MFDS Part 1 - Membership of Faculty of Dental Surgery Periodontology and Oral Hygiene Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 52-year-old patient presents for a routine examination.
Clinical assessment reveals probing depths up to 7mm and radiographic bone loss extending to the middle third of the root on the most severely affected teeth.
Four teeth have been lost due to periodontitis.
According to the 2017 Classification of Periodontal Diseases, as implemented by the British Society of Periodontology (BSP), what is the correct stage for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Stage IV

Answer

Stage I

Answer

Stage II

Answer

Stage III

Question 2

A 45-year-old new patient is diagnosed with generalised Stage III Grade B periodontitis. In line with the British Society of Periodontology (BSP) S3 Level Clinical Practice Guideline, what is the mandatory first step of active periodontal therapy?

Accepted Answer

Supragingival professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR), detailed oral hygiene instruction, and risk factor control.

Answer

Referral for surgical periodontal therapy.

Answer

A course of systemic antibiotics combined with full mouth disinfection.

Answer

Immediate subgingival instrumentation (root surface debridement) under local anaesthesia.

Question 3

What is the primary therapeutic objective of non-surgical root surface debridement (RSD) in the management of periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

To disrupt the subgingival biofilm and remove calculus deposits.

Answer

To remove the outer layer of contaminated cementum.

Answer

To create a glass-smooth root surface to prevent plaque re-adhesion.

Answer

To eliminate all bacteria from the periodontal pocket.

Question 4

A 60-year-old patient with poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c of 9.5% or 80 mmol/mol) presents with severe, generalised periodontitis. What is the primary mechanism by which their systemic condition exacerbates their periodontal disease?

Accepted Answer

It leads to an altered, hyper-inflammatory host response to periodontal pathogens.

Answer

It directly causes xerostomia, leading to increased plaque accumulation.

Answer

It reduces the mineral content of alveolar bone, making it more susceptible to resorption.

Answer

It causes direct necrosis of the periodontal ligament fibres.

Question 5

A patient undergoing treatment for Stage III periodontitis has generalised gingival recession, resulting in large, open interdental spaces. According to UK guidance, such as 'Delivering Better Oral Health', what is the most effective and recommended tool for daily interdental plaque removal in these areas?

Accepted Answer

Interdental brushes

Answer

Dental floss

Answer

Rubber-tipped stimulators

Answer

An oral irrigator

Question 6

A patient with a dental implant complains of redness and swelling of the surrounding mucosa. Probing reveals bleeding on gentle probing and a pocket depth of 5mm. What single additional finding is essential to differentiate a diagnosis of peri-implantitis from peri-implant mucositis according to the 2017 classification?

Accepted Answer

Radiographic evidence of bone loss beyond initial remodelling.

Answer

The presence of suppuration from the peri-implant sulcus.

Answer

Patient-reported discomfort around the implant.

Answer

A probing depth greater than 6mm.