Download PA EFDA Board Exam Study Guide 2025/2026: Questions and Answers and more Exams Dentistry in PDF only on Docsity!
PA EFDA BOARD EXAM STUDY GUIDE 2025/
QUESTIONS WITH 100% VERIFIED CORRECT ANSWERS
"A cavity sealer is used to seal: - CORRECT ANSWER dentin tubules, like a liner"
"Reinforcers - CORRECT ANSWER Protects from force of instrumentation"
"Stimulator - CORRECT ANSWER Calcium hydroxide = forms secondary dentin"
"Insulator - CORRECT ANSWER Used as a base for luting agents"
"Band extension - CORRECT ANSWER The matrix band must extend 0.5-1.5mm to the height
of the tooth during cavity prep"
"intercuspal position (ICP) - CORRECT ANSWER The maximum intercuspation of the
mandibular and maxillary teeth; also called centric occlusion and habitual occlusion *ICP=MIP"
"Advantages of composite - CORRECT ANSWER Is esthetic, durable, placed in one appt., good
compressive strength, preparation more conservative than amalgam, bonding helps support surrounding tooth, better marginal seal, resists solubility and wear"
"Mechanical retention - CORRECT ANSWER The attachment of materials to surfaces by means
of grooves in the cavity preparation, between tooth structure and bonding agent"
"Mottled enamel - CORRECT ANSWER The chalky white appearance of teeth due to toxic
amounts of fluoride; dental fluorosis"
"Vice (tofflemire) - CORRECT ANSWER Box shaped, has opening for spindle"
"Spindle (tofflemire) - CORRECT ANSWER Holds the end of the matrix band in place. Looks
like a screw."
"Embrasure - CORRECT ANSWER Triangular space in a gingival direction between the proximal
surfaces of two adjoining teeth in contact, 4 embrasures surround every contact area"
"Spillway - CORRECT ANSWER Small groove that originates in triangular fossa and runs over
marginal ridge, helps deflect food during mastication"
"Class I cavity lesions - CORRECT ANSWER Originates in Pits and fissures"
"Class I Occlusion - CORRECT ANSWER Mesial Buccal (MB) cusp of maxillary 1st molar aligns
with buccal (B) groove of mandibular 1st molar Mesiognathic profile"
"Purpose of a wedge - CORRECT ANSWER Adapts band to cervical region to prevent overhang,
pushes teeth apart to ensure contact"
"Wedges should be placed - CORRECT ANSWER Lingually because the Largest embrasure is
the Lingual embrasure"
"Why use bases and liners? - CORRECT ANSWER For pulpal protection"
"Coefficient of thermal expansion - CORRECT ANSWER Percolation and microleakage"
"Sealers - CORRECT ANSWER Seals dental tubules, prevents discoloration of amalgam, helps
maintain marginal seal and microleakage. NOT USED FOR THERMAL PROTECTION EX: cavity varnish. NEVER UNDER COMPOSITE , SOLVENT"
"90% of caries in children are - CORRECT ANSWER Pit and fissures"
"Fluoride varnish before or after sealants? - CORRECT ANSWER After"
"Fluoride (systemic) - CORRECT ANSWER Pre-eruption, developing teeth"
"Fluoride topically - CORRECT ANSWER Post-eruptive, applied to exposed tooth surfaces"
"Fluorosis - CORRECT ANSWER Effect of excess fluoride by ingestion, resulting in defective
enamel"
"Fluoride - Demineralization and remineralization - CORRECT ANSWER inhibits demin and
enhances demin, inhibits bacterial growth"
"Bifurcated - CORRECT ANSWER Single tooth with 2 roots"
"Cementum - CORRECT ANSWER Specialized, calcified connective tissue that covers the
anatomic root of a tooth"
"CEJ (cementoenamel junction) - CORRECT ANSWER where the cementum and enamel meet"
"Function of posterior teeth - CORRECT ANSWER Crush/ grind food with heavy force"
"Erosion - CORRECT ANSWER Wearing away tooth from bacteria; acids and diet"
"Acellular cementum - CORRECT ANSWER Cannot be repaired. Located at cervical third of
apex"
"Causes of Trauma to pulp - CORRECT ANSWER Air, temperature, pressure, materials"
"Cellular cementum - CORRECT ANSWER Can be repaired. located at apical third"
"Base - CORRECT ANSWER Thick layer at pulpal floor that Provides thermal insulation. Needed
if there is less than 0.5mm of dentin remaining"
