DANB CDA Dental Anatomy and Physiology — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many permanent teeth does a complete adult dentition contain?
- 32 (Correct answer)
- 28
- 20
- 24
Correct answer: 32
A complete adult dentition contains 32 permanent teeth: 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 12 molars (including 4 wisdom teeth).
Question 2: What is the hardest substance in the human body?
- Tooth enamel (Correct answer)
- Bone
- Dentin
- Cartilage
Correct answer: Tooth enamel
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, composed of approximately 96% hydroxyapatite mineral, making it even harder than bone.
Question 3: Which tooth surface faces the tongue?
- Lingual (Correct answer)
- Buccal
- Mesial
- Occlusal
Correct answer: Lingual
The lingual surface is the tooth surface facing the tongue. The term comes from 'lingua,' the Latin word for tongue.
Question 4: What is the function of the periodontal ligament?
- To anchor the tooth root to the alveolar bone (Correct answer)
- To provide blood supply to the tooth pulp
- To protect the crown of the tooth
- To produce enamel during development
Correct answer: To anchor the tooth root to the alveolar bone
The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a group of specialized connective tissue fibers that attach the tooth root cementum to the alveolar bone, providing support and slight mobility.
Question 5: What is the universal numbering system designation for the upper right third molar?
- Tooth #1 (Correct answer)
- Tooth #16
- Tooth #32
- Tooth #17
Correct answer: Tooth #1
In the universal numbering system, numbering starts with the upper right third molar as tooth #1 and proceeds around the arch to the upper left third molar (#16), then continues to the lower left third molar (#17) through the lower right third molar (#32).
Question 6: Which type of tooth is primarily designed for tearing food?
- Canines (Correct answer)
- Incisors
- Premolars
- Molars
Correct answer: Canines
Canines (cuspids) have a single pointed cusp designed for tearing and piercing food. Their position and shape make them ideal for gripping and tearing.
DANB CDA Dental Anatomy and Physiology
How many permanent teeth does a complete adult dentition contain?