NDAEB Theory Exam study plan

List the sequence of instruments and materials used in a Class I and Class II restorative procedure from anesthesia through finishing, in correct order

Demonstrate four-handed transfer of hand instruments and rotary burs while maintaining a dry field, describing each grasp and transfer zone aloud

Differentiate the indications, placement technique, and contraindications for treatment liners versus acid etch and bonding agents

Explain the smear layer, etching time by substrate (enamel versus dentin), and how to avoid contamination of a bonded surface

Identify the safety and ergonomic principles that govern chairside positioning, instrument transfer, and evacuation

Assemble and place sectional matrix bands, circumferential bands, and wedges on a typodont for Class II preparations

Describe how wedge selection and placement affects proximal contact, embrasure form, and gingival tissue protection

Sequence the steps for matrix and wedge removal and verify that no band or wedge fragment remains in the field

Explain how to stabilize a matrix when a proximal box is wide or a tooth is badly broken down

List the criteria for judging a properly contoured and well-adapted matrix before restorative material is placed

Describe the parts of a dental dam punch, clamp, frame, and napkin, and state the function of each

Outline the steps to isolate a single tooth and a quadrant, including clamp selection and ligature tie technique

Identify situations in which dental dam isolation is contraindicated or must be modified, such as allergy or compromised airway

Explain the differences between alginate and elastomeric impression materials in handling, setting, and dimensional behavior

Sequence the steps for seating, supporting, and removing a mandibular and maxillary impression without distortion

Describe how to pour, trim, and label a study model so it is usable for occlusal evaluation

Apply the principles of paralleling technique, bisecting angle, and bitewing placement to describe receptor positioning for each region

Explain how exposure settings, receptor size, and patient anatomy affect image density and distortion

List the infection control steps for handling receptors and sensors before, during, and after exposure

Describe the indications, tray fabrication steps, and instructions for at-home vital tooth whitening

Explain how to manage sensitivity, gingival irritation, and overuse during a whitening course

State the documentation and informed consent elements required before starting a whitening regimen

Differentiate coronal polishing from scaling and state the purpose, indications, and contraindications of each

Sequence the steps of a coronal polish using a rubber cup or brush, including selection of prophy paste grit

Explain how to protect the airway and soft tissues during polishing and how to avoid damage to restorations and gingival margins

Describe the mechanism, application technique, and patient instructions for professionally applied fluoride varnish

Compare the role of fluoride varnish, gel, and foam in caries prevention and state the post-application eating and drinking restrictions

Identify which patients need a caries risk assessment before an anti-cariogenic agent is selected

Demonstrate modified Bass and sulcular brushing and interdental cleaning on a model while narrating the technique

Match interdental aids to clinical situations such as open embrasures, fixed orthodontics, and implants

Explain the role of salivary flow, medication, and xerostomia in caries risk and how to adapt hygiene instruction

Evaluate a three-day food diary for frequency of fermentable carbohydrate exposure and identify the highest-risk eating pattern

Describe how to counsel a patient on sugar frequency, beverage choices, and between-meal snacking without shaming language

Connect oral hygiene and dietary behaviors to the caries process and to periodontal health in plain language

State the indications and contraindications for pit and fissure sealants, including partially erupted and deep carious fissures

Sequence the sealant procedure from cleaning and isolation through etching, drying, and curing, and describe how to verify retention

Explain moisture control and contamination control during sealant placement and the consequence of salivary contamination

Describe the criteria for re-evaluation and resealing at recall and how to document sealant status

Review the difference between sealant retention failure and caries progression as a cause of sealant loss

Integrate all twelve domains into a single simulated appointment sequence from seating through dismissal

Complete timed practice sets across all domains and log every missed item by domain

Rewrite the five most frequently missed concepts into short teach-back explanations

Rehearse two full procedure walkthroughs aloud, one restorative and one preventive, without notes

Build a final one-page summary of instrument identification, material handling, and safety rules