TheoryFree Dental Assistant DANB Practice Test
Take a free Dental Assistant DANB practice test for 2026 with questions, answers, explanations, PDF download and timed mock exam links.
Dental Assistant DANB Questions
Open each answer, read the explanation, then continue into the full practice flow.
Q1In the Universal Numbering System used in the United States, which tooth is designated number 1?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The maxillary right third molar
The Universal System numbers permanent teeth 1 through 32, beginning with the maxillary right third molar (#1) and proceeding clockwise to the mandibular right third molar (#32).
Q2Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is number 32?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: The mandibular right third molar
Numbering ends at the mandibular right third molar (#32), the last tooth reached when moving from the upper right around to the lower right.
Q3How many teeth are present in the complete primary (deciduous) dentition?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 20
The primary dentition has 20 teeth: two incisors, one canine, and two molars per quadrant. There are no premolars in the primary set.
Q4How many teeth are present in the complete permanent dentition?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: 32
The permanent dentition normally has 32 teeth, including third molars: two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars per quadrant.
Q5Which tooth surface faces the tongue on mandibular teeth?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Lingual
The lingual surface faces the tongue. On maxillary teeth this surface is sometimes called palatal because it faces the palate.
Q6The surface of a posterior tooth that faces the cheek is called the:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Buccal surface
Buccal refers to the surface of premolars and molars adjacent to the cheek. The general term facial covers both buccal (posterior) and labial (anterior) surfaces.
Q7The proximal surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the dental arch is the:
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Mesial surface
Mesial surfaces face toward the midline; distal surfaces face away from the midline. They are the two proximal (contacting) surfaces.
Q8Which tissue is the hardest, most mineralized substance in the human body and covers the anatomic crown?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Enamel
Enamel is about 96 percent mineral and is the hardest tissue in the body. It has no living cells, so it cannot repair itself once damaged.
Q9Which tooth tissue forms the bulk of the tooth and surrounds the pulp?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Dentin
Dentin makes up most of the tooth structure. It contains tubules and can transmit sensation, and it is produced by odontoblasts throughout life.
Q10Which tissue covers the root of the tooth and provides attachment for periodontal ligament fibers?
Show answer
✓ Correct answer: Cementum
Cementum is a bonelike tissue covering the root. Periodontal ligament fibers (Sharpey fibers) embed into cementum to anchor the tooth in the socket.
Full Dental Assistant DANB bank + unlimited mocks
Try 30 questions free. Unlock the complete Dental Assistant DANB question bank, every explanation, and unlimited timed mock exams. Practice on any device.
Unlock Dental Assistant DANB →