"Liner - CORRECT ANSWER Thin layer placed at pulpal floor to protect against chemical
irritation. Can be used as a pulp cap"
"Direct supervision - CORRECT ANSWER Level of supervision in which the dentist is physically
present when the dental auxiliary performs delegated functions ( dentist must be in the facility)"
"How often does an EFDA license get renewed? - CORRECT ANSWER Every 2 years"
"When does an EFDA license expire? - CORRECT ANSWER Every 2 years bi annually ; March
31st ODD years (2023,2025)"
"How many CEs per license period? - CORRECT ANSWER 10 CEs (every 2 years)"
"Change of address report within - CORRECT ANSWER 10 days to state board"
"Operating zones right hand - CORRECT ANSWER 8 - 12: operator zone
12 - 2: static zone 2 - 5: assistant zone 5 - 8: transfer zone"
"Parts of an instrument - CORRECT ANSWER handle, shank, working end"
"Handle - CORRECT ANSWER Grasp of the instrument"
"Shank - CORRECT ANSWER Connects working end and handle"
"Working end - CORRECT ANSWER functional part of the dental instrument"
"Compactor instruments - CORRECT ANSWER Condense and pack filling material"
"Carver instruments - CORRECT ANSWER Remove excess filling material"
"Burnisher instruments - CORRECT ANSWER Rub, blend, smooth filling material"
"Rotary instruments - CORRECT ANSWER Used to finish and polish filling material"
"amalgam carvers - CORRECT ANSWER Hollenbach and Discoid/ cleoid"
"Falcrum - CORRECT ANSWER Rest finger - controlled movement of instrument using ring
finger for patient and operator safety"
"Line angle - CORRECT ANSWER Junction of two walls in a cavity preparation"
"Point angle - CORRECT ANSWER Junction of three walls in a cavity preparation"
"Incipient lesion - CORRECT ANSWER Beginning stage of caries, white spot lesion, in enamel
only, can be reminerlized"
"Overt carious lesion - CORRECT ANSWER Decay seen clinically or radiographically, cavitation,
can cause sensitivity"
"Axial wall - CORRECT ANSWER Internal surface of a cavity preparation, positioned vertically,
parallel to long axis of tooth"
"Pulpal floor - CORRECT ANSWER Internal surface of a cavity preparation, positioned
horizontally, perpendicular to long axis of tooth"
"Rubber dam isolation - CORRECT ANSWER ideal isolation technique
"Zinc Phosphate Cement - CORRECT ANSWER as an insulating base for deep cavity
preparations, mixed on cool glass slab need to place a liner first - irrigating to pulp"
"Polycarboxylate Cement - CORRECT ANSWER Zinc and poly acrylic acid, Anti bacterial &
bonding used as a luting agent"
"Glass Ionomer Cement - CORRECT ANSWER Glass powder and poly acrylic acid, Fluoride
release & bonding, reduces risk of recurrent decay (Equia/ Fugi)"
"Composite cements - CORRECT ANSWER Are composite materials with a higher percentage
of resin and smaller particle sizes to reduce viscosity for ceramic restorations"
"matrix system - CORRECT ANSWER Used for preps that include interproximal contacts,
provides a temporary wall for the restoration process of class II, III, and IV preparations"
"Why are matrix systems used? - CORRECT ANSWER To Re-establish tight proximal contacts
and return tooth to proper form and function, avoids overhang"
"matrix systems - CORRECT ANSWER Posterior: Tofflemire retainer and sectional matrix
Anterior: Mylar strip"
"Marginal gap - CORRECT ANSWER space between composite and tooth structure where
bacteria enters = recurrent decay, most common reason for failed restorations"
"Caries can progress _____ % larger than appeared on bitewings - CORRECT ANSWER 40%"
Rely on mechanical retention"
"Creep - CORRECT ANSWER deformation in the shape and properties of a tooth that occurs
from heavy occlusal forces, causing stress"
"Components of amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER silver, tin, copper, zinc"
"Gamma phases - CORRECT ANSWER Y Gamma, Y1 Gamma 1, Y2 Gamma 2"
"Y Gamma - CORRECT ANSWER Silver + tin, strongest +most corrosion resistant"
