Free NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 6-year-old child with a high caries risk has completed a dental cleaning. Which of the following professionally applied topical fluoride treatments is most appropriate for this patient?
- 1.23% Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) foam applied in trays for four minutes.
- 5% Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish painted directly onto the teeth. (Correct answer)
- A prescription for systemic fluoride supplement drops to be taken daily.
- An over-the-counter 0.2% Sodium Fluoride (NaF) rinse to be used at home.
Correct answer: 5% Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish painted directly onto the teeth.
5% Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish is the recommended standard of care for young children, especially those at high risk for caries. Its benefits include a high concentration of fluoride, prolonged contact time due to its adherent nature, and a significantly reduced risk of ingestion compared to tray-applied foams or gels. Systemic supplements are for fluoride-deficient areas and do not replace topical application, while rinses are not suitable for young children who may swallow them.
Question 2: The primary chemical monomer that forms the resin matrix of most modern pit and fissure sealants is known as:
- Glass Ionomer Cement
- Zinc Oxide-Eugenol
- Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA) (Correct answer)
- Calcium Hydroxide
Correct answer: Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA)
The majority of resin-based pit and fissure sealants use Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA) as their foundational monomer. This is the same type of resin matrix found in many composite restorative materials. Glass ionomer is a different type of sealant material, while zinc oxide-eugenol and calcium hydroxide are used for temporary restorations and liners, not sealants.
Question 3: Which of the following clinical findings represents a significant contraindication for performing coronal polishing?
- The presence of light, extrinsic coffee and tea stains.
- A patient scheduled for orthodontic band placement.
- A patient with healthy gingiva and no notable stain.
- The presence of severe dentin hypersensitivity and enamel erosion. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The presence of severe dentin hypersensitivity and enamel erosion.
Coronal polishing is an abrasive procedure that removes a small amount of the enamel surface. It is contraindicated in areas with enamel erosion or severe dentin hypersensitivity, as the abrasive action can remove additional tooth structure and exacerbate the sensitivity. Polishing may be indicated for extrinsic stain removal or prior to certain procedures, but it is not recommended on compromised enamel.
Question 4: A dental assistant is providing oral hygiene instruction to a patient with new orthodontic appliances. For cleaning the difficult-to-reach areas around brackets and under the archwire, which of the following aids is most essential to recommend?
- An interproximal brush (proxabrush). (Correct answer)
- A hard-bristled toothbrush.
- Standard mint-flavored dental floss.
- A whitening toothpaste.
Correct answer: An interproximal brush (proxabrush).
An interproximal brush is specifically designed with a small, tufted head to effectively clean plaque and food debris from the small spaces around orthodontic brackets, bands, and underneath the archwire where a standard toothbrush cannot adequately reach. Its use is critical for preventing demineralization and gingivitis during orthodontic treatment.
Question 5: The dental caries process is initiated when cariogenic bacteria in plaque metabolize a specific substrate and produce acid as a byproduct. What is this substrate?
- Proteins
- Fermentable carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Dietary fats
- Vitamins and minerals
Correct answer: Fermentable carbohydrates
Cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, metabolize fermentable carbohydrates (such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and produce acid, primarily lactic acid. This acid lowers the pH at the tooth surface, leading to the demineralization of enamel, which is the first step in caries formation.
Question 6: Which of the following is an example of a preventive measure that provides systemic fluoride benefits for developing teeth?
- Professionally applied fluoride varnish.
- Using a high-fluoride prescription toothpaste.
- Consumption of fluoridated community water. (Correct answer)
- Rinsing with an over-the-counter fluoride mouthwash.
Correct answer: Consumption of fluoridated community water.
Systemic fluoride is ingested, absorbed into the bloodstream, and incorporated into the structure of teeth as they are forming. Community water fluoridation is the most common and effective method of delivering systemic fluoride. Varnish, toothpaste, and mouthrinses are all forms of topical fluoride, which work on the surface of teeth that have already erupted.
Free NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures Questions and Answers 1
A 6-year-old child with a high caries risk has completed a dental cleaning.
Which of the following professionally applied topical fluoride treatments is most appropriate for this patient?