EFDA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. The Frankfort plane is used as a horizontal reference and passes through which landmarks? → Porion and orbitale
2. An EFDA notices a patient's heart rate has significantly increased after a local anesthetic injection. This is most likely due to: → Intravascular injection of epinephrine
3. Which type of pit and fissure sealant requires a curing light to polymerize? → Light-cured (photopolymerized) sealant
4. Which drug classification includes ibuprofen and naproxen, commonly used for postoperative dental pain? → NSAIDs
5. When mixing Zinc Phosphate cement to be used as a base, why is it crucial to mix it on a cool, glass slab over a wide area? → To dissipate the heat from the exothermic reaction.
6. Which bonding step in composite placement helps prevent post-operative sensitivity? → Application of a dentinal bonding agent
7. When carving an amalgam restoration, the explorer should be drawn along the: → Cavosurface margin with one tip on enamel and one on amalgam
8. Which of the following is a sign of inadequate curing of a PMMA provisional crown? → Tacky or soft surface and persistent monomer odor
9. Which solvent is recommended to clean composite resin that has not yet been light-cured from instruments? → Alcohol (isopropyl)
10. Which of the following best describes the role of the EFDA during a four-handed dentistry procedure? → Anticipating the dentist's needs and passing instruments efficiently
11. Why should dental offices have a designated infection control protocol for radiography? → To ensure the safety and health of patients and staff during radiographic procedures
12. Which finishing instrument is used to smooth interproximal composite surfaces after initial carving? → Finishing strip
13. When documenting assessment findings in EFDA practice, which approach is MOST appropriate? → Record objective findings, measurements, and professional observations factually
14. What is a key reason why dental impression materials should be poured promptly after removal from the mouth? → Syneresis or imbibition can alter the dimensional accuracy of the impression
15. A patient presents with generalized stippling loss and rolled gingival margins. These findings are most consistent with: → Gingivitis
16. What is the purpose of applying a retraction cord before taking a crown impression? → To displace gingival tissue and expose the margin subgingivally
17. The EFDA is preparing to place a base under a deep amalgam restoration. Which base material has the best pulp-protective (obtundent) properties? → Calcium hydroxide
18. What is 'paresthesia' in the context of local anesthesia? → Prolonged or persistent numbness or altered sensation after anesthesia
19. The primary function of the rubber dam frame is to: → Stretch the rubber dam and hold it away from the operative field
20. Why is it important to monitor radiographic equipment regularly? → To ensure the equipment is safe, accurate, and properly maintained
21. A tooth with a proximal carious lesion is being restored. Which cavity preparation classification describes this lesion on a posterior tooth? → Class II
22. What thickness of remaining dentin requires placement of a protective base before an amalgam or composite restoration? → Less than 0.5 mm
23. Which emergency drug is used to treat a hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episode in a conscious dental patient? → Orange juice or glucose gel
24. If a patient reports that their provisional crown feels 'high' after anesthesia wears off, the EFDA should: → Reappoint the patient and adjust the occlusion
25. What is the PRIMARY reason for maintaining proper occlusal anatomy on a provisional crown? → To prevent over-eruption of opposing teeth and maintain occlusal vertical dimension
26. When performing a rubber dam application for an amalgam restoration, the rubber dam clamp should be placed: → One tooth distal to the tooth being restored
27. What is the primary purpose of using a matrix band when restoring a proximal surface? → To replace the missing tooth wall during condensation
28. Copal varnish is applied in a cavity preparation primarily to: → Seal dentinal tubules and reduce microleakage under amalgam
29. Why is it important for an EFDA to maintain infection control standards? → To ensure the safety and health of both patients and staff
30. A glass ionomer base is described as being 'biocompatible' primarily because: → Its final pH is close to neutral and it chemically bonds to tooth structure