• 52 questions

DANB CP Practice Test

Unofficial coronal polishing questions for DANB's CP exam: stains and deposits, pastes and cups, strokes, infection control and records.

A seven-year-old has primary teeth and permanent teeth in the mouth together. Which dentition stage is this?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB). Bank checked October 12, 2026.

The real exam, as DANB describes it

Questions
75
Time limit
60 minutes
Fee
$245, as printed on DANB's CP exam page
Languages
English; also offered in Spanish
Question count
75 by the exam outline. DANB's CP exam page showed 80 test questions on the day it was read
Format
Computer adaptive, multiple choice
Scoring
Scaled score from 100 to 900; 400 passes. No percent is printed
Where
In person or by remote online proctoring, by the outline
Test window
60 days
Eligibility
The CP exam has no requirements

Checked October 12, 2026 against DANB CP Exam Outline and References (effective 03/12/2025) and DANB's CP exam page. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

DANB's own CP exam page

Next step CMA practice examMedical terminology test

All 52 questions

Evaluation 8

  • A seven-year-old has primary teeth and permanent teeth in the mouth together. Which dentition stage is this? Wikipedia, "Tooth eruption", lead section; Mixed dentition stage. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • An evaluation finds calculus along the gumline. How is calculus removed? Wikipedia, "Calculus (dental)", lead section. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • The dentition can be charted in sextants. How many are there, and which teeth are left out? Wikipedia, "Glossary of dentistry", Terms: Sextant. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • How does the Universal Numbering System label the primary teeth? Wikipedia, "Universal Numbering System", Universal numbering system. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • How many teeth make up a full primary dentition and a full permanent dentition? Wikipedia, "Human tooth", Structure. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • In the Universal Numbering System, which permanent tooth is number 1? Wikipedia, "Universal Numbering System", Universal numbering system. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • Which discoloration would coronal polishing not be expected to remove? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Extrinsic stain; "Tooth discoloration", Tetracycline and tetracycline-derivatives. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
  • Which soft deposit resembles plaque but lacks its organized structure, so rinses and sprays displace it easily? Wikipedia, "Scaling and root planing", Plaque. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain I: Evaluation.
Show all 52 questions (44 more)

Equipment and supplies 10

  • A gown is worn as PPE because spatter to the arms is expected. How long must its sleeves be under the OSHA standard, as the CDC guideline reports it? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Protective Clothing. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • A health history lists a latex allergy. Which coronal polishing supply does the CDC guideline name as a possible risk? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Contact Dermatitis and Latex Hypersensitivity. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Air-powder polishing uses a slurry of water and sodium bicarbonate. Which health history finding is a listed contraindication? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Air-powder polishing. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Polishing is likely to generate splashes or spray. Which face protection does the CDC guideline call for? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Masks, Protective Eyewear, Face Shields. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Prophylaxis pastes are sold in which range of grits? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Prophylactic paste. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Which device holds the rubber cup and plugs into the low-speed handpiece? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Prophy angle. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Which item polishes proximal surfaces that other polishing instruments cannot reach? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Dental tape. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Why are specially designed pastes chosen for restorations such as gold, composite or porcelain? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Adverse effects, Restorations. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Why do some prophylaxis pastes contain fluoride? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Prophylactic paste. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.
  • Why does the CDC guideline have patients wear protective eyewear? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Masks, Protective Eyewear, Face Shields. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain II: Equipment and Supplies.

Procedures 20

  • A disposable prophylaxis angle was used. What does the CDC guideline say to do with it? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Single-Use or Disposable Devices. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • After the appointment, what is done with the prophylaxis cup and brush? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Single-Use or Disposable Devices. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Compared with a high-speed handpiece, which torque does a slow-speed handpiece have? Wikipedia, "Dental drill", Torque. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Handpieces and prophylaxis angles touch mucous membranes. In which category does the CDC guideline place them? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • In instrumentation, a tooth supports the fulcrum finger. What is the rest for? Wikipedia, "Periodontal scaler", Techniques. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Over which area should a rubber cup not be used? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Rubber cup. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • To which part of the tooth is the bristle brush confined? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Bristle brush. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • What can excessive pressure with the rubber cup lead to? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Adverse effects, Teeth. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • What does selective polishing mean? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Selective polishing. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • What have laboratory studies found can be retained inside prophylaxis angles? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • What makes up most of the visible spray from a rotary instrument? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Personal Protective Equipment. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Where does polishing usually fall in the sequence of an appointment? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", lead section. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which finger is the fulcrum finger? Wikipedia, "Periodontal scaler", Techniques. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which handpiece is used with a rubber cup and abrasive paste to remove extrinsic stain? Wikipedia, "Tooth whitening", Removal of extrinsic staining. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which methods does the CDC guideline call unacceptable for a handpiece between patients? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which stroke is used with the rubber cup to avoid damage? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Rubber cup. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which surfaces does the source say polishing should avoid? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Adverse effects, Teeth. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Which three things raise frictional heat and abrasion while a rubber cup is on a tooth? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Rubber cup. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Whose instructions are followed for cleaning, lubricating and sterilizing a low-speed handpiece? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Dental Handpieces and Other Devices Attached to Air and Waterlines. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.
  • Why can a preprocedural mouth rinse be most beneficial before a prophylaxis cup is used? CDC, Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR 52, RR-17), Preprocedural Mouth Rinses. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain III: Procedures.

