FREE ADEX Dental Hygiene Caries Risk Assessment Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 28-year-old patient presents for a routine dental hygiene appointment.
During the caries risk assessment, the patient reports frequent snacking between meals (4-5 times daily), sips on sugary drinks throughout the day, and admits to inconsistent flossing.
Clinically, the hygienist notes generalized white spot lesions, localized gingival inflammation, and two new carious lesions detected radiographically since the last visit six months ago.
The patient uses fluoridated toothpaste but does not use any other fluoride products.
Based on this information, what is the most appropriate caries risk classification for this patient?

Accepted Answer

High Caries Risk

Answer

Moderate Caries Risk

Answer

Low Caries Risk

Answer

Extreme Caries Risk

Question 2

Which of the following factors is considered a protective factor against dental caries?

Accepted Answer

Regular use of topical fluoride

Answer

Frequent consumption of fermentable carbohydrates

Answer

Presence of xerostomia

Answer

Deep, retentive pit and fissure morphology

Question 3

During a caries risk assessment for an adult patient, which of the following findings would be considered a 'disease indicator'?

Accepted Answer

Presence of active cavitated lesions

Answer

Lives in a community with fluoridated water

Answer

Has exposed root surfaces

Answer

Presence of multiple interproximal restorations

Question 4

A 65-year-old patient with a history of head and neck radiation therapy for cancer reports severe dry mouth. Clinically, the hygienist notes generalized root surface exposure and generalized demineralization. What is the most significant caries risk factor for this patient?

Accepted Answer

History of head and neck radiation therapy leading to xerostomia

Answer

Age

Answer

Generalized root surface exposure

Answer

Presence of existing restorations

Question 5

According to typical caries risk assessment guidelines (e.g., CAMBRA), which of the following describes a patient classified as 'Low Caries Risk'?

Accepted Answer

Patient has no active lesions, no restorations placed in the last three years, and uses daily fluoridated toothpaste.

Answer

Patient has one active cavitated lesion and infrequent sugar exposure.

Answer

Patient exhibits generalized white spot lesions and consumes sugary beverages daily.

Answer

Patient has exposed root surfaces and a history of moderate xerostomia.

Question 6

Which of the following is the primary purpose of conducting a Caries Risk Assessment?

Accepted Answer

To determine the patient's susceptibility to developing future carious lesions and guide preventive strategies.

Answer

To diagnose existing carious lesions for restorative treatment planning.

Answer

To identify the specific bacterial strains responsible for caries in the patient.

Answer

To evaluate the patient's periodontal health and inflammation levels.