National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What characteristic of amalgam is noted right after mixing?

It is very hard
It needs to set for a long time
It is soft and easily shaped
It is prone to moisture contamination

The correct answer is: It is soft and easily shaped

Amalgam, right after mixing, exhibits the characteristic of being soft and easily shaped. This is crucial because, in its mixed state, amalgam allows for manipulation and placement within a prepared tooth cavity. The soft consistency at this stage makes it possible for dental professionals to adapt it to the contours of the cavity, ensuring proper coverage and seal to prevent food and bacteria from entering. As it begins to set and harden, the amalgam will transition to a more rigid state, but this initial softness is essential for effective application. Understanding this property helps dental assistants and professionals to deliver quality restorations, ensuring that the amalgam can be shaped appropriately to meet the needs of the patient. Recognizing the stages of amalgam setting can assist dental practitioners in managing the material effectively during restorative procedures.