MJDF Part 1 - Membership of Joint Dental Faculties Patient Assessment and Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 68-year-old male patient attends for a routine examination.
His medical history reveals a prosthetic heart valve replacement 3 years ago.
He is scheduled for a dental extraction.
According to the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) guidance, which is based on NICE Clinical Guideline 64, what is the most appropriate course of action regarding antibiotic prophylaxis?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotic prophylaxis is not routinely recommended for this patient.

Answer

Administer 2g amoxicillin orally one hour before the procedure.

Answer

Consult the patient's GP to decide on the antibiotic regimen.

Answer

Prescribe a 5-day course of metronidazole to begin on the day of the extraction.

Question 2

According to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IR(ME)R), who holds the primary legal responsibility for the justification of an individual medical exposure, such as a dental radiograph?

Accepted Answer

The IR(ME)R Practitioner.

Answer

The Radiographer or Dental Nurse who operates the X-ray machine.

Answer

The Referrer who requested the imaging examination.

Answer

The Medical Physics Expert (MPE).

Question 3

A 25-year-old patient who is a regular attender and has demonstrated excellent oral hygiene with no new caries or periodontal issues for the last 4 years attends for their check-up. According to NICE guideline [CG19] on dental recall intervals, what is the maximum recommended interval before their next oral health review?

Accepted Answer

24 months

Answer

6 months

Answer

12 months

Answer

18 months

Question 4

A dentist is carrying out an assessment of a new patient. Which of the following is considered a fundamental requirement of good record-keeping as outlined by the General Dental Council (GDC) and guidance from bodies like the FGDP(UK)?

Accepted Answer

Making and keeping accurate and contemporaneous patient records.

Answer

Recording the patient's occupation and hobbies in detail.

Answer

Ensuring the notes are countersigned by a dental nurse.

Answer

Using a standardised digital template for all entries without exception.

Question 5

During a new patient examination, a 45-year-old man mentions he has been experiencing persistent hoarseness for the last 4 weeks, along with a feeling of a lump in his throat. He is a heavy smoker. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Make an urgent referral under the 'two-week wait' pathway for suspected head and neck cancer.

Answer

Reassure the patient that it is likely a minor throat infection and review in 3 months.

Answer

Prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Answer

Advise the patient to buy over-the-counter throat lozenges and monitor symptoms.

Question 6

Which of the nine principles outlined in the GDC's 'Standards for the Dental Team' is most directly addressed when a dentist explains the risks, benefits, and costs of different treatment options to a patient before they agree to proceed?

Accepted Answer

Principle 3: Obtain valid consent.

Answer

Principle 1: Put patients' interests first.

Answer

Principle 4: Maintain and protect patients' information.

Answer

Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk.