DANB CRFDA flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Universal tooth number 1

The universal system numbers permanent teeth 1 through 32, beginning with the maxillary right third molar as tooth 1 and ending with the mandibular right third molar as tooth 32.

FDI quadrant digit

In the FDI/ISO two-digit system, the first digit identifies the quadrant: 1 upper right, 2 upper left, 3 lower left, 4 lower right. The second digit 1–8 counts from midline posterior.

Class I cavity

A Class I lesion occurs in pits, fissures, and occlusal or lingual surfaces of posterior teeth, and in the lingual pits of maxillary anterior teeth. It does not involve proximal surfaces.

Class II cavity

A Class II lesion involves proximal surfaces of posterior teeth (premolars and molars). It may be accessed from the occlusal, and often requires a matrix band to restore proximal contour.

Class III cavity

A Class III lesion involves proximal surfaces of anterior teeth without involvement of the incisal edge. It is typically restored with a translucent composite and a clear matrix strip.

Class IV cavity

A Class IV lesion involves proximal surfaces of anterior teeth and includes the incisal edge. Restoration must rebuild incisal length and translucency, often using a palatal matrix.

Class V cavity

A Class V lesion occurs in the gingival third of the facial or lingual surfaces of any tooth. It is often related to root caries, abrasion, or erosion.

Class VI cavity

A Class VI lesion involves the incisal tip of anterior teeth or the cusp tip of posterior teeth. It is the least common Black classification and often results from wear or fracture.

Tofflemire matrix

A Tofflemire retainer holds a metal matrix band around a posterior tooth for Class II restorations. The band is tightened with a set screw and shaped to restore proximal contour.

Sectional matrix and ring

A sectional matrix uses a small curved band placed on one proximal surface, secured by a wedge and a separating ring. It is preferred for Class II composite to achieve tight contacts.

Celluloid strip

A clear plastic strip placed interproximally for anterior composite restorations. It is transparent so curing light passes through, and it helps contour the proximal surface.

Rubber dam clamp

A metal clamp with jaws that grips the cervical area of a tooth to retain the rubber dam. Winged clamps are common on posteriors; butterfly clamps are used on anteriors.

Rubber dam floss ligature

Dental floss tied around the tooth and clamp secures the rubber dam and prevents the clamp from being swallowed. The floss is removed after the procedure.

Over-triturated amalgam

Amalgam mixed too long becomes wet, sticky, and difficult to condense. It may set with excess mercury and reduced strength, and it is hard to carve cleanly.

Under-triturated amalgam

Amalgam mixed too briefly is dry and crumbly. It does not cohere, condenses poorly, and produces a weak, grainy restoration with voids and rough margins.

Phosphoric acid etch

A 30–40% phosphoric acid gel applied to enamel for about 15–30 seconds creates microporosity. After rinsing and drying, etched enamel appears frosty white.

Total-etch bonding

In a total-etch system, acid is applied to both enamel and dentin, then rinsed. Dentin is left slightly moist before primer and adhesive are applied to avoid collagen collapse.

Self-etch bonding

A self-etch system combines acidic primer with adhesive and does not require separate phosphoric acid etching. Dentin should be kept dry, and the primer is scrubbed onto the surface.

Composite shade selection

Shades are chosen under neutral or daylight-corrected light before the tooth dries out. Enamel shades are translucent and thin; dentin shades are opaque and higher in chroma.

Composite incremental placement

Composite is placed in increments of about 2 mm or less so the curing light penetrates fully. Each increment is cured separately to reduce polymerization shrinkage and marginal gaps.

Curing light tip distance

The curing light tip should be held close to the restoration, ideally within 1–2 mm, and perpendicular to the surface. Distance and angle reduce the delivered irradiance.

Wedge placement

A wedge is inserted interproximally to adapt the matrix band to the gingival margin, protect the adjacent tooth, and recreate the proximal contact and embrasure form.

Amalgam carving

After condensation, amalgam is carved with a discoid or Hollenback instrument to restore occlusal anatomy and remove excess at margins. Carving occurs before the amalgam fully sets.

Amalgam polishing timing

Amalgam restorations are typically polished after at least 24 hours to allow setting. Polishing earlier can release mercury and damage margins and surface strength.

Finishing bur selection

Fine carbide or diamond finishing burs refine anatomy and margins after composite placement. Impregnated rubber points and polishing paste then smooth the surface to reduce plaque retention.

Articulating paper use

Articulating paper marks occlusal contacts after restoration placement. The assistant asks the patient to tap and grind, then reads the marks to guide adjustment by the dentist.

Gingival retraction cord

A retraction cord is placed in the sulcus before impression or restoration of a subgingival margin. It displaces tissue and controls fluid; it is removed before final impression.

Isolation with cotton rolls

Cotton rolls placed in the vestibule and lingual sulcus plus a saliva ejector isolate a quadrant when a rubber dam is not used. They are changed when saturated.

High-volume evacuation role

The assistant uses high-volume evacuation near the operating site to remove water, saliva, and debris, retract tissue, and reduce aerosol. The tip is kept close to the bur.

Pin and build-up

A pin-retained build-up uses dentin pins to retain core material when the tooth lacks sufficient tooth structure. The assistant prepares pins and materials under dentist direction.

Dental dam napkin

A napkin or rubber dam square is placed under the dam frame to absorb moisture and protect the patient's face. It improves comfort and keeps the field dry.

State scope verification

Restorative functions that an assistant may perform are defined by state dental practice acts and board rules, not by the certification alone. Verify delegated duties before performing them.