Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which surface of the tooth is defined as the one toward the midline?

1. Buccal

2. Distal

3. Mesial

4. Lingual

The correct answer is: Mesial

The term that describes the surface of a tooth that is oriented toward the midline of the dental arch is "mesial." In dental terminology, the midline is the imaginary line that divides the mouth into left and right halves. The mesial surface is important because it helps in identifying the position of teeth in relation to one another, and it plays a crucial role in dental procedures and orthodontic evaluations. Understanding the term mesial is fundamental for dental professionals, as it facilitates communication regarding treatment plans, tooth movement, and overall dental anatomy. The other terms refer to different orientations: the buccal surface is the part of the tooth that faces the cheek, the distal surface is the side of the tooth that is farthest from the midline, and the lingual surface refers to the side of the tooth that faces the tongue. Thus, mesial accurately refers to the surface closest to the midline.