What is the term for the surface of a tooth away from the midline?

• A. Distal surface
• B. Mesial surface
• C. Occlusal surface
• D. Lingual surface

Answer: (A)

In dental terminology, surfaces are named by direction relative to the midline of the face. Distal means away from the midline, so the surface of a tooth that points away from the center of the dental arch is the distal surface. The surface toward the midline is called the mesial surface. Other surface names describe different orientations: the occlusal surface is the chewing surface, the lingual surface faces the tongue, and the facial surfaces (buccal or labial) face the cheeks or lips.