"Y1 Gamma 1 - CORRECT ANSWER Silver + mercury, strong + brittle"
"Y2 Gamma 2 - CORRECT ANSWER Tin + mercury, weakest + lest corrosion resistance"
"high copper amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER higher strength, corrosion resistant, Y & Y1 Phase
only 40 - 70% silver 15 - 30% tin 8 - 28% copper"
"Alloy particle - CORRECT ANSWER Lathe cut, spherical, admixed"
"lathe cut amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER Require more force and more mercury - large,
irregular shaped"
"Spherical amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER particles in the form of small spheres, less mercury,
less force Class I & V"
"admixed amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER Spherical and lathe cut mixed, better contacts
Class II"
"Dimensional change - CORRECT ANSWER Coefficient of thermal expansion, heat = expand,
cold = contract, sensitivity, microleakage"
"Tarnish - CORRECT ANSWER discoloration of metal surface caused by oxidation"
"Corrosion - CORRECT ANSWER the gradual wearing away of a metal element due to a
chemical reaction - rust"
"Coronal polishing - CORRECT ANSWER Removes plaque and stain from coronal surface of
teeth"
"Chemical bonding - CORRECT ANSWER Micro mechanical bonding = acid etching, bonds to
dentin Reduces microleakage, recurrent decay, sensitivity, staining Seals margins"
"Purpose of wedge and band - CORRECT ANSWER Adapts band to the region of tooth to
prevent overhang, separates teeth to ensure proximal contact"
"Contra-angle Tofflemire - CORRECT ANSWER applied to the lingual side for a buccal prep or
when restoring two adjacent teeth at the same time"
"Anticariogenic - CORRECT ANSWER Prevent dental carries, Foods that do not lower the
biofilm pH; encourage remineralization (ex: fluoride)"
"What cements have a good adhesive bond? - CORRECT ANSWER Polycarboxide, glass
ionomer"
"What cement has an obtundent effect? - CORRECT ANSWER Zoe - soothing"
"What cement is technique sensitive? - CORRECT ANSWER Zinc phosphate ; needs cool
temperature, mixed on cool glass slab"
"Strongest amalgam phase - CORRECT ANSWER Gamma Y"
"Rate of abrasion - CORRECT ANSWER Speed of hand pieces, pressure amount of material,
size"
"Abrasive polishing agent for amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER Tin oxide"
"Chemically active self cure - CORRECT ANSWER Benzoyl peroxide & tertiary amine"
"Light cure - CORRECT ANSWER Use of an ultraviolet light to cause material to set, diketone-
absorbs light, camphor quinone- polymerization"
"PRR (preventive resin restoration) - CORRECT ANSWER A combination of a pit and fissure
sealant and a composite restoration used for incident lesions"
"Size of filler particles determines - CORRECT ANSWER The surface smoothness of composite"
"Macrofil composite - CORRECT ANSWER It's more resistant to stain and recurrent decay"
"dental sclerosis - CORRECT ANSWER A change in dentin due to carries or stimuli , appears
dark yellow & glossy, pulp shrinks as you age"
"When is pulp protection necessary? - CORRECT ANSWER 0.5mm remaining"
"Hue - CORRECT ANSWER Dominant color, ex: vita shade guide"
"Bevel Prep - CORRECT ANSWER 45°"
"Conventional prep - CORRECT ANSWER 90°"
"Furrow - CORRECT ANSWER Concavity between the CEJ & the furcation on a multi rooted
tooth"
"Ondontoblasts - CORRECT ANSWER Cells that form dentin"
"Ameloblasts - CORRECT ANSWER Cells that form enamel"
"Cementoblasts - CORRECT ANSWER Cells that form cementum"
"Types of dentin - CORRECT ANSWER primary, secondary and tertiary (reparative)"
"primary dentin - CORRECT ANSWER Dentin that forms before eruption and that makes up
the bulk of the tooth"
"secondary dentin - CORRECT ANSWER Dentin that forms after eruption and continues at a
very slow rate throughout the life of the tooth"
"tertiary dentin - CORRECT ANSWER Dentin that forms in response to irritation and appears
as a localized deposit on the wall of the pulp chamber; also known as reparative dentin."
