EFDA Sealant Application and Polishing 3

Question 1

When polishing teeth prior to sealant placement, which abrasive is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Oil-free, fluoride-free pumice or prophy paste

Answer

Fluoride-free, oil-free prophy paste or pumice is used because fluoride can interfere with etching and oils can contaminate the bonding surface.

Question 2

A sealant placed over an incipient (non-cavitated) carious lesion will most likely:

Accepted Answer

Arrest caries progression by sealing bacteria from nutrients

Answer

Research supports that intact sealants over non-cavitated lesions arrest caries by cutting off bacterial access to fermentable carbohydrates.

Question 3

What isolation method is considered the GOLD STANDARD for sealant application?

Accepted Answer

Rubber dam

Answer

Rubber dam provides the most reliable moisture control and is considered the gold standard for sealant placement, though cotton roll isolation is commonly used in practice.

Question 4

Which statement about glass ionomer sealants is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

They release fluoride and adhere via chemical bond to enamel

Answer

Glass ionomer sealants chemically bond to tooth structure and release fluoride, making them useful for partially erupted teeth where isolation is difficult.

Question 5

After curing a light-cured sealant, the surface often feels sticky. This is called the:

Accepted Answer

Oxygen-inhibited layer

Answer

The oxygen-inhibited layer forms on the sealant surface because oxygen in the air inhibits polymerization of the outermost resin, leaving a tacky uncured layer.

(EFDA) Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Practice Test

(EFDA) Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary Practice Test

EFDA Sealant Application and Polishing 3