AGD Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. According to the 2017 AAP/EFP classification, which of the following is the primary criterion used to determine the 'Grade' of a periodontitis case? → The rate of disease progression over time
2. Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) arrests active carious lesions? → Forming a silver-protein conjugate that is resistant to acid and enzymatic degradation.
3. Local anesthetics primarily prevent nerve impulse conduction by: → Blocking voltage-gated sodium channels
4. Why is ibuprofen generally preferred over acetaminophen as a first-line analgesic for acute dental pain? → It provides both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects at therapeutic doses
5. Epinephrine in local anesthetic solutions acts on which receptors to produce vasoconstriction at the injection site? → Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
6. Which of the following is the primary objective of pulp sensibility testing, such as cold tests or the electric pulp test (EPT)? → To assess the presence or absence of nerve response (sensibility) in the pulp.
7. Sodium bisulfite is added to local anesthetic cartridges that contain epinephrine in order to: → Preserve epinephrine by preventing its oxidation
8. The combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole is used in aggressive periodontal therapy because: → Together they cover both Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and strict anaerobes
9. Why is maintaining patient confidentiality important in dental practice? → To uphold trust and legal standards
10. Why is continuing education important for dental professionals? → To remain competent and current in dental practices
11. Why is honesty important in the dental profession? → To maintain transparency and patient trust
12. What is the key property of amalgam as a restorative material? → High strength and longevity
13. For a patient taking warfarin who needs post-operative pain management after a dental extraction, the most appropriate analgesic is: → Acetaminophen 500–1000 mg
14. Clavulanic acid is added to amoxicillin (Augmentin) primarily because it: → Inhibits bacterial beta-lactamase enzymes
15. Metronidazole is particularly effective in treating periodontal and odontogenic infections because it is active against: → Strict anaerobic microorganisms
16. Clindamycin exerts its antibacterial effect by: → Binding to the 50S ribosomal subunit and inhibiting protein synthesis
17. The maximum recommended dose of epinephrine for a patient with significant cardiovascular disease is: → 0.04 mg
18. What is the first step in creating a treatment plan? → Conducting a full patient assessment and exam
19. Which factor must be considered when developing a treatment plan? → Patient health, preferences, and urgency
20. Why is patient consultation important during treatment planning? → To gain informed consent and ensure understanding
21. Which diagnostic tool is most commonly used to detect cavities between teeth? → Bitewing radiographs
22. What is the importance of infection control in dental practice? → To protect both patients and dental staff from infections
23. How does a periodontal chart assist in planning treatment? → It helps monitor gum health and disease progression
24. What is a common material used for dental fillings? → Composite resin
25. Acetaminophen's analgesic mechanism differs from NSAIDs primarily because it: → Acts centrally and does not significantly inhibit peripheral cyclooxygenase enzymes
26. Which material is most suitable for making dental crowns? → Porcelain or zirconia
27. Nitrous oxide produces its analgesic and anxiolytic effects in dentistry primarily through: → Releasing endogenous opioids and antagonizing NMDA receptors
28. Which of the following bacterial species has historically been most strongly implicated as a key pathogen in localized aggressive periodontitis? → Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
29. Which antibiotic causes permanent intrinsic staining of developing teeth when administered to children under age 8? → Tetracycline
30. Which of the following oral premalignant lesions possesses the highest rate of malignant transformation? → Erythroplakia