MJDF Part 1 - Membership of Joint Dental Faculties Paediatric Dentistry Principles Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 4-year-old child attends for their first dental visit.
They are assessed as having a high risk of developing caries.
According to Public Health England's 'Delivering Better Oral Health' toolkit, what is the recommended frequency for applying 2.2% fluoride varnish for this child?

Accepted Answer

3 to 4 times per year

Answer

Annually

Answer

Every 6 months

Answer

Every 2 years

Question 2

A 7-year-old child presents with a carious, asymptomatic lower left first primary molar (LLE). Radiographs reveal caries extending into the distal dentine but no evidence of periapical pathology or furcal involvement. The child is anxious. Which of the following is the most appropriate management option according to current UK guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Hall Technique placement of a preformed metal crown

Answer

Pulpotomy and stainless steel crown

Answer

Extraction of the LLE

Answer

Conventional glass ionomer restoration after caries removal

Question 3

A 9-year-old child attends your practice 45 minutes after avulsing their upper right permanent central incisor (UR1) during a fall. The tooth has been kept dry in a tissue. What is the most critical first step in managing this situation clinically?

Accepted Answer

Gently clean the root surface with saline and replant the tooth with digital pressure.

Answer

Soak the tooth in a solution of tetracycline before replantation.

Answer

Immediately take a periapical radiograph to check for alveolar fracture.

Answer

Delay replantation and create a space maintainer.

Question 4

A 10-year-old patient in the mixed dentition is assessed as having a high risk of developing caries. Their posterior contacts are closed. According to the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 'Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography', what is the recommended maximum interval for taking posterior bitewing radiographs for this patient?

Accepted Answer

6-12 months

Answer

24-36 months

Answer

18-24 months

Answer

Only when there is clinical evidence of caries

Question 5

A 14-year-old patient, who attends alone, requires an extraction of a premolar for orthodontic reasons. The dentist assesses the patient and is confident they fully understand the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The patient consents to the treatment. The patient's mother phones later and expressly forbids the extraction. What is the most appropriate course of action?

Accepted Answer

Postpone the treatment and arrange a discussion with both the patient and the mother.

Answer

Proceed with the extraction as the patient has provided valid consent.

Answer

Refuse to treat until the patient is 16 and can consent for themselves.

Answer

Follow the mother's wishes as she holds parental responsibility.

Question 6

Which of the following is a characteristic clinical feature that helps differentiate Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) from other enamel defects such as fluorosis or amelogenesis imperfecta?

Accepted Answer

An asymmetrical distribution, typically affecting one to four first permanent molars and often incisors.

Answer

Symmetrical and generalised pitting affecting all teeth in both dentitions.

Answer

Chalky white bands that follow the incremental lines of enamel formation.

Answer

A clear familial or genetic link is always present.