NDEB Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which landmark is used to estimate the apex location for primary molar pulpectomy files? → Root length on radiograph minus 1 mm
2. Which pulp therapy is indicated for a vital primary tooth with pulp exposure confined to the coronal pulp? → Pulpotomy
3. Arterial blood flows continuously through capillaries during both systole and diastole because ________: → arterioles can regulate their diameters.
4. Thumb sucking that persists beyond which age is most likely to cause permanent dental changes? → 6 years
5. Which bacteria is most associated with the initiation of dental caries? → Streptococcus mutans
6. The mandibular second premolar most commonly has how many cusps? → 3
7. Which study design best establishes causation between a risk factor and a disease? → Randomized controlled trial
8. Which orthodontic appliance applies continuous light force to correct Class II malocclusion in growing patients? → Herbst appliance
9. Which local anaesthetic formulation should be used to achieve prolonged pain relief for a patient requiring a pulpectomy for tooth 3.6? → Bupivacaine 0.5%, with epinephrine 1:200,000
10. Which dietary carbohydrate is most cariogenic when consumed frequently? → Sucrose
11. The palatogingival groove is a developmental anomaly most commonly associated with which tooth? → Maxillary lateral incisor
12. Surface enamel is more highly mineralized than the rest of the enamel because _______: → crystallites are deposited parallel to the surface.
13. An SNA of 88˚ most likely indicates a maxilla positioned ________: → anteriorly.
14. During lateral excursion of the mandible, the non-working (balancing) side condyle moves: → Downward, forward, and medially
15. Flaps in minor oral surgery should _______ : → have releasing incisions
16. Which of the following is the primary goal of non-surgical periodontal therapy, such as scaling and root planing? → To remove biofilm and calculus to create a biologically acceptable root surface.
17. Bennett movement is defined as: → The bodily lateral shift of the mandible toward the working side during lateral excursion
18. What space maintainer is typically used after premature loss of a mandibular second primary molar before the permanent first molar erupts? → Distal shoe appliance
19. What is the main purpose of a needs assessment in dental public health? → To identify oral health problems and resources in a community
20. Angle Class II, Division 2 malocclusion is characterized by: → Distal molar relationship with retroclined maxillary central incisors
21. In a child with Turner tooth (enamel hypoplasia of a permanent tooth), what is the most likely cause? → Periapical infection of the overlying primary tooth
22. Dental porcelain has ________: → high hardness and low impact strength.
23. Which radiographic projection provides the best view of the entire primary dentition and developing permanent teeth in a young child? → Panoramic radiograph
24. Which sealant placement step is most critical for long-term retention? → Adequate acid etching and isolation
25. Which of the following is the most common cause of fracture of nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary endodontic instruments? → Torsional stresses that are too high.
26. What is the optimal fluoride concentration in community water fluoridation recommended by the US Public Health Service? → 0.7 mg/L
27. The cusp of Carabelli is an accessory cusp most commonly found on which surface of the maxillary first molar? → Mesiolingual cusp
28. What is the most common congenitally missing permanent tooth (excluding third molars)? → Mandibular second premolar
29. Which of the following is the most likely result of an acetaminophen overdose? → Hepatotoxicity
30. When prescribing codeine, patients should be informed ________: → to avoid consuming alcohol.