CDT Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the CDT exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 CDT Exam Format at a Glance
📚 CDT Topics to Study (69)
✍️ Sample CDT Questions & Answers
1. Which mandibular incisor typically has a bifurcated root canal system despite appearing to have only one root externally?
The mandibular central incisor, although it appears to have a single slender root, frequently has a labiolingual bifurcation of its root canal system.
2. Type III gold alloy is preferred over Type I for fixed partial dentures primarily because of its:
Type III gold alloys have higher hardness and strength compared to Type I, making them suitable for load-bearing restorations like fixed partial dentures.
3. Which groove on the mandibular first molar separates the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps?
The lingual groove of the mandibular first molar runs between the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps on the lingual surface.
4. Which material is commonly used for dental impressions?
Alginate is a widely utilized impression material in dentistry due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and ability to capture sufficient detail for many applications. It is an irreversible hydrocolloid that sets quickly, making it ideal for creating study models, orthodontic appliances, and preliminary impressions for dentures. While other materials exist, alginate remains a popular choice for general dental impressions.
5. What is 'sintering' in the context of zirconia processing?
Sintering fires zirconia at approximately 1,450–1,530°C, driving off porosity and transforming it into its final, hard, dense form.
6. A technician notices small voids (porosity) throughout a cast metal framework after casting. The most likely cause is:
Using too little alloy means insufficient metallostatic pressure to fill the mold completely, leading to shrinkage porosity throughout the casting.