EFDA - Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Sealant Application and Polishing Questions and Answers

Question 1

An EFDA is applying a sealant to a newly erupted permanent molar on a 7-year-old patient.
After etching and rinsing the tooth, the EFDA notices the etched surface does not have a distinct, frosty-white appearance.
What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Re-etch the tooth surface according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Answer

Proceed with applying the sealant material as planned.

Answer

Dry the tooth for an additional 30 seconds and then apply the sealant.

Answer

Polish the tooth with pumice and then re-start the etching process.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary reason for sealant failure, especially in the short term?

Accepted Answer

Saliva contamination of the tooth surface during application.

Answer

Using an unfilled sealant material.

Answer

Curing the sealant for too long.

Answer

The patient chewing hard foods immediately after the procedure.

Question 3

After placing and curing a sealant on tooth #30, an EFDA uses articulating paper to check the patient's occlusion. A heavy blue mark is visible on the sealant material. What should the EFDA do next?

Accepted Answer

Use a slow-speed handpiece with a finishing bur to carefully reduce the high spot.

Answer

Dismiss the patient, as the mark will wear down naturally.

Answer

Attempt to remove the entire sealant and re-apply it.

Answer

Apply a top coat of bonding agent over the existing sealant.

Question 4

When preparing a tooth for sealant application, which of the following is an essential step to be completed *before* applying the acid etchant?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly cleaning the pits and fissures with a slurry of pumice.

Answer

Flossing the interproximal contacts.

Answer

Applying a fluoride varnish.

Answer

Checking the occlusion with articulating paper.

Question 5

A patient presents with deep, stained pits and fissures on their permanent first molars but no clinical or radiographic evidence of decay. According to ADA and AAPD guidelines, what is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Place pit and fissure sealants.

Answer

Place a preventive resin restoration.

Answer

Monitor the teeth and re-evaluate in six months.

Answer

Apply a fluoride varnish to the occlusal surfaces only.

Question 6

While polishing a patient's teeth, an EFDA is about to polish a tooth with a porcelain crown. Which of the following materials is the most appropriate choice for polishing the crown?

Accepted Answer

A rubber cup with a low-abrasion polishing paste or cleaning agent.

Answer

Coarse pumice to remove all stains.

Answer

A bristle brush with standard prophy paste.

Answer

An air-polishing device with sodium bicarbonate.