Free General Dentist mock test

Dentist (General) sample questions with answers

10 more original exam-style Dentist (General) questions, worked in full. They are not real or recalled exam questions, and none of them is in the mock above or on the bank page, so sit the mock first if you have not.

1. Question 1 · Periodontics

   According to Cairo's recession type (RT) classification, a recession defect with interproximal clinical attachment loss that is less than or equal to the buccal attachment loss is designated as:

   1. ARecession Type 4 (RT4)
   2. BRecession Type 1 (RT1)
   3. CRecession Type 2 (RT2)
   4. DRecession Type 3 (RT3)
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Recession Type 2 (RT2)

   Cairo's RT2 describes recession with interproximal attachment loss that is less than or equal to the buccal (mid-facial) attachment loss, whereas RT1 has no interproximal attachment loss and RT3 has interproximal loss greater than the buccal loss. RT4 does not exist in this classification.

   Reference: Cairo, Nieri, Cincinelli, Mervelt & Pagliaro, Journal of Clinical Periodontology (2011)

2. Question 2 · Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology & Diagnostic Sciences

   A patient presents with multiple perioral and labial brown macules, and reports a family history of intestinal polyps and episodes of intussusception. Which syndrome should be suspected?

   1. APeutz-Jeghers syndrome
   2. BAddison disease
   3. CMcCune-Albright syndrome
   4. DLaugier-Hunziker syndrome
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

   Peutz-Jeghers syndrome combines mucocutaneous melanotic macules (perioral, labial) with hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps that predispose to intussusception and malignancy. Addison disease causes diffuse pigmentation with systemic signs, McCune-Albright involves cafe-au-lait macules and fibrous dysplasia, and Laugier-Hunziker lacks systemic/GI involvement.

   Reference: Neville et al., Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016

3. Question 3 · Pediatric Dentistry

   An 8-year-old avulses a permanent maxillary central incisor with an immature (open) apex. The tooth is brought in milk within 30 minutes. According to IADT guidelines, what is the recommended immediate management?

   1. ADo not replant; the open apex contraindicates replantation
   2. BStore the tooth and delay replantation for 1 week
   3. CExtract and place an immediate implant
   4. DReplant the tooth as soon as possible and splint flexibly
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Replant the tooth as soon as possible and splint flexibly

   An avulsed permanent tooth with an open apex stored appropriately (milk) with a short extra-oral time should be replanted as soon as possible, because revascularization may occur in immature teeth. A flexible splint is then placed. Withholding replantation, delaying it, or placing an implant in a growing child are contrary to IADT recommendations.

   Reference: International Association of Dental Traumatology (IADT) Guidelines for the Management of Traumatic Dental Injuries: Avulsion (2020)

4. Question 4 · Common Foundations: Local Anesthesia, Pharmacology, Pain & Medical Emergencies

   A patient taking a non-selective beta-blocker (e.g., propranolol) receives an epinephrine-containing local anesthetic. Which adverse reaction is most likely if a large dose of epinephrine enters the circulation?

   1. AProfound hypotension with tachycardia
   2. BBronchospasm and cyanosis
   3. CNo cardiovascular change because beta-blockers block epinephrine entirely
   4. DMarked hypertension with reflex bradycardia
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. Marked hypertension with reflex bradycardia

   With non-selective beta-blockade, epinephrine's beta-2 mediated vasodilation is blocked while its alpha-1 mediated vasoconstriction is unopposed, producing a sharp rise in blood pressure. The baroreceptor reflex then causes bradycardia. Epinephrine dose should therefore be minimized and vital signs monitored in these patients.

   Reference: Malamed SF, Handbook of Local Anesthesia, 7th ed. (2019); Yagiela JA, Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Dentistry, 6th ed.

5. Question 5 · Restorative Dentistry (Operative Dentistry & Prosthodontics)

   A patient has just received a temporary crown fabricated with a bis-acryl/methacrylate provisional material and needs a PVS final impression. Why should latex gloves and certain retraction cords be avoided when handling PVS?

   1. AThey accelerate the set undesirably fast
   2. BSulfur compounds (e.g., in latex) can inhibit the platinum-catalyzed polymerization of addition silicone
   3. CThey chemically bond the PVS to the tissues
   4. DThey cause PVS to become hydrophilic
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Sulfur compounds (e.g., in latex) can inhibit the platinum-catalyzed polymerization of addition silicone

   Addition silicones use a platinum (chloroplatinic acid) catalyst that is poisoned by sulfur-containing compounds found in latex gloves and some sulfated retraction cords, resulting in incomplete set at the surface. Vinyl/nitrile gloves and appropriate cords avoid this. The issue is polymerization inhibition, not accelerated set, tissue bonding, or a change in wettability.

   Reference: Anusavice, Phillips' Science of Dental Materials, 13th ed. (2013)

6. Question 6 · Endodontics

   According to the 2017 World Workshop classification of endodontic-periodontal lesions, which factor is used to sub-classify an endo-periodontal lesion in a patient WITHOUT periodontitis?

