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Question 1. In the Universal Numbering System, which number corresponds to the maxillary right first molar? A) 1 B) 3 C) 14 D) 16 Answer: D Explanation: The Universal system numbers permanent teeth from 1 (upper right third molar) to 32 (lower right third molar); the maxillary right first molar is number 16. Question 2. In the FDI notation, what does the first digit “5” indicate? A) Mandibular left quadrant B) Maxillary right quadrant C) Mandibular right quadrant D) Primary dentition Answer: C Explanation: In the two‑digit FDI system, the first digit 5 designates the mandibular right permanent quadrant. Question 3. Which Palmer symbol correctly represents the primary maxillary left central incisor? A) ⌢ A B) ⌢ E C) ⌢ 1 D) ⌢ 8 Answer: A
Explanation: Palmer notation uses letters A‑E for primary teeth; the left central incisor is “A” with the left‑upper quadrant symbol. Question 4. The lingual surface of an anterior tooth is also known as: A) Labial B) Palatal C) Buccal D) Occlusal Answer: B Explanation: For maxillary anterior teeth, the lingual surface is termed palatal; for mandibular it remains lingual. Question 5. Which surface is NOT present on posterior teeth? A) Buccal B) Occlusal C) Incisal D) Lingual Answer: C Explanation: Posterior teeth lack an incisal edge; they have occlusal surfaces instead. Question 6. The hard tissue that covers the root of a tooth is: A) Enamel B) Dentin C) Cementum D) Pulp
D. A solid black circle Answer: C Explanation: In standardized charting, a rectangular outline containing the letter “G” denotes a gold crown. Question 10. The zig‑zag line crossing the occlusal surface of a tooth represents: A) A fracture line B) A fissure sealant C) A carious pit D) An occlusal adjustment Answer: A Explanation: Zig‑zag lines are used to indicate a crack or fracture in the tooth structure. Question 11. To document a periapical abscess on tooth #19, the chart should contain: A. A red circle at the root apex B. A blue dot on the crown C. A black line along the root canal D. A green arrow pointing to the gingiva Answer: A Explanation: Red symbols denote pathology; a red circle at the apex marks a periapical abscess. Question 12. When charting a bridge, the pontic is represented by: A. A solid black rectangle B. An empty outline of a tooth shape C. A filled circle with “P” inside
D. A dashed line connecting abutments Answer: B Explanation: The pontic (missing tooth) is shown as an empty tooth outline, while abutments receive restoration symbols. Question 13. The symbol for a screw‑retained implant typically includes: A. A star inside a square B. A capital “I” with a thread pattern C. A hollow circle with a line through the center D. A filled triangle with “S” inside Answer: C Explanation: Implant symbols often use a hollow circle with a central line to denote the fixture. Question 14. In the chart, a horizontal line drawn through the root canal space of tooth # indicates: A. A planned extraction B. Completed root canal therapy (RCT) C. A fractured root D. A furcation involvement Answer: B Explanation: A vertical or horizontal line through the canal is the standard symbol for completed endodontic treatment. Question 15. The abbreviation “MOD” refers to which combination of surfaces? A. Mesial‑Occlusal‑Distal B. Middle‑Occlusal‑Distal
B. Draw a single line through the error, initial, and date it C. White‑out the mistake and rewrite D. Ignore it if minor Answer: B Explanation: Legal standards require a single line through the mistake, followed by the clinician’s initials and the date. Question 19. The six‑point pocket depth measurement for a tooth records depth in: A. Inches B. Millimeters C. Centimeters D. Micrometers Answer: B Explanation: Periodontal probing depths are measured in millimeters. Question 20. A probing depth of 5 mm on the distal surface of tooth #7 indicates: A. Normal sulcus depth B. Mild gingivitis C. Moderate periodontitis D. Severe periodontitis Answer: C Explanation: Depths of 4–5 mm generally indicate moderate periodontal involvement. Question 21. Gingival recession is documented on the chart by: A. A red triangle on the root surface
B. A blue line below the CEJ C. A green arrow pointing upward D. A dashed line on the crown Answer: A Explanation: Recession is shown as a red triangle on the exposed root surface, indicating tissue loss. Question 22. Furcation involvement is noted on a mandibular molar using which symbol? A. A “U” shaped line on the occlusal surface B. A vertical line through the root area with a “F” inside C. A diagonal slash across the crown D. A small square on the distal surface Answer: B Explanation: The “F” inside a vertical line denotes furcation involvement. Question 23. Mobility class II indicates: A. No mobility B. Slight mobility (<1 mm) C. Moderate mobility (1–2 mm) D. Severe mobility (>2 mm) Answer: C Explanation: Class II mobility reflects movement of 1–2 mm horizontally. Question 24. Bleeding on probing (BOP) is recorded on the chart by: A. A red dot at the probing site
B. Faces the lips C. Contacts the opposing tooth D. Is adjacent to the cheek Answer: C Explanation: Occlusal surfaces are the chewing surfaces that meet the opposing arch. Question 28. Which of the following is NOT part of the internal anatomy of a tooth? A. Pulp chamber B. Enamel C. Dentin D. Cementum Answer: B Explanation: Enamel is the outermost hard tissue, not part of the internal anatomy. Question 29. A charted “–” (dash) across a tooth’s crown indicates: A. Extraction planned B. Existing crown C. Tooth is missing D. No treatment needed Answer: C Explanation: A dash is commonly used to denote a missing tooth. Question 30. In Palmer notation, the symbol “〈 3 ” represents: A. Upper right canine
B. Upper left canine C. Lower right canine D. Lower left canine Answer: A Explanation: The “〈” symbol indicates the upper right quadrant; “ 3 ” is the canine. Question 31. The abbreviation “PO” on a chart stands for: A. Proximal occlusion B. Pulpotomy C. Peri‑operative D. Posterior occlusion Answer: B Explanation: “PO” commonly abbreviates pulpotomy, a vital pulp therapy. Question 32. When recording a planned extraction, which color should be used? A. Blue B. Black C. Red D. Yellow Answer: C Explanation: Red denotes future or needed treatment; extraction is a planned procedure. Question 33. A “filled” symbol on a tooth’s lingual surface indicates: A. Caries on the lingual side
B. A full‑coverage restoration covering all surfaces of a tooth C. The root portion of a tooth D. The gingival margin Answer: B Explanation: A dental crown is a full‑coverage prosthetic that caps the entire tooth structure. Question 37. A “bridge” that replaces a missing maxillary left second premolar would have abutments on which teeth? A. #13 and # B. #12 and # C. #12 and # D. #13 and # Answer: B Explanation: The missing tooth is #14 (FDI 24); abutments are the adjacent teeth #12 (23) and #15 (25) in the Universal system #12 and #14. Question 38. The color blue on a chart is used to denote: A. Planned treatment B. Completed treatment C. Urgent pathology D. Patient’s allergy Answer: B Explanation: Blue/black symbols represent work that has already been performed. Question 39. Which of the following is a correct representation of a Class III mobility?