"Bevel Advantages - CORRECT ANSWER Removes fluoride rich enamel, provides more tooth
structure"
"Centric occlusion - CORRECT ANSWER Closing of the jaws in a position that maximizes
contact between the occluding surfaces of the maxillary and the mandibular arch. Tooth to tooth contact"
"What fluoride is contradicted for composite, porcelain and sealant? - CORRECT ANSWER
Acidulated phosphate"
"Class II Occlusion - CORRECT ANSWER Mesial buccal (MB) cusp of maxillary 1st molar sits
mesial to buccal (B) grove of mandibular 1st molar Associated with retrognathic profile, "overbite""
"Class III Occlusion - CORRECT ANSWER Mesial buccal (MB) cusp of maxillary 1st molar sits
distal to the buccal groove of mandibular 1st molar Prognathic profile, "underbite""
"Goal for adjusting occlusion - CORRECT ANSWER Articulating paper marks of even size and
shape, premature contacts will appear has a halo or donut shape"
"High occlusion (premature contacts) = - CORRECT ANSWER Attrition, tooth sensitivity, risk
of fracture, tooth movement, widening of PDL, TMJ issues"
"Rubber dam clamp is key to - CORRECT ANSWER Stabilization"
"When using a rubber dam isolate - CORRECT ANSWER One tooth distal and two teeth mesial
to tooth being restored"
"Wedge first when - CORRECT ANSWER Contact is tight, can't get band down"
"Winged clamp rubber dam - CORRECT ANSWER Attached to dam prior to clamp placement"
"Ligate - CORRECT ANSWER Tie floss off to prevent aspiration"
"Jaw of the dental dam clamp - CORRECT ANSWER Fits over tooth, 4 points of contact"
"Bow of dental dam clamp - CORRECT ANSWER the rounded portion of the clamp that extends
through the dental dam, bow is positioned toward the distal"
"Matrix band must extend beyond - CORRECT ANSWER 0.5-1.5 mm gingival marginal and
occlusal"
"Zinc oxide powder - CORRECT ANSWER Antibacterial"
"Powdered glass - CORRECT ANSWER Fluoride release"
"Eugenol - CORRECT ANSWER Obtundent"
"Phosphoric acid - CORRECT ANSWER Highly acidic"
"Polyacrylic acid - CORRECT ANSWER - bonds directly to tooth structure"
"The strength and setting time of amalgam are determined by? - CORRECT ANSWER Size and
shape of alloy, mercury to allow ratio, trituration and condensation techniques"
"Amalgam strength - CORRECT ANSWER Good compressive strength, less tensile strength"
"Most likely area for fracture of amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER Proximal surface of a class II
restoration due to lack of tensile strength"
"What motion do you use a carver? - CORRECT ANSWER Pulling motion"
"Matrix - CORRECT ANSWER Polymer: BIS GMA, controls viscosity
Can stain, absorbs water easily"
"Filler - CORRECT ANSWER Glass material, increased strength, more resistant to abrasion, less
polymerization shrinkage, decrease in coefficient"
"Uncured resins result in - CORRECT ANSWER Failed restorations, hypersensitivity, nerve
damage"
"what happens if you get Moisture contamination during sealants or composite - CORRECT
ANSWER Re-etch (10secs) & bond"
"filled sealants - CORRECT ANSWER require adjusting, do not wear into place"
"Unfilled sealants - CORRECT ANSWER eventually wear into place, do NOT need adjusted"
"Sealants - CORRECT ANSWER Prep with pumice and rubber cup, Etch to create surface
irregularities 15-30 secs, thoroughly dry, sealants flows into surface irregularities & form resin tags (creates retention of sealant), BIS GMA"
"Leading cause or sealant failure - CORRECT ANSWER Moisture contamination"
"EFDA permissible functions - CORRECT ANSWER Placing/ contouring fillings, coronal
polishing, sealants, fluoride varnish, impressions for some appliances (not final appliances), temporary crowns, indirect pulp cap, bases and liners, placing matrix and dental dam"
"MSDs (Musculoskeletal Disorders) - CORRECT ANSWER Painful conditions that affect both
muscles and bones, such as neck or back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome due to poor posture/ positioning"
"Modified pen grasp - CORRECT ANSWER - Facilitates precise control of instrument
- Allows detection of rough areas on tooth surface
- Lessens musculoskeletal stress"
"Supine position - CORRECT ANSWER Ideal patient position where the patient is lying on back,
facing upward"
"Wall - CORRECT ANSWER Surface within cavity prep"
"Cavosurface - CORRECT ANSWER The uncut tooth structure adjacent to the cavity prep."