   1. AThe Angle classification of the patient's occlusion
   2. BThe number of remaining teeth in the arch
   3. CPresence or absence of a root damage such as root fracture, perforation, or external root resorption
   4. DWhether the tooth has previously received orthodontic treatment
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Presence or absence of a root damage such as root fracture, perforation, or external root resorption

   The 2017 classification stratifies endo-perio lesions first by the presence or absence of root damage (root fracture/cracking, root canal or pulp chamber perforation, external root resorption), then by periodontitis status and extent of periodontal destruction (grades 1-3). Occlusal classification, tooth count, and orthodontic history are not part of this classification. Root damage carries a distinctly worse prognosis and drives management decisions.

   Reference: Herrera et al., 2017 World Workshop Classification of Endo-Periodontal Lesions (Journal of Clinical Periodontology / Journal of Periodontology, 2018)

7. Question 7 · Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

   Three days after an uneventful inferior alveolar nerve block with 4% articaine, a patient reports persistent tongue numbness and altered taste on that side, with no lip involvement. Which statement best reflects current understanding of this complication?

   1. AIt always requires immediate surgical exploration of the lingual nerve
   2. BThe lingual nerve is affected and most such block-related paresthesias resolve spontaneously over weeks to months
   3. CIt confirms permanent transection of the lingual nerve
   4. DIt indicates inferior alveolar nerve injury rather than lingual nerve injury
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. The lingual nerve is affected and most such block-related paresthesias resolve spontaneously over weeks to months

   Isolated tongue numbness with taste alteration and no lip involvement localizes the injury to the lingual nerve, which also carries chorda tympani taste fibers; the great majority of local-anesthetic block-related paresthesias are neurapraxic and resolve spontaneously over weeks to months, so observation with documentation is first-line, not immediate surgery. It does not confirm permanent transection, and the sparing of the lip makes an inferior alveolar (mental) distribution injury unlikely.

   Reference: Pogrel MA, Journal of the American Dental Association, 2007

8. Question 8 · Orthodontics

   A patient wearing an upper removable appliance reports that they swallowed part of the appliance while eating, and now has coughing and mild respiratory distress. The most appropriate action is:

   1. ATreat as a possible aspiration emergency: encourage coughing, provide basic life support as needed, and arrange urgent medical assessment with a chest radiograph
   2. BReassure the patient and schedule a routine review
   3. CMake a new appliance and take no other action
   4. DPrescribe an antihistamine
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: A. Treat as a possible aspiration emergency: encourage coughing, provide basic life support as needed, and arrange urgent medical assessment with a chest radiograph

   Respiratory symptoms after a lost appliance component raise concern for aspiration, a medical emergency requiring encouragement to cough, BLS if the airway is compromised, and urgent referral for imaging to locate the object. Routine reassurance, simply remaking the appliance, or antihistamines fail to address the potential airway or pulmonary hazard.

   Reference: Proffit WR, Contemporary Orthodontics, 6th ed., 2019

9. Question 9 · Infection Control, Patient Safety, Ethics & Professionalism

   During treatment a dentist perforates a root, an unintended complication. Regarding professional duty of candour, what is the appropriate action?

   1. AConceal the complication to avoid alarming the patient
   2. BOnly disclose if the patient specifically asks
   3. COpenly inform the patient of what happened, explain the implications and options, and document the event
   4. DDisclose it only to the insurance company
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Openly inform the patient of what happened, explain the implications and options, and document the event

   The professional duty of candour requires open and honest disclosure to the patient when something goes wrong, including an explanation, an apology where appropriate, discussion of implications and options, and accurate documentation. Concealing the event, waiting for the patient to ask, or informing only the insurer breaches this duty and erodes trust. Being open when things go wrong is a core ethical and regulatory expectation.

   Reference: General Dental Council/GMC Duty of Candour guidance; professional standards for the dental team

10. Question 10 · Periodontics

    A radiograph shows a vertical (angular) intrabony defect with an oblique base of bone loss along the distal root of a molar. This pattern most typically indicates which of the following relative to a horizontal defect?

    1. AAn infrabony pocket where the base of the pocket lies apical to the crest of the residual alveolar bone
    2. BA finding unique to occlusal trauma and never associated with pockets
    3. CAn absence of any true attachment loss
    4. DA suprabony pocket where the base of the pocket is coronal to the residual crest
    Show answer and explanation

    Correct answer: A. An infrabony pocket where the base of the pocket lies apical to the crest of the residual alveolar bone

    Angular/vertical bone loss is associated with infrabony (intrabony) pockets, in which the base of the pocket lies apical to the crest of the adjacent residual alveolar bone. Horizontal bone loss produces suprabony pockets where the pocket base is coronal to the crest; both represent genuine attachment loss.

    Reference: Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed. (2019)