INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Tertiary amines act as the activator compound in self-cure composite resins. In this setting, tertiary amines usually react with a compound like benzoyl peroxide, which serves as the initiator, to start the polymerization reaction. This reaction helps in the setting of the composite material without the need for an external light source. HEMA (Choice A) is not an activator but is a hydrophilic monomer used to promote adhesion. Benzoyl peroxide (Choice B) is an initiator and not the primary activator in this context. Camphorquinone (Choice D) is a photoinitiator used in light-cured composite materials, not in self-cure composites.