"Retention features - CORRECT ANSWER Groove or pits prepared on dentin to enhance the
retention of the restoration used with mechanical retention"
"Dental carries - CORRECT ANSWER tooth decay - infectious disease by bacterial infection
caused by diet, brushing habits, development of enamel"
"G.V. Black's cavity Classification - CORRECT ANSWER Class I: 1 surface posterior and anterior
(O,B,L)
Class II: interproximal posterior (MO, DO, MOD, MOL, DOB) Class III: interproximal anterior (MF, DL, MDF) Class IV: interproximal anterior WITH inisical edge (MIFL, DIF) Class V: near cervical third posterior and anterior (B5, F5, L5) Class VI: posterior cusp tip or ONLY anterior insical egde"
"Pulp protection - CORRECT ANSWER liners and bases are used to protect the pulp, and aid
pulpal recovery. Placed on inner wall of cavity prep on pulpal floor or axial wall"
"Cavity sealers - CORRECT ANSWER Applied in a thin film that provides a protective layer
within the prepared cavity prep"
"Dental cements - CORRECT ANSWER mixed percisely to range from a liquid to putty
consistancy, set by light, self or dual curing"
"Calcium hydroxide - CORRECT ANSWER Pulp stimulator - placed 1st, used as base, liner or
pulp cap, helps secondary dentin form, bioactive"
"Oral biofilm - CORRECT ANSWER Also known as plaque or biofilm, a colorless, soft, sticky
coating made up of communities of microorganisms adhering to oral structures."
"Recurrent decay - CORRECT ANSWER Under or near margins of restorations."
"obtundent - CORRECT ANSWER a soothing agent that is used to eliminate sensitivity
soothes pulp. Ex: ZOE"
"Solubility - CORRECT ANSWER The ability to dissolve in another substance like liquid"
"Dental amalgam - CORRECT ANSWER Combination of metals; Made by mixing approximately
equal parts ( 1:1 ratio) of a powdered metal alloy with liquid mercury Silver, Copper, Tin, Zinc
"Trituration - CORRECT ANSWER Process of mixing 2 ; liquid mercury and powdered alloy in
triturator"
"Amalgamation - CORRECT ANSWER Metallic restorations- hard and durable. Formed from
reaction of alloy + mercury"
"Galvanism - CORRECT ANSWER electricity produced by chemical action ; 2 metals conduct
electric current due to heat"
"Extrinsic stain - CORRECT ANSWER - Occurred after tooth eruption, the stain is on the outside
of the tooth."
"Instrinsic stain - CORRECT ANSWER Endogenous- not removable, Causes- pulpal necrosis,
internal resorption, excessive systemic fluoride and/or tetracycline use during tooth development."
"Finishing and polishing amalgam advantages - CORRECT ANSWER More longevity of
restorations, protects periodontuim, reduces biofilm prevents tarnish, corrosion, plaque, overhang, post op sensitivity, smoothes cavosurface"
"Fuschin in propylene glycol solution - CORRECT ANSWER Carries disclosing agent"
"Transillumination - CORRECT ANSWER The technique of directing light off of the mirror
surface and through the teeth"
