DDS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield DDS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. According to Hamp's furcation classification, Class II involvement is defined as: → Horizontal loss exceeding one-third the width but not encompassing the total width
2. Geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) is characterized by: → Migratory areas of erythema surrounded by a white keratotic border that change over days
3. Fibrous dysplasia of the jaw characteristically demonstrates which radiographic appearance? → Ground-glass opacity with poorly defined borders blending into normal bone
4. What is the primary purpose of the gingival fiber group called the transseptal fibers? → Connect adjacent teeth through the interproximal space
5. Pemphigus vulgaris involves oral mucosa due to autoantibodies directed against: → Desmoglein-3 (desmosomal adhesion protein)
6. Which condition is characterized by failure of cementum to cover the root apex, resulting in exposed dentin at the apex? → Cemental aplasia
7. Erythema multiforme affecting the oral mucosa characteristically presents as: → Target or iris lesions with hemorrhagic crusting of the lips
8. The smear layer created during cavity preparation: → Can be modified or removed depending on the bonding system (total-etch vs. self-etch)
9. Which dental material contains bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) as its primary resin matrix? → Composite resin
10. How many permanent teeth are in a full adult dentition, including third molars? → 32
11. A ferrule effect in crown preparation refers to: → Encirclement of sound tooth structure above the cement margin by the crown walls
12. Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity has the highest incidence in which site? → Lateral and ventral tongue/floor of mouth
13. A lady, 53, has been identified as having "burning mouth syndrome." In this condition, what area of the mouth is most usually affected? → Tongue
14. What is the approximate pH at which hydroxyapatite in enamel begins to dissolve (critical pH)? → 5.5
15. Which restorative material has the highest compressive strength and is most indicated for posterior stress-bearing restorations? → Amalgam
16. Opioid analgesics produce analgesia by acting primarily on which receptors? → Mu (μ), delta (δ), and kappa (κ) opioid receptors
17. The landmark 'pterygomandibular raphe' serves as a guide for which injection technique? → Inferior alveolar nerve block
18. Which gland produces the largest volume of saliva under resting (unstimulated) conditions? → Submandibular gland
19. Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns most commonly fracture at which location? → Within the occlusal porcelain over functional contacts
20. During tooth preparation for a full cast crown, the occlusal reduction for a posterior tooth should generally be: → 1.5–2.0 mm
21. Which primary (deciduous) teeth are the last to erupt in the oral cavity? → Maxillary second molars
22. Pulp therapy for a carious primary molar with a normal radiograph and no spontaneous pain, but mechanical pulp exposure, is best treated by: → Pulpotomy with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or ferric sulfate
23. Which fibers of the periodontal ligament embed directly into the cementum and alveolar bone? → Sharpey's fibers
24. Which cement is most appropriate for final cementation of a zirconia crown? → Resin cement
25. Reimplantation is preferred. After avulsion, how can permanent teeth be effectively shielded? → Place back into the sockets
26. The primary function of a space maintainer after premature loss of a primary second molar is to: → Prevent mesial drift of the permanent first molar into the extraction space
27. Which type of bone graft uses bone harvested from the same individual receiving the graft? → Autograft
28. Which radiographic technique is best suited for detecting interproximal caries in posterior teeth? → Bitewing radiograph
29. Ameloblastoma is most commonly located in which area of the jaw? → Posterior mandible (molar-ramus region)
30. The periodontal ligament space visible on radiographs appears as which structure? → A radiolucent space between root and lamina dura