CPT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A feather or light exploratory stroke during instrumentation indicates: → A detection stroke used to sense calculus
2. Which type of stroke is used during scaling to dislodge calculus deposits? → Activation or power stroke
3. Which blood test is most useful for monitoring periodontal disease management in a diabetic patient? → HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin)
4. The Nabers probe (furcation probe) is used to: → Assess furcation involvement and horizontal bone loss between roots
5. How does the assessment of tooth mobility assist in diagnosing periodontal disease? → It helps determine the extent of bone loss in periodontal disease
6. A patient on long-term bisphosphonate therapy requires special periodontal consideration because of risk of: → Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)
7. Which interdental cleaning aid is MOST effective for SPT patients with open embrasures (type III papilla)? → Interdental brush sized to fit the embrasure
8. What is the PRIMARY objective of emergency response & critical care within the Certified Periodontal Therapist profession? → To ensure quality outcomes through standardized practices and continuous improvement
9. On a periapical radiograph, the lamina dura represents: → The cortical bone lining the tooth socket
10. How should a dental professional manage a patient’s fear or anxiety about periodontal procedures? → By using gentle communication and offering sedation options
11. How can a dental professional ensure patient compliance with periodontal therapy? → By educating patients and encouraging follow-up care
12. When should diagnostic procedures & interpretation be conducted in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → At regular intervals and whenever significant changes occur
13. What is the primary objective of a periodontal charting? → To document the severity of periodontal disease
14. What is the FIRST step in conducting a thorough clinical assessment & patient care in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → Defining clear assessment criteria and objectives
15. Which nutritional deficiency most directly impairs wound healing following periodontal surgery? → Protein and caloric malnutrition
16. What is the first step in diagnosing a periodontal disease? → Clinical examination and patient history review
17. Why is treatment planning important in periodontal care? → It is crucial for achieving individualized care
18. Calculus deposits are most reliably detected on radiographs when they are: → Heavy interproximal calculus bridging adjacent teeth
19. What is the main goal of treatment planning in periodontal therapy? → To prevent further periodontal damage
20. Vertical (angular) bone defects on radiographs are characterized by: → Angular bone loss adjacent to one tooth root surface
21. What factor MOST affects the validity of diagnostic procedures & interpretation outcomes in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → The consistency and appropriateness of assessment methods used
22. Which element is ESSENTIAL for an effective professional ethics & legal standards program in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → Regular audits and continuous monitoring processes
23. Which factor MOST impacts the usefulness of documentation & health records outputs in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → Timeliness, accuracy, and relevance to the intended audience
24. What is the primary role of the periodontal ligament? → To anchor the tooth to the bone
25. Which instrument is specifically designed for subgingival calculus detection? → 11/12 explorer (pigtail)
26. During an SPT appointment, which assessment is typically performed FIRST? → Medical and dental history update
27. How does ongoing professional development support professional ethics & legal standards in Certified Periodontal Therapist? → It keeps professionals informed of evolving standards and best practices
28. What water temperature is recommended for ultrasonic scaling? → Warm water for patient comfort and effective cavitation
29. Which stroke direction is most effective for subgingival calculus detection with an explorer? → Overlapping vertical and oblique strokes
30. Which radiographic technique provides the most accurate image of alveolar bone levels? → Periapical radiograph with paralleling technique