Dental Assistant DANB Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

In the Universal Numbering System used in the United States, which tooth is designated number 1?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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).

Question 2

Using the Universal Numbering System, which tooth is number 32?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 3

How many teeth are present in the complete primary (deciduous) dentition?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 4

How many teeth are present in the complete permanent dentition?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

32. The permanent dentition normally has 32 teeth, including third molars: two incisors, one canine, two premolars, and three molars per quadrant.

Question 5

Which tooth surface faces the tongue on mandibular teeth?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Lingual. The lingual surface faces the tongue. On maxillary teeth this surface is sometimes called palatal because it faces the palate.

Question 6

The surface of a posterior tooth that faces the cheek is called the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 7

The proximal surface of a tooth that is closest to the midline of the dental arch is the:

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Mesial surface. Mesial surfaces face toward the midline; distal surfaces face away from the midline. They are the two proximal (contacting) surfaces.

Question 8

Which tissue is the hardest, most mineralized substance in the human body and covers the anatomic crown?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 9

Which tooth tissue forms the bulk of the tooth and surrounds the pulp?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Question 10

Which tissue covers the root of the tooth and provides attachment for periodontal ligament fibers?

TheoryPractice · Accepted 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.

Dental Assistant DANB Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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