A. No movement B. <1 mm movement C. 1–2 mm movement D. >2 mm movement Answer: D Explanation: Class III indicates severe mobility greater than 2 mm. Question 40. The abbreviation “RCT” on a chart indicates: A. Restorative composite treatment B. Root canal therapy C. Recurrent caries treatment D. Radiographic confirmation test Answer: B Explanation: “RCT” stands for root canal therapy, an endodontic procedure. Question 41. In the Universal system, which primary tooth is labeled “T”? A. Maxillary right second molar B. Maxillary left second molar C. Mandibular right second molar D. Mandibular left second molar Answer: D Explanation: “T” is the last letter for primary teeth, representing the mandibular left second molar. Question 42. A red “X” placed on the distal surface of tooth #30 signifies:
A. Normal healthy sulcus depth B. Early sign of disease C. Moderate periodontitis D. Severe periodontitis Answer: A Explanation: Healthy sulcus depths are generally 1–3 mm; 2 mm is within normal limits. Question 46. The notation “#18 (R)” on a chart most likely indicates: A. Tooth #18 is a restoration B. Tooth #18 is a primary tooth C. Tooth #18 is missing (extracted) D. Tooth #18 requires retreatment Answer: C Explanation: “(R)” commonly denotes “removed” or missing; thus #18 is absent. Question 47. When documenting a porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown, the chart symbol should include: A. A solid black square B. A rectangle with “PFM” inside C. A circle with a cross D. A triangle with “M” inside Answer: B Explanation: The abbreviation “PFM” inside a rectangular outline identifies a porcelain‑fused‑to‑metal crown.
Question 48. A “green” line on a chart is used to indicate: A. Completed treatment B. Planned treatment C. Patient’s allergy to latex D. No standard meaning; green is not used in standard charting Answer: D Explanation: Standard dental charting uses red for needed work and blue/black for completed work; green is not a conventional color. Question 49. The term “abutment” in a bridge refers to: A. The pontic tooth B. The supporting tooth or implant that holds the bridge C. The connector between two crowns D. The gingival tissue under the bridge Answer: B Explanation: Abutments are the teeth or implants that provide support for a fixed bridge. Question 50. Which of the following is the correct way to record a completed composite restoration on the occlusal surface of tooth #14? A. Red triangle on occlusal surface B. Blue square on occlusal surface C. Black filled circle on occlusal surface D. Green check mark on occlusal surface Answer: C Explanation: Completed composite restorations are shown with a black (or dark blue) filled symbol on the relevant surface.
Explanation: Cracks are represented by zig‑zag lines indicating the path of the fracture. Question 54. A “+” sign placed next to a probing depth of 4 mm indicates: A. No bleeding B. Presence of calculus C. Bleeding on probing at that site D. Furcation involvement Answer: C Explanation: The plus sign is used to denote BOP at the recorded depth. Question 55. The term “occlusal rest” in a removable partial denture is charted as: A. A solid square on the occlusal surface of the abutment tooth B. A small “R” inside a circle on the gingiva C. A line connecting two teeth D. A dashed line on the palatal surface Answer: A Explanation: An occlusal rest is represented by a small square on the occlusal surface of the supporting tooth. Question 56. Which color is appropriate for indicating a documented allergy to penicillin on a patient’s chart? A. Red B. Blue/Black C. Green D. No color coding is required; a textual note is sufficient
Answer: D Explanation: Allergies are recorded as text; color coding is reserved for treatment status. Question 57. The abbreviation “DR” on a chart most likely signifies: A. Dental radiograph taken B. Direct restoration C. Drainage required D. Delayed restoration Answer: A Explanation: “DR” is commonly used to indicate that a dental radiograph has been taken. Question 58. In periodontal charting, a “−” sign next to a measurement indicates: A. No bleeding on probing B. Negative mobility C. Absence of calculus D. No furcation involvement Answer: A Explanation: A minus sign is used to denote the absence of bleeding at that site. Question 59. The notation “#30 (M)” on a chart typically means: A. Tooth #30 has a metallic restoration B. Tooth #30 is missing C. Tooth #30 requires a mesial restoration D. Tooth #30 has a crown
