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Free CDA Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CDA practice test to study every exam domain.

Question 1

A diabetic patient becomes confused, tremulous, and sweaty during a dental appointment. These signs are MOST consistent with:

  1. Hyperglycemia
  2. Hypoglycemia
  3. Diabetic ketoacidosis
  4. An allergic reaction
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Hypoglycemia

Question 2

The correct sequence for placing a composite resin restoration is:

  1. Place composite, etch, bond, cure
  2. Bond, etch, rinse, place composite, cure
  3. Etch, rinse, dry, bond, cure, place composite, cure
  4. Etch, rinse, place composite, cure, bond
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Etch, rinse, dry, bond, cure, place composite, cure

Question 3

ZOE cement should NOT be used under composite resin restorations because:

  1. Eugenol interferes with the polymerization (setting) of composite resin
  2. It has poor adhesion properties that compromise the restoration bond
  3. It contains acidic components that weaken the composite matrix
  4. It releases moisture that prevents proper composite curing
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Eugenol interferes with the polymerization (setting) of composite resin

Question 4

Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) typically occurs:

  1. Within the first 6 hours after extraction
  2. 2-3 weeks after the extraction
  3. 1 month after the extraction
  4. 2-5 days after the extraction
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - 2-5 days after the extraction

Question 5

Overlapping of the interproximal contacts on a bitewing radiograph is caused by:

  1. Incorrect vertical angulation of the x-ray beam
  2. Incorrect horizontal angulation of the x-ray beam
  3. Overexposure of the radiographic receptor
  4. The receptor being positioned too far from the teeth
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Incorrect horizontal angulation of the x-ray beam

Question 6

The factor that PRIMARILY controls the contrast of a dental radiographic image is:

  1. mAs (milliampere-seconds)
  2. Exposure time duration
  3. kVp (kilovoltage peak)
  4. Source-to-image distance
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - kVp (kilovoltage peak)

Question 7

The maximum permissible dose (MPD) for occupationally exposed dental workers (whole body) is:

  1. 50 mSv/year (5 rem/year)
  2. 5 mSv/year (0.5 rem/year)
  3. 100 mSv/year (10 rem/year)
  4. 500 mSv/year (50 rem/year)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - 50 mSv/year (5 rem/year)

Question 8

The correct sequence for DOFFING (removing) PPE is:

  1. Mask → Gown → Eyewear → Gloves
  2. Gown → Gloves → Mask → Eyewear
  3. Gloves → Eyewear → Gown → Mask
  4. Eyewear → Mask → Gloves → Gown
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Gloves → Eyewear → Gown → Mask

Question 9

A POSITIVE biological indicator result means:

  1. Sterilization was successful
  2. The sterilizer requires immediate maintenance
  3. A different indicator brand should be used
  4. The spores survived the sterilization process
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - The spores survived the sterilization process

Question 10

After a needlestick injury with a contaminated needle, the FIRST action the dental assistant should take is:

  1. Wash the wound with soap and water
  2. Document the incident in the exposure log
  3. Notify the supervising dentist immediately
  4. Apply pressure to stop any bleeding
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Wash the wound with soap and water

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