FREE NDAEB Clinical Support Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

When taking a panoramic radiograph, a patient's chin was tilted too low. Which of the following errors will be visible on the resulting image?

Accepted Answer

An exaggerated 'Joker-like' smile line

Answer

Positioning the patient's chin too low during a panoramic exposure results in the Frankfort plane being angled downwards. This causes a distortion where the occlusal plane appears as an exaggerated smile or 'Joker-like' line, the condyles are positioned higher on the image, and the mandibular incisors may appear blurred with shortened roots.

Question 2

A dental assistant is providing post-operative instructions to a patient who has just had a tooth extracted. Which instruction is critical to prevent a dry socket?

Accepted Answer

"Avoid drinking through a straw for the next 5-7 days."

Answer

Avoiding the use of a straw is a crucial post-operative instruction following a tooth extraction. The suction created when using a straw can dislodge the blood clot that forms in the socket, which is essential for proper healing. Dislodging this clot can lead to a painful condition known as alveolar osteitis, or 'dry socket'.

Question 3

During the application of a dental dam for a procedure on tooth 3.6, the dental assistant punches the hole for the anchor tooth. Which hole size on a standard multi-hole punch is most appropriate for a mandibular molar?

Accepted Answer

The largest hole

Answer

The largest hole on a dental dam punch is recommended for the anchor tooth, which is typically a molar. This ensures the dam can stretch over the clamp and the widest dimensions of the molar crown without tearing, providing a secure and effective seal.

Question 4

A patient in the dental chair suddenly becomes pale, begins to sweat, and complains of feeling faint. They have not lost consciousness. What is the immediate, primary action the dental assistant should take?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient in a supine position with their feet slightly elevated.

Answer

The patient is exhibiting classic signs of syncope (fainting), which is most often caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. The immediate and most critical action is to place the patient in a supine (flat on their back) position, often with their feet slightly elevated. This uses gravity to help restore adequate blood flow to the brain, and consciousness is typically regained quickly.

Question 5

When taking a preliminary alginate impression for a diagnostic model, which of the following is a key criterion for a clinically acceptable maxillary impression?

Accepted Answer

The maxillary tuberosity and hamular notch are clearly captured.

Answer

A clinically acceptable maxillary alginate impression must capture all necessary anatomical landmarks for creating an accurate diagnostic model. For the maxilla, this includes the full depth of the vestibule, all erupted teeth, and critical posterior structures like the maxillary tuberosity and the hamular notch. These landmarks are essential for the proper design of various dental appliances.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

FREE NDAEB Clinical Support Procedures Questions and Answers