ADC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ADC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Delayed expansion in zinc-containing amalgam is primarily caused by: → Contamination of the mix with moisture during condensation
2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of dental amalgam? → It is tooth-colored and aesthetic.
3. The canine guidance (cuspid protected occlusion) means: → The canines bear all lateral occlusal forces and disengage posterior teeth
4. When preparing an access cavity for a mandibular first molar with a vital pulp, the ideal outline form is typically: → Trapezoidal or rhomboidal, located in the mesial half of the tooth
5. According to the 2017 AAP/EFP classification system, which factor is a primary determinant for assigning the 'Grade' of periodontitis? → The rate of disease progression over time.
6. The recommended casting temperature for most dental gold alloys is: → Approximately 100–150°C above the liquidus temperature
7. When treating a patient with a history of bisphosphonate use, which complication is of greatest concern following tooth extraction? → Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
8. The freeway space (interocclusal rest space) is typically: → 2–4 mm
9. Which factor is MOST important when determining the restorability of a tooth? → Remaining tooth structure and crown-to-root ratio
10. Which of the following is/are true regarding a tooth filled with a formaldehyde-containing paste? → All of the above.
11. The solidus temperature of a casting alloy is defined as the temperature at which: → The alloy is completely solidified on cooling
12. In Angle's Class II malocclusion, the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes: → Mesial to the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar
13. What is the primary reason for recording a comprehensive medical history before dental treatment? → To identify conditions and medications that may affect treatment safety and outcomes
14. Which developmental groove on the mandibular first molar separates the mesiobuccal and distobuccal cusps? → Buccal groove
15. Case Scenario: A patient presents with a fractured incisor tooth due to trauma. Which of the following is the most appropriate immediate management? → Assess for pulpal involvement and initiate root canal treatment if necessary.
16. Centric relation is best described as: → The musculoskeletally stable position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa
17. Irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) impression material is classified as: → An elastic material that sets via irreversible chemical reaction and cannot be reused
18. Which investigation is most appropriate when suspecting a salivary gland obstruction by a calculus? → Ultrasound or sialography
19. A patient has uncontrolled type 2 diabetes with an HbA1c of 11%. What is the most appropriate approach for elective dental surgery? → Defer elective surgery and refer to the patient's physician for better glycemic control
20. A patient reports biting the inside of their cheek repeatedly and presents with a nodule on the buccal mucosa. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Fibroma (irritation fibroma)
21. What is the most appropriate first step when a patient presents with acute irreversible pulpitis causing severe spontaneous pain? → Perform pulpectomy or extraction to relieve the pain
22. The Curve of Spee is a curvature observed in which plane? → Sagittal plane
23. Which cusp of the maxillary first molar is known as the 'cusp of Carabelli'? → Mesiolingual cusp — an additional tubercle on its lingual surface
24. Which permanent tooth has the longest root? → Maxillary canine
25. A patient presents with trismus, fever, and a submandibular swelling that is crossing the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis? → Ludwig's angina
26. What does the acronym 'SOAP' represent in clinical documentation? → Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan
27. How many root canals does the maxillary first premolar most commonly have? → 2
28. What is the most critical component of the long-term management and success of periodontal therapy? → Patient adherence to a regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) schedule.
29. How many lobes does the maxillary central incisor develop from? → 4
30. The working time of zinc phosphate cement can be extended by: → Spatulating on a cooled glass slab and adding powder incrementally