Dental Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. What is typically included in the total cost of braces treatment? → Consultation, X-rays, brackets, adjustments, and retainers
2. What kind of dental equipment is this? → Mouth prop
3. Digital dental radiography reduces radiation exposure compared to conventional film by approximately how much? → 50–80%
4. Why must sterile saline or sterile water be used as a coolant during oral surgical procedures? → Regular dental unit water may contain microorganisms unsafe for surgical wounds
5. Which braces use tooth-colored or clear brackets to blend with teeth? → Ceramic braces
6. Which radiograph is the standard of choice for detecting interproximal caries? → Bitewing
7. What is the gingiva? → The gum tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth
8. Which lead equivalent thickness is required for a dental X-ray leaded apron? → 0.25 mm
9. What could cause a bracket to repeatedly come loose from the same tooth? → High bite forces on that tooth or a surface contamination issue during bonding
10. What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in relation to braces costs? → A pre-tax account that can be used to pay for orthodontic expenses
11. Why should patients with braces avoid biting directly into hard apples? → The hard force can pop brackets off teeth
12. A fixed (bonded) retainer is typically bonded to which surface of the teeth? → The lingual (tongue-side) surface of the front teeth
13. Which finding during an oral cancer screening is MOST concerning and warrants biopsy? → A non-healing ulcer present over 2 weeks
14. A probing depth of 5 mm with bleeding on probing and 2 mm of recession indicates what clinical attachment loss? → 7 mm
15. Should you continue seeing your regular dentist while wearing braces? → Yes, for routine cleanings and checkups
16. How do you spot the early warning signs during an exam? → Enamel white spot and demineralized enamel area
17. Which of the following is safe to eat with braces? → Bananas
18. What are deciduous teeth? → Primary (baby) teeth that are eventually replaced by permanent teeth
19. What kind of dental equipment is this? → Warrick james elevator
20. Which type of patient is classified as ASA III under the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification system? → A patient with severe systemic disease that limits activity but is not incapacitating
21. Cone-cutting (partial image) on a dental X-ray is caused by which error? → PID not centered over the film/sensor
22. What is the correct chain of response when a patient becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally in the dental office? → Call 911, begin CPR, use AED if available
23. What is the average cost of traditional metal braces in the United States? → $3,000–$7,000
24. Which vital sign would most strongly contraindicate elective dental treatment that day? → Blood pressure of 185/115 mmHg
25. Which type of bone graft uses material harvested from the same patient? → Autograft
26. What is a common payment plan option offered by orthodontic offices? → Monthly installments over the length of treatment
27. Which local anesthetic is most commonly used in US dental offices for routine procedures? → Lidocaine (lignocaine)
28. What radiographic error results in a foreshortened image of the tooth? → Excessive vertical angulation
29. What is the main purpose of orthodontic headgear? → To control jaw growth and move back teeth into proper position
30. What foods can I safely consume while wearing braces? → With braces, bananas are completely safe.