DANB GC Practice Questions (2026) — Free Sample Questions with Answers

Answer: C

Maxillary left first molar: The maxillary left first molar is #14.

Mandibular right first molar: The mandibular right first molar is #30.

Maxillary right first molar: Correct. Numbering starts at #1 (maxillary right third molar) and moves across the maxillary arch, so #3 is the maxillary right first molar.

Maxillary right second premolar: The maxillary right second premolar is #4.

Universal system (permanent): #1–16 maxillary right to left, #17–32 mandibular left to right; first molars are #3, #14, #19 and #30.

Answer: B

Sending a referral and radiographs to an oral surgeon: Sharing information with another provider for treatment is permitted without written authorization.

Posting a patient's before-and-after photos online: Correct. Using identifiable patient images for marketing or social media requires the patient's written authorization.

Submitting a claim to the patient's insurer: Disclosures for payment are permitted uses under HIPAA.

Giving patients the Notice of Privacy Practices: Providing the notice is required by HIPAA, not a violation.

HIPAA permits disclosure for treatment, payment and health-care operations; marketing and social media uses need written authorization.

Answer: B

Normal post-extraction healing: Normal discomfort decreases after the first day or two rather than intensifying on day three.

Alveolar osteitis (dry socket): Correct. Loss of the blood clot exposes bone, causing severe pain 2–4 days after extraction; smoking and sucking through straws are risk factors.

Paresthesia of the lingual nerve: Nerve injury causes numbness or tingling, not severe throbbing pain with a foul taste.

Acute allergic reaction to sutures: Allergy would cause swelling or rash, not this delayed pattern.

Dry socket: severe pain and odor 2–4 days post-extraction; prevent with post-op instructions (no smoking, straws or vigorous rinsing); treated with irrigation and a medicated dressing.

Answer: C

Diagonal slot toward the occlusal; retainer on lingual: The slot faces the gingiva, and the retainer is normally positioned on the buccal side.

Larger band edge toward gingiva; retainer on buccal: The smaller circumference edge goes toward the gingiva, matching the narrower cervical area.

Diagonal slot toward the gingiva; retainer on buccal: Correct. With the diagonal slot toward the gingiva, the smaller band edge sits at the cervical; the retainer goes on the buccal (facial) surface.

Band edges reversed; retainer placed on occlusal: The retainer must sit parallel to the buccal surface, never across the occlusal.

Tofflemire: diagonal slot toward gingiva, smaller circumference to the gingiva, retainer on the buccal; follow with a wedge to adapt the band at the proximal box.

Answer: D

7 to 12 o'clock: 7 to 12 o'clock is the operator's zone for a right-handed operator.

4 to 7 o'clock: 4 to 7 o'clock is the transfer zone, where instruments pass over the patient's chest.

12 to 2 o'clock: 12 to 2 o'clock is the static zone for mobile carts and items not passed during the procedure.

2 to 4 o'clock: Correct. The assistant's zone for a right-handed operator is 2 to 4 o'clock.

Right-handed team: operator 7–12, static 12–2, assistant 2–4, transfer 4–7 o'clock (mirror for left-handed operators).

Answer: C

Mix with warmer water: Warmer water accelerates the setting reaction and shortens working time.

Mix more vigorously and longer: Overmixing breaks down the gel structure and weakens the material without helpfully extending working time.

Mix with cooler water: Correct. Cooler water slows the chemical reaction, giving more working and setting time.

Add less water to the powder: A thicker mix sets faster and is harder to seat accurately.

Alginate setting: water temperature controls speed (cool = slower, warm = faster); use the manufacturer's water/powder ratio.