Dental Assistant Practice Test

Dental Chairside Dentistry Practice Questions

Chairside Dentistry makes up 13 of every 50 questions on a Tigertest Dental practice test. Here are 10 of the 52 questions on it, each with the answer and the reason.

Updated 2026-11-10 by the Tigertest team. Weighted to the DANB GC, RHS (March 2025) and ICE (March 2025) outlines. Expanded functions vary by state.

1. 1. The assistant is arranging the operatory for a right-handed dentist using the clock concept. The assistant's zone lies between:

   • A.12 and 2 o'clock
   • B.2 and 4 o'clock
   • C.7 and 12 o'clock
   • D.4 and 7 o'clock

   Answer: B. For a right-handed operator the assistant's zone is 2 to 4 o'clock. The 4 to 7 o'clock area is the transfer zone, where instruments pass, not where the assistant sits.

2. 2. During four-handed dentistry with a right-handed operator, instruments are passed and received over the patient's chest in which zone?

   • A.Operator's zone, 7 to 12 o'clock
   • B.Assistant's zone, 2 to 4 o'clock
   • C.Static zone, 12 to 2 o'clock
   • D.Transfer zone, 4 to 7 o'clock

   Answer: D. Instruments are exchanged in the transfer zone, 4 to 7 o'clock, below the patient's chin. The static zone at 12 to 2 o'clock holds the rear cart and is out of the patient's view, so nothing is passed there.

3. 3. When adjusting the stool for a four-handed procedure, the assistant sets the seat so the assistant's eye level is:

   • A.4 to 6 inches above the operator's
   • B.10 to 12 inches above the operator's
   • C.Level with the operator's eyes
   • D.2 to 3 inches below the operator's

   Answer: A. Sitting 4 to 6 inches higher than the operator gives the assistant a clear view into the mouth over the operator's hands. Sitting level with the operator blocks that view, and much higher strains the back.

4. 4. The dentist is ready to give an injection and signals for the anesthetic syringe. The assistant should pass the syringe:

   • A.Over the patient's head from behind the chair
   • B.In front of the patient's eyes
   • C.Below the patient's chin, out of sight
   • D.Directly over the patient's face

   Answer: C. The syringe is passed in the transfer zone below the chin so the patient does not see the needle and become anxious. Passing over the face risks dropping a sharp on the patient and alarms them.

5. 5. During a single-handed instrument exchange for a right-handed dentist, the assistant retrieves the used instrument with the:

   • A.Middle finger of the right hand
   • B.Palm of the left hand
   • C.Little finger of the left hand
   • D.Thumb and index finger of the right hand

   Answer: C. The assistant works the exchange with the left hand, hooking the used instrument with the little finger and tucking it into the palm. The right hand stays free to hold the HVE, so it is not used to retrieve.

6. 6. The dentist holds an explorer the same way a person holds a writing instrument. This instrument grasp is called the:

   • A.Pen grasp
   • B.Palm-thumb grasp
   • C.Reverse palm grasp
   • D.Palm grasp

   Answer: A. The pen grasp holds the instrument like a pen and gives fine tactile control for examination and hand instruments. The palm grasp wraps the handle in the palm and is used for forceps, not explorers.

7. 7. To place a rubber dam clamp, the dentist holds the clamp forceps firmly with all fingers wrapped around the handles. This grasp is the:

   • A.Palm-thumb grasp
   • B.Pen grasp
   • C.Modified pen grasp
   • D.Palm grasp

   Answer: D. The palm grasp wraps the fingers around the handle for force, as with clamp and extraction forceps. The palm-thumb grasp differs because the thumb is extended along the shaft to brace and guide the instrument.

8. 8. The dentist is examining maxillary tooth 3 and signals for the explorer. When passing it, the assistant orients the working end:

   • A.Toward the patient's face, sideways
   • B.Upward, toward the maxillary arch
   • C.Downward, toward the mandibular arch
   • D.Toward the assistant's own chest

   Answer: B. Instruments are delivered in the position of use, with the working end pointing toward the arch being treated. Pointing it down would force the dentist to rotate the instrument before using it on a maxillary tooth.

9. 9. The assistant is preparing a basic setup that will be on every restorative tray. Which three instruments make up the basic setup?

   • A.Carver, burnisher, matrix retainer
   • B.Mouth mirror, explorer, cotton pliers
   • C.Spoon excavator, hoe, condenser
   • D.Periodontal probe, curette, sickle scaler

   Answer: B. The basic setup is the mouth mirror, explorer and cotton pliers, used at nearly every procedure. Excavators, condensers and carvers are added for specific restorative steps.

10. 10. During a cavity preparation, the dentist wants to remove soft carious dentin by hand. The assistant should transfer the:

    • A.Ball burnisher
    • B.Cleoid-discoid carver
    • C.Amalgam condenser
    • D.Spoon excavator

    Answer: D. The spoon excavator is a hand cutting instrument designed to scoop out soft decay. The condenser, burnisher and carver are restorative instruments used after the material is placed.