National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is the term for the area where the mesial or distal surfaces of a tooth meet the adjacent tooth in the same arch?

1. Contact point

2. Occlusal surface

3. Interproximal space

4. Cervical margin

The correct answer is: Contact point

The area where the mesial or distal surfaces of a tooth meet the adjacent tooth in the same arch is referred to as the contact point. This term describes the specific spot on the tooth surfaces where two adjacent teeth make contact, which is crucial for proper dental alignment and occlusion. Contact points help to maintain the position of teeth as well as preventing food impaction between them, contributing to oral hygiene and overall dental health. Understanding the importance of contact points can also help elucidate related concepts, such as how they influence the arrangement of teeth within the dental arch, as well as their role in the distribution of forces during chewing. In contrast, the occlusal surface pertains to the top surface of posterior teeth involved in chewing, while the interproximal space refers to the area between adjacent teeth that can be susceptible to plaque accumulation. The cervical margin refers to the junction between the tooth enamel and the cementum, which relates more to the anatomy of the tooth rather than the interaction between adjacent teeth.