NBDE Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following is the most common type of occlusion in a normal dentition? → Class I
2. Website for drug administration includes: → Intramuscular, oral, transdermal, intravenously
3. Which microscopic zone of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis does the necrotic zone occur? → Zone 3
4. Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) typically becomes symptomatic within how many days after extraction? → 3–5 days
5. A patient develops trismus and dysphagia 2 days after mandibular molar extraction. Which space infection is most likely responsible? → Pterygomandibular space abscess
6. Composite resin restorations may use cavity liners for the purpose of: → Reducing pulpal irritation in deep cavities
7. Where does glycogen synthesis generally occur? → Cytosol
8. What dental plaque organism is discovered first while making an early diagnosis? → Streptococcus sanguis
9. Which dental specialty focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial region? → Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
10. Which of the following occlusal disharmony is the most damaging to the dentition? → Balancing side interferences
11. The correct target landmark for the standard inferior alveolar nerve block is approximately: → 10 mm above the mandibular occlusal plane, medial to the pterygomandibular raphe
12. Which vessels supply the buccal gingiva overlying tooth #3? → Posterior superior alveolar vessels
13. The lingual nerve is at greatest risk of injury during which surgical procedure? → Extraction of mandibular third molars with lingual flap reflection
14. The restoration alloy and mercury mixture that has a track record for longevity and durability is: → Amalgam
15. Which suture material is most appropriate for intraoral closure when the patient cannot return for suture removal? → 4-0 polyglactin (Vicryl)
16. Which type of dental radiograph is best for detecting interproximal caries? → Bitewing
17. The zona glomerulosa is responsible for: → Synthesis of aldosterone
18. To identify dental caries: → Visual and tactical
19. Which common analgesic should be used with caution post-extraction due to its platelet-inhibiting effect that may impair clot stability? → Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
20. Which of the following is not commonly associated with plaque-induced gingivitis? → Necrotic papilla
21. Which stage of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis occurs first? → The tip of the interdental papilla is affected
22. What is the most prevalent cariogenic bacterium at the root surface of caries? → Actinomyces viscus
23. Which dental condition is characterized by the grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep? → Bruxism
24. Which of the following is the primary purpose of using 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an irrigant during root canal therapy? → To remove the inorganic component of the smear layer.
25. Which instrument is primarily used to section an impacted mandibular third molar during surgical extraction? → Surgical handpiece with round or fissure bur
26. Which oral structure is responsible for producing saliva? → Parotid gland
27. What is bioavailability? → A measurement of how much and how quickly a drug reaches the circulatory system
28. Which of the following mandibular premolars has a mesial groove, distal groove, and lingual groove on the occlusal surface? → Mandibular second premolar three-cusp type
29. Which dental specialty focuses on the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws? → Orthodontics
30. Remineralization is described as being hard, discolored, asymptomatic: → Arrested caries