Administration 14

  • A disclosing tablet is used to show a patient where plaque remains. What does its dye do? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Dental plaque identification at home", How the Test is Performed. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A general dentist sends a patient's chart to the periodontist who will treat the patient. What does the HIPAA Privacy Rule say about this disclosure? HIPAA Privacy Rule, 45 CFR 164.506, paragraph (c). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A new prophylaxis paste arrives. Which section of its safety data sheet covers handling and storage? OSHA, Hazard Communication, 29 CFR 1910.1200, paragraph (g)(2). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A patient asks for a paper copy of the dental record. What may the office charge for it? HIPAA Privacy Rule, 45 CFR 164.524, paragraph (c)(4). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A patient asks how to keep plaque down after polishing. What does MedlinePlus advise for brushing? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Plaque and tartar on teeth", Information. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A patient asks what polishing is for. Which purpose does the source give? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", lead section. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • A patient believes a treatment note in the chart is wrong. Which right does the Privacy Rule give? HIPAA Privacy Rule, 45 CFR 164.526, paragraph (a). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • In explaining how gum disease progresses, what does untreated gingivitis lead to? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Periodontitis", Causes. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • In patient education, plaque is named the major cause of which two conditions? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, "Dental plaque identification at home", opening. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • Polishing removes the enamel's outermost, fluoride-rich layer. What helps remineralize it afterward? Wikipedia, "Tooth polishing", Adverse effects, Teeth. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • What does a Notice of Privacy Practices give a patient? HIPAA Privacy Rule, 45 CFR 164.520, paragraph (a). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • When must employees be trained on the hazardous chemicals in their work area? OSHA, Hazard Communication, 29 CFR 1910.1200, paragraph (h)(1). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • Who decides whether a dental assistant may legally perform coronal polishing? DANB, Coronal Polishing (CP) Exam Outline and References (effective 03/12/2025), State Regulations. Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.
  • Who must obtain or develop the safety data sheet for a hazardous polishing product? OSHA, Hazard Communication, 29 CFR 1910.1200, paragraph (g)(1). Outline: DANB CP Exam Outline (effective 03/12/2025), Domain IV: Administration.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four domains of the Coronal Polishing (CP) Exam Outline and References of the Dental Assisting National Board (effective 03/12/2025, https://danbsfprodassets.azureedge.net/assets/docs/default-source/exam-outlines/cp-exam-outline.pdf?sfvrsn=d421f98e_7, linked from https://www.danb.org/exams/exam/cp-exam, read 2026-10-12), in its weights of 15, 20, 39 and 26 percent. The bank holds 8, 10, 20 and 14 questions in that order. Every fact was read on 2026-10-12 in the public page the question names: CDC's Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003 (MMWR Vol. 52, RR-17) and OSHA's standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, both on the outline's own reference list; the HIPAA Privacy Rule (45 CFR Part 164) in the eCFR; the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; and the Wikipedia articles named on the questions. The textbooks and the practice test on the outline's list were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free DANB CP practice test has 52 coronal polishing questions of our own. It is unofficial: the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) does not sponsor or endorse it, and this site is not affiliated with DANB.

Read the full guide

What the CP exam covers

DANB's CP Exam Outline, effective 03/12/2025 and read October 12, 2026, weights four domains: evaluation 15%, equipment and supplies 20%, procedures 39% and administration 26%. The 52 questions here are split 8, 10, 20 and 14.

The timed test

DANB's exam is computer adaptive. The timed test on this page is not: it asks 50 questions in 40 minutes, the pace the outline sets, and counts the number right.

Where the facts come from

CDC's 2003 dental infection control guideline, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and the HIPAA Privacy Rule, with MedlinePlus and named Wikipedia articles for stains, deposits and polishing technique.

  • The outline's references are textbooks, so a few technique rows, such as patient positioning, have no question here: no public page confirmed the facts.
  • Passing CP gives authority to polish only in states that recognize it; each state's dental board sets the rules.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the DANB CP exam?

The CP Exam Outline, effective 03/12/2025, lists 75 multiple-choice questions and 60 minutes. DANB's CP exam page showed 80 test questions on October 12, 2026, so check the figure on your own exam confirmation.

What is a passing score on the DANB CP exam?

A scaled score of 400 on a scale that runs from 100 to 900. The outline adds that on this adaptive test the average candidate answers around 50% of the questions correctly.

Is the CP exam part of the CPFDA certification?

Yes. The outline names three component exams of the Certified Preventive Functions Dental Assistant certification: Coronal Polishing (CP), Sealants (SE) and Topical Fluoride (TF).

Are these real DANB CP exam questions?

No. Each question was written for this page from the public outline and the public page it names. The outline lists the DALE Foundation's DANB CP Practice Test as a study resource; nothing here comes from it.

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