Preparing for the NBDAP Certified Dental Technician (CDT) examination requires hands-on knowledge of dental laboratory science across multiple disciplines. This free printable practice test PDF lets you study offline, quiz yourself on real exam topics, and track your progress before test day. The CDT credential is awarded by the National Board for Certification in Dental Laboratory Technology and covers six specialty domains.
Our CDT practice questions target the core competencies tested on the exam: dental materials science, fabrication techniques, appliance design, infection control, and emerging CAD/CAM technology. Use this PDF to identify weak areas and focus your study time where it counts most.
The CDT examination tests your mastery of dental laboratory science from raw materials to finished prosthetics. Dental materials science forms the foundation — you need to understand ceramics (feldspathic, zirconia, lithium disilicate), base metals and precious alloys used in casting, acrylic resin chemistry, and composite materials used in modern restorations.
Crown and bridge fabrication tests the complete workflow: wax-up and carving technique, investing and burnout procedures, casting and divesting, and the finishing and polishing steps that produce a clinically acceptable restoration. Removable partial denture design questions focus on framework components — the major connector, minor connectors, occlusal and cingulum rests, clasp assemblies (circumferential and RPI designs), and indirect retainers.
Complete denture fabrication covers the full edentulous workflow including custom impression tray construction, baseplate and occlusal rim fabrication, establishing vertical dimension of occlusion, anatomical tooth arrangement, flasking and processing, and remounting procedures. Orthodontic appliance questions address Hawley retainers, functional appliances, and space maintainers.
CAD/CAM technology has become a major exam component — expect questions on milling vs. printing workflows, scan body compatibility, digital impressions, and material selection for milled restorations. Infection control in the dental laboratory is tested under OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards: disinfection protocols for incoming impressions, proper PPE, waste disposal, and communication with the clinical team.
Print the PDF and work through the questions in timed sessions to simulate actual exam conditions. After completing a section, review every answer — including the ones you got right — because the explanations reinforce the reasoning behind correct choices. Focus additional study on any domain where you score below 75%.
Pair this practice test with your lab workbench experience. The CDT exam emphasizes applied knowledge, so reading alone won't be enough. Cross-reference questions about materials science with the manufacturer specifications you use in daily lab work, and review framework design questions against a standard RPD design textbook such as McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics.
Plan to attempt each of the six domain exams in the order that matches your strongest skills first, building confidence before tackling your weaker domains. Many technicians find it helpful to take practice tests in multiple short sessions rather than one long block, spacing review over several weeks before their scheduled exam date.