentitions
    • Describe treatment/management of complications or conditions that may arise from endodontic procedures
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • PERIODONTIC PROCEDURES
    • State indications and contra-indications for periodontal procedures
    • Describe the components of a periodontal examination and the recording/charting of each component
    • Describe signs and/or symptoms of healthy gingiva, gingivitis and periodontitis
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with indicated periodontal procedures
    • Describe treatment/management of complications or conditions which may arise from periodontal procedures
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • PROSTHODONTIC PROCEDURES
    • Differentiate between fixed and removable prostheses
    • Describe diagnostic information and records required to plan for fixed or removable prostheses
    • State indications and contra-indications for fixed and removable prostheses
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with indicated prosthodontic procedures
    • Prepare or fabricate trays for final impressions
    • Describe computer-generated prostheses/restorations and their associated procedures
    • Describe the dental assistant’s role in the preparation, packaging, digital information transfer, delivery and reception of prosthodontic cases
    • Describe treatment/management of complications or conditions that may arise from prosthodontic procedures
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • ORTHODONTIC PROCEDURES
    • Describe and classify occlusion and malocclusion according to Angle’s Classification
    • Use terminology associated with malaligned teeth and arches
    • Identify and describe factors affecting occlusion
    • Differentiate between fixed and removable orthodontic appliances
    • State indications and contra-indications for orthodontic intervention
    • Prepare equipment and supplies and assist with indicated orthodontic procedures
    • Describe records required for case presentation and for informed consent for treatment
    • Describe clear aligner orthodontic treatment including procedural steps
    • Describe the dental assistant’s role in written and verbal communication with the dental laboratory or appliance manufacturer
    • Coordinate the preparation, packaging, digital information transfer, delivery and reception of orthodontic cases
    • Describe treatment/management of complications or conditions that may arise from orthodontic procedures
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions

  • Practice Management Procedures — Official range: 5–10% (Practice allocation: 6.92%)

    • Manage and maintain filing, recall and inventory systems in both paper-based and electronic systems
    • Manage patient appointments, referrals and consultations
    • Manage and maintain financial records in both paper-based and electronic systems
    • Maintain equipment records, manuals and service contracts
    • Describe various administrative support tasks which contribute to the development and/or maintenance of office policies and procedures

  • Preventive Procedures — Official range: 15–20% (Practice allocation: 16.14%)

    • PROVIDE ORAL HYGIENE INSTRUCTION
    • Describe the periodontal disease process and the factors affecting its development and progress
    • Describe the caries process and the factors affecting its development and progress
    • Describe the indications, contra-indications, types, purposes and methods of applying disclosing agents
    • Apply the principles of instruction and learning to individuals and groups
    • Observe, collect and record data to assess patient needs using methods such as: plaque/biofilm indices, disclosing agents in addition to observation of tissue condition(s)
    • Develop oral hygiene goals using patient centered approach and explain goals specific to patient needs
    • Select and demonstrate oral care aids specific to oral conditions to achieve determined needs and goals
    • Apply disclosing agents according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Discuss disclosing agent results with patient and/or caregiver
    • Evaluate outcomes of oral hygiene instruction, provide feedback and make necessary modifications
    • PROVIDE NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING RELATIVE TO ORAL HEALTH
    • List nutrients, their sources, function(s)and effects
    • Collect data to assess patient’s oral health needs related to nutrition
    • Make dietary recommendations specific to oral health condition(s)
    • Evaluate nutritional counseling outcomes, provide feedback and make recommendations and/or modifications
    • PERFORM CORONAL POLISHING
    • State the rationale, indications and contra-indications for coronal polishing
    • Differentiate between intrinsic and extrinsic stain(s)
    • Describe causes and formation of stains
    • Select and prepare coronal polishing equipment and supplies specific to the patient’s needs
    • Use appropriate coronal polishing technique(s) to remove extrinsic stain(s)
    • Evaluate coronal polishing outcomes and make any necessary modifications
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • APPLY ANTI-CARIOGENIC AGENTS
    • State the rationale, indications and contra-indications for application of various anti-cariogenic agents
    • Describe the effects of anti-cariogenic agents on tooth structure
    • Describe and differentiate between delivery methods for topical application of anti-cariogenic agents
    • Assess patient needs for choice and application method of anti-cariogenic agent(s)
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies for various types of anti- cariogenic agents and delivery methods, specific to patient’s needs
    • Apply anti-cariogenic agents according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Evaluate anti-cariogenic agent outcomes, provide feedback and make necessary recommendations and/or modifications
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • APPLY PIT AND FISSURE SEALANTS
    • State the rationale, indications and contra-indications for pit and fissure sealant application
    • Describe sealant materials and their polymerization
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies for prescribed treatment/tooth/teeth
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of selected moisture control technique(s) to the outcome of the sealant(s)
    • Prepare prescribed tooth/teeth surfaces and apply selected sealant material according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Evaluate sealant placement according to criteria and make modifications if required
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • APPLY DESENSITIZING AGENTS
    • State the rationale, indications and contra-indications for application of desensitizing agents
    • Describe desensitizing agents and their mode of action
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies for prescribed treatment/tooth surface(s) according to patient’s needs
    • Prepare prescribed surface(s) and apply material according to manufacturer’s instructions for use
    • Evaluate the application of the desensitizing agent according to stated criteria and make modifications if required
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, and post-operative and home care information/instructions
    • PERFORM VITAL TOOTH WHITENING
    • State the rationale, indications and contra-indications for vital tooth whitening
    • Fabricate whitening tray(s)
    • Select and prepare equipment and supplies for prescribed tooth whitening
    • Determine and record existing tooth shade prior to whitening
    • Demonstrate and deliver the product to the patient according to manufacturer’s instructions for use and patient’s dentition
    • Identify and explain effects of improper use of tooth whitening products
    • Provide verbal/written, pre-operative, operative, post-operative and home care information/instructions

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Computer-based single-answer and matching items

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 200.

How long is the exam?

Maximum 4 hours, except approved extra-time accommodations.

What is the passing score?

Modified Angoff standard setting; passing score varies by form, generally in the low to mid 60% range.

How much does the exam cost?

CAD $730 theory examination fee; includes CAD $100 non-refundable application fee, with additional credit card processing fee.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.