Free OSCE Diagnostic Skills Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Drugs used to treat arthritis?
- Aleve
- Propanolol
- Naproxene (Correct answer)
- Benadryl
Correct answer: Naproxene
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used to treat pain and inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.
Question 2: How much unsupported porcelain is permitted in total? ("Minimum porcelain thickness")
- 3mm
- 1mm
- 5mm
- 2mm (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 2mm
In dental restorations, particularly with porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or all-ceramic crowns, limiting unsupported porcelain is crucial for preventing fracture under occlusal forces. A general guideline in dentistry is that unsupported porcelain should not exceed 2mm to ensure adequate strength, durability, and longevity of the restoration.
Question 3: A bad cement for extensive restoration?
- RMGI
- Glass lonomer
- Composite Resin
- Zinc Phosphate (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Zinc Phosphate
Zinc phosphate cement is generally considered a less ideal choice for extensive restorations due to several drawbacks. It has a relatively high solubility in oral fluids, an initial low pH that can cause pulpal irritation, and lacks true adhesive properties, relying solely on mechanical retention rather than chemical bonding, which is less secure for large or complex restorations.
Question 4: Even two months after RCT, the tooth is still radiolucent. How do you behave?
- Retreat (Correct answer)
- Monitor
Correct answer: Retreat
If a tooth remains radiolucent (indicating persistent periapical pathology or infection) two months after a root canal treatment (RCT), it suggests the initial treatment was unsuccessful. In such cases, retreatment is typically indicated to address the persistent infection, thoroughly clean and reshape the canals, and achieve a better seal to promote healing and resolution of the lesion.
Question 5: Oral injury that leaves a scar after healing?
- Primary Herpes Labialis
- Minor Ampthous Ulcer
- Recurrent Herper Stomatitis
- Major Ampthous Ulcer (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Major Ampthous Ulcer
Major aphthous ulcers, also known as Sutton's disease, are larger, deeper, and more painful than minor aphthous ulcers. Unlike minor aphthae which typically heal without scarring, major aphthous ulcers often take several weeks to heal and commonly leave a scar due to the significant tissue destruction they cause.
Question 6: What is the response if they show you a photo of eyes and ask what dental results you anticipate seeing?
- Dentinogenesis imperfecta (blue sclera is the eye pic) (Correct answer)
- Patient ingested tetracycline when they were between 0 and 5 years old
- Wait at least 5 days before restorative
- D - T4 bone. Strongest bone is found in anterior mandible
Correct answer: Dentinogenesis imperfecta (blue sclera is the eye pic)
Blue sclera (the white part of the eye appearing blue) is a classic sign associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue. Dentinogenesis imperfecta, a condition causing abnormal dentin formation, is frequently inherited alongside osteogenesis imperfecta, leading to characteristic dental findings such as opalescent teeth, bulbous crowns, and obliterated pulp chambers.
Question 7: What are the benefits of temporary crowns with poor contours?
- Saves the patient money
- Allows adequate material to resist occlusal forces
- Improves health of gingival tissues (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Improves health of gingival tissues
While ideal contours are crucial for optimal gingival health, if 'poor contours' is interpreted as being *under-contoured* rather than severely *over-contoured*, it might allow for easier access for interdental cleaning compared to a temporary that impinges on the gingiva. In some specific clinical scenarios, avoiding gingival impingement by being slightly under-contoured could theoretically facilitate plaque removal and contribute to improved gingival health, despite not being ideal.
Question 8: The patient who had purple lesions on their palate claimed to have other lesions throughout their body. What is the most likely reason?
- HIV (Correct answer)
- Erthyema Multiforme
- Surge Weber
- Malignant Melanoma
Correct answer: HIV
Purple lesions on the palate, especially when accompanied by other body lesions, are highly suggestive of Kaposi's Sarcoma. This is an opportunistic infection strongly associated with advanced HIV infection, making HIV the most likely underlying cause. These characteristic lesions are typically reddish-purple to brown and can appear on the skin, mucous membranes, and internal organs.
Question 9: Contraindications for an antagonist?
- Papilloma
- Hypertension
- Malnutrition
- Glaucoma (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Glaucoma
In a medical context, 'antagonist' often refers to anticholinergic drugs, which block acetylcholine. Anticholinergics are contraindicated in glaucoma because they can cause pupillary dilation (mydriasis). This dilation can narrow the anterior chamber angle, potentially precipitating an acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma and leading to a dangerous increase in intraocular pressure.
Question 10: X-rays reveal a large number of well-defined PARL's; what should be done next?
- Incision and drainage
- Initiate root canal therapy
- Extract
- Perform pulp testing (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Perform pulp testing
Periapical Radiolucencies (PARLs) on X-rays indicate bone loss around the apex of a tooth, often due to pulpal pathology. Before proceeding with definitive treatments like root canal therapy or extraction, it is crucial to perform pulp testing. This diagnostic step helps determine the vitality of the affected teeth, confirming the source of the pathology and guiding the appropriate treatment plan.
Question 11: What is the best initial therapy for a maxillary oroantral fistula?
- Irrigation
- Antibiotics (Correct answer)
- Pack with gauze (Correct answer)
- None of the above
Correct answer: Antibiotics
An oroantral fistula (OAF) is an abnormal communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus. The primary concern with an OAF is the high risk of infection spreading from the oral cavity into the sinus. Therefore, the best initial therapy involves prescribing antibiotics to prevent or treat sinusitis and control potential infection before considering surgical closure of the fistula.
Drugs used to treat arthritis?