DANB Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is the purpose of a bite registration in a crown and bridge procedure? → To record the occlusal relationship between upper and lower teeth
2. Post-operative instructions should include advising the patient to avoid which activity for the first 24 hours? → Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
3. Which drug is used during a dental emergency to relieve chest pain caused by angina? → Nitroglycerin
4. What does 'furcation involvement' indicate in a periodontal assessment? → Bone loss extending into the area where root branches divide
5. Which type of suture material is designed to be absorbed by the body and does not require removal? → Gut
6. What is the purpose of acid etching a tooth surface before placing a composite resin restoration? → To create micro-irregularities for improved bonding
7. Which cement is commonly used for permanent crowns? → Glass ionomer
8. In dental charting, what does 'MOD' restoration mean? → Mesial-Occlusal-Distal surfaces
9. To maintain a sterile field, where must the hands of a surgically scrubbed assistant be kept? → Above the waist and in front of the body
10. What is the most effective method for sterilizing dental instruments? → Autoclaving
11. What does a periodontal probe measure during an oral examination? → The depth of the gingival sulcus or periodontal pocket
12. Which route of drug administration provides the fastest onset of action? → Intravenous
13. The device used to measure arterial blood pressure, consisting of a cuff, gauge, and bulb, is called a: → Sphygmomanometer
14. Ibuprofen belongs to which drug classification? → NSAIDs
15. What is the proper technique for measuring a patient's respiration rate? → Observe the rise and fall of the patient's chest without their awareness.
16. Which periodontal finding is considered within NORMAL limits? → 2 mm probing depth with no bleeding on probing
17. In the Universal Numbering System, permanent teeth are numbered starting at: → Upper right third molar (#1) ending at lower right third molar (#32)
18. Which of the following are used to dry the root canal completely before it is filled? → Paper points
19. When taking a final impression using a heavy body and light body system, what is the primary purpose of the light body material? → To flow into and capture the fine details of the preparation.
20. What is considered the normal range for a healthy adult's resting pulse rate? → 60-100 beats per minute
21. When should hand hygiene be performed during patient care? → Before gloving and after removing gloves
22. If a patient begins to have a grand mal seizure in the dental chair, the primary responsibility of the dental team is to: → Protect the patient from injury
23. The most common and convenient site for taking a patient's pulse in the dental office is the: → Radial artery
24. Which antibiotic is most commonly prescribed in dentistry for bacterial infections? → Amoxicillin
25. What type of isolation method uses a rubber barrier around the tooth? → Dental dam
26. A patient scheduled for a procedure with IV sedation should be given which pre-operative dietary instruction? → Have nothing by mouth (NPO) for at least 8 hours prior.
27. What is the purpose of antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures? → To prevent infective endocarditis in high-risk cardiac patients
28. What is the primary role of a dental assistant regarding medications in the dental office? → Documenting medications and assisting the dentist
29. Which of the following is an early sign of local anesthetic toxicity? → Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
30. Caries on the incisal edge of an anterior tooth or the cusp tip of a posterior tooth is classified as: → Class VI