MFDS Clinical Dental Sciences 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which radiographic technique is most appropriate for detecting proximal caries in posterior teeth?
- Periapical radiograph
- Bitewing radiograph (Correct answer)
- OPG (panoramic)
- Occlusal radiograph
Correct answer: Bitewing radiograph
Bitewing radiographs provide a clear image of the proximal surfaces of posterior teeth from the amelocemental junction to the alveolar crest, making them optimal for proximal caries detection.
Question 2: An electric pulp tester (EPT) primarily tests:
- Pulp vascularity
- Pulp neural integrity (Correct answer)
- Periapical status
- Dentinal permeability
Correct answer: Pulp neural integrity
The EPT tests the integrity of A-delta nerve fibres within the pulp by applying an electrical stimulus; a response indicates neural function but does not assess pulp vitality (vascularity).
Question 3: The ideal occlusal scheme for a full arch implant-retained prosthesis is:
- Group function
- Canine guidance only
- Mutually protected occlusion (Correct answer)
- Lingualized occlusion
Correct answer: Mutually protected occlusion
Mutually protected occlusion (anterior guidance protects posteriors in excursions; posteriors protect anteriors in ICP load) is the preferred scheme for implant-supported prostheses to minimise lateral forces on implants.
Question 4: Under the GDC Standards for the Dental Team, which duty is defined as 'putting patients' interests first'?
- Confidentiality
- Candour
- Patient-centred care (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
Correct answer: Patient-centred care
GDC Standard 1 'Put patients' interests first' encompasses the concept of patient-centred care, ensuring decisions are made with the patient's wellbeing as the primary consideration.
Question 5: In restorative dentistry, the 'biologic width' refers to:
- Optimal crown length for aesthetics
- The combined dimension of junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment (Correct answer)
- Root surface area required for osseointegration
- Minimum dentine thickness over pulp
Correct answer: The combined dimension of junctional epithelium and connective tissue attachment
Biologic width (approximately 2 mm) is the combined height of junctional epithelium (~1 mm) and supracrestal connective tissue (~1 mm); violation by restorative margins causes inflammation and bone loss.
Question 6: The correct isolation method for rubber dam placement on an upper right first premolar is:
- Wingless clamp on the premolar only (Correct answer)
- Winged clamp with punch hole mesial to planned clamp position
- Floss ligature only
- Isolation of the full quadrant with a butterfly clamp
Correct answer: Wingless clamp on the premolar only
A wingless (Ivory W8A or similar) clamp seated directly on the premolar is appropriate, providing secure gingivally sealed isolation for endodontic or restorative access.
MFDS Clinical Dental Sciences 2
Which radiographic technique is most appropriate for detecting proximal caries in posterior teeth?