ADEX Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following patients is at HIGHEST risk for an adrenal crisis during dental treatment? → A patient on long-term prednisone 20 mg/day for rheumatoid arthritis
2. When adapting a curette to the mesial surface of a maxillary first molar from the facial approach, the clinician should position the instrument so the: → Toe of the blade points toward the mesial contact area and adapts at 45–90 degrees
3. The mandibular first molar typically has how many roots? → 2
4. A patient on long-term bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis requires periodontal surgery. The primary concern is: → Risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
5. Which type of glove is required when handling liquid chemical sterilants such as glutaraldehyde during instrument reprocessing? → Heavy-duty utility gloves
6. Root planing differs from scaling primarily in that root planing: → Smooths and detoxifies the cementum surface
7. Which explorer tip design is MOST effective for detecting subgingival calculus in narrow, deep periodontal pockets? → ODU 11/12
8. Which of the following is NOT a component of the periodontium? → Dentin
9. Which type of sterilization monitoring provides the most definitive proof that sterilization conditions were met? → Biological indicator (spore test)
10. The recommended threshold for dental unit waterline water quality per CDC guidelines is: → <500 CFU/mL of heterotrophic bacteria
11. Which cranial nerve is responsible for general sensation in the teeth and gingiva of the maxilla? → Cranial nerve V2
12. During instrumentation, a hygienist is using a modified pen grasp. The middle finger's primary role in this grasp is to: → Rest lightly on the shank to guide the working-end and feel vibrations.
13. Which sterilization method is appropriate for heat-sensitive items that cannot withstand autoclaving? → Ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization
14. How many different ways are there to use fluoride? → three
15. Which of the following BEST describes the activation phase of a stroke during hand instrumentation? → Applying lateral pressure and moving the instrument coronally against the tooth
16. Which cranial nerve provides primary sensory innervation to the teeth and periodontium? → CN V (Trigeminal)
17. Which probing depth measurement indicates the transition from healthy sulcus to a pathologic periodontal pocket? → 4 mm
18. A patient on long-term corticosteroid therapy may require supplemental corticosteroids before stressful dental procedures due to risk of which condition? → Addisonian crisis (adrenal insufficiency)
19. Which of the following best describes the signs of hypoglycemia in a dental patient? → Diaphoresis, confusion, and shakiness with rapid onset
20. A surface that is difficult to disinfect, such as a dental chair adjustment lever, should be managed by: → Covering with an impervious barrier that is changed between patients
21. Nitroglycerin is contraindicated in a patient who has taken which of the following medications within 24-48 hours? → Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil)
22. A patient suddenly becomes pale, diaphoretic, and reports feeling faint during scaling. What is the most likely emergency? → Vasovagal syncope
23. When using a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler, the clinician should use which tip motion for most efficient calculus removal? → Overlapping vertical, horizontal, and oblique strokes with light pressure
24. The greater palatine nerve exits through the greater palatine foramen and primarily innervates which area? → The posterior hard palate and adjacent palatal gingiva
25. The parotid duct (Stensen's duct) opens into the oral cavity opposite which tooth? → Maxillary second molar
26. In the 2017 AAP/EFP classification system, Grade reflects which aspect of periodontitis? → The rate of disease progression, risk factors, and systemic impact
27. What does an AED's voice prompt 'No shock advised' indicate when used on an unresponsive patient? → The rhythm detected is non-shockable; CPR should be continued immediately
28. Which type of bone defect has three remaining osseous walls and offers the best prognosis for regenerative therapy? → Three-wall (intrabony) defect
29. Which periodontal fiber group runs from the cementum to the alveolar bone in an oblique direction, resisting occlusal forces? → Oblique fibers
30. What is the main advantage of using a rubber base (polysulfide) impression material over alginate? → It provides greater dimensional accuracy and longer storage stability