CDT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A 'working cast' in crown and bridge fabrication differs from a 'master cast' primarily because the working cast: → Has removable dies that can be separated from the cast
2. In RPD design, which major connector is most commonly selected for the maxillary arch when there are multiple missing posterior teeth on both sides? → Anterior-posterior palatal strap
3. When a dental lab undergoes an FDA inspection, which record must be available to demonstrate control of nonconforming products? → Nonconformance reports with disposition records
4. Which groove separates the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps on the occlusal surface of the mandibular first molar? → Lingual groove
5. During an internal audit, a technician's training record is missing for a new digital impression software. Under ISO 13485, what action is required? → Document the finding and initiate a corrective action to complete the training record
6. What term describes the angle formed at the junction of two crown surfaces at the incisal edge? → Incisal angle
7. What type of occlusal scheme is most commonly recommended for complete denture patients to maximize stability? → Lingualized occlusion or balanced occlusion
8. When surveying a cast for a removable partial denture, the surveying rod is typically positioned parallel to: → The path of insertion and removal
9. In constructing a Hawley retainer, the labial bow is most commonly fabricated from which wire gauge? → .018-inch stainless steel
10. When using self-curing (cold-cure) acrylic for orthodontic appliance repair or additions, what mixing ratio by volume is generally recommended? → 2 parts powder : 1 part liquid
11. A RPI clasp system (Rest, Proximal plate, I-bar) is advantageous for distal extension RPDs because the I-bar: → Disengages from the undercut during functional loading
12. Which chemical is commonly used in the dental laboratory for model disinfection but is corrosive to metal and must be used with adequate ventilation? → Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
13. A technician notices small voids (porosity) throughout a cast metal framework after casting. The most likely cause is: → Insufficient alloy volume in the crucible
14. Which phenomenon explains why dental porcelain fired in a vacuum produces fewer surface bubbles and higher translucency than air-fired porcelain? → Air is evacuated so gas bubbles cannot be trapped within the material
15. For a mandibular complete denture, the primary stress-bearing area is: → The buccal shelf
16. Which surface treatment is recommended before bonding a CAD/CAM lithium disilicate crown to increase micromechanical retention? → Hydrofluoric acid etching followed by silane application
17. Which disinfectant class is considered a high-level disinfectant suitable for heat-sensitive instruments that contact mucous membranes? → Glutaraldehyde (2%)
18. What is the primary objective of dental materials science in Certified Dental Technicians practice? → Ensuring consistent quality and adherence to professional standards
19. What defines a cusp-to-fossa occlusal arrangement? → Each supporting cusp is directed into the opposing central fossa
20. What is a protrusive interocclusal record primarily used to set on a semi-adjustable articulator? → The condylar inclination (sagittal condylar guidance)
21. Which statistical process control (SPC) chart is BEST suited for monitoring the proportion of defective units in a dental lab production run? → p-chart
22. What characterizes a lingualized occlusal scheme used in complete dentures? → Maxillary palatal cusps contact mandibular tooth central fossae exclusively
23. When articulating a patient's edentulous casts for complete denture fabrication, a facebow transfer is used to: → Relate the maxillary cast to the axis of condylar rotation on the articulator
24. In the context of complete denture construction, the term 'processing shrinkage' refers to: → Dimensional reduction of acrylic resin as it polymerizes in the flask
25. Which property of resin cements is most critical for preventing post-operative sensitivity in all-ceramic restorations? → Low polymerization shrinkage
26. When trimming a stone model for construction of a removable orthodontic appliance, the posterior extent of the baseplate should end where? → At the junction of the hard and soft palate
27. Which personal protective equipment item is MOST important for preventing conjunctival exposure when spraying disinfectants on laboratory surfaces? → Safety goggles or face shield
28. Which implant connection type uses a conical interface to create a friction-locked, cold-welded seal between the implant and abutment? → Internal conical (Morse taper)
29. Which cusp of the maxillary first molar is the smallest and located on the distolingual aspect? → Cusp of 5th
30. Which of the following teeth has TWO lingual cusps in the most common cusp arrangement? → Mandibular second premolar (Y-groove pattern)