INBDE Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield INBDE facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Vertical root fracture is most commonly associated with: → Excessive lateral condensation during obturation
2. Amalgam's strength is primarily derived from which phase? → Gamma-1 phase (silver-mercury)
3. Which property of dental composite resins is most responsible for post-operative sensitivity? → Polymerization shrinkage creating gap formation
4. A free gingival graft is used primarily to: → Increase the zone of attached (keratinized) gingiva
5. Dental porcelain is classified as a ceramic primarily because it contains: → Inorganic non-metallic crystalline or glass materials
6. Which cells produce the principal fibers of the periodontal ligament? → Fibroblasts
7. Which cell organelle is involved in concentration packaging and transportation of secretory material inside the cell? → Golgi complex
8. Medicare Part: D Coverage: ? → Prescription medication
9. Osseointegration of a dental implant refers to: → Direct structural and functional connection between bone and the implant surface
10. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is most accurately described as: → Removal of calculus and contaminated cementum with root smoothing
11. Which enzyme found in saliva initiates carbohydrate digestion? → Salivary amylase (ptyalin)
12. Which antibiotic is the first-line prophylaxis for patients at high risk of infective endocarditis undergoing dental procedures? → Amoxicillin
13. Which of the following organizations should be contacted about the safety of the dental laser? → Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
14. Which material is most commonly used as an intracanal medicament between appointments in root canal therapy? → Calcium hydroxide
15. Canine-protected occlusion refers to: → The canines bearing all lateral excursive contacts while posterior teeth disclude
16. Which benzodiazepine is most commonly used for IV conscious sedation in dentistry? → Midazolam
17. Which of the following is not considered to be common risk factor for CVA / stroke? → Orthostatic hypotension
18. Which drug interaction is most concerning when prescribing metronidazole? → Warfarin — increased anticoagulant effect
19. A 35-year-old female presents with bilateral parotid swelling, dry eyes, and dry mouth. What autoimmune condition should be suspected? → Sjogren's syndrome
20. The working time of zinc phosphate cement can be extended by: → Spatulating on a cold, thick glass slab
21. Which furcation classification indicates that the furcation can be completely probed through from one side to the other? → Class III
22. Cementum differs from bone primarily because cementum: → Is avascular
23. Which type of porcelain failure most commonly occurs in porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations? → Cohesive failure within the porcelain
24. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is used in endodontics for all of the following EXCEPT: → Mechanical canal enlargement
25. Epinephrine is added to local anesthetic solutions primarily to: → Prolong the duration of anesthesia by causing vasoconstriction
26. The mucogingival junction (MGJ) is described as the boundary between: → Attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa
27. Which of the following peptide hormones is released in response to the stimulation of pituitary gonadotropes? → follicle-stimulating hormone
28. Which type of oral cancer is most strongly associated with high-risk HPV infection, particularly HPV-16? → Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
29. Which cells are primarily responsible for producing dentin? → Odontoblasts
30. The closest speaking space refers to: → The closest vertical relationship of upper and lower teeth during speech