NBDHE Management of Special Needs Patients Questions and Answers

Question 1

An 8-year-old patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is scheduled for their first dental visit.
The patient is non-verbal and exhibits anxiety with new sounds and lights.
Which of the following is the MOST effective initial approach for this appointment?

Accepted Answer

Introduce instruments and procedures using the tell-show-do technique.

Answer

Schedule a long appointment to complete all necessary procedures at once.

Answer

Use a papoose board immediately to ensure safety and efficiency.

Answer

Have the parent remain in the waiting room to encourage independence.

Question 2

A new adult patient presents with a medical history of Down syndrome. During the intraoral examination, which of the following oral manifestations is the dental hygienist MOST likely to find?

Accepted Answer

Macroglossia

Answer

A high number of carious lesions

Answer

An increased number of permanent teeth (hyperdontia)

Answer

Accelerated eruption of permanent teeth

Question 3

A 75-year-old patient who uses a wheelchair for mobility arrives for their appointment. The patient has upper body strength but cannot bear weight on their legs. Which method is the safest and most appropriate for transferring this patient to the dental chair?

Accepted Answer

Sliding board transfer

Answer

Two-person lift with one person at the torso and one at the legs

Answer

Having the patient independently pivot and transfer

Answer

Treating the patient directly in their wheelchair

Question 4

Which of the following is a frequent oral health complication in patients with cerebral palsy, directly resulting from their neuromuscular condition?

Accepted Answer

Bruxism and attrition

Answer

Enamel fluorosis

Answer

Gingival hyperplasia

Answer

Delayed tooth eruption

Question 5

A new patient who is deaf arrives for their appointment and communicates primarily through American Sign Language (ASL). The dental office does not have a staff member who knows ASL. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what is the MOST appropriate initial step?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient their preferred method of communication and if they require a qualified interpreter.

Answer

Rely on written notes for the entire appointment to communicate.

Answer

Ask the patient's accompanying family member to interpret.

Answer

Proceed with treatment, using gestures to communicate.

Question 6

An elderly patient on multiple medications for hypertension and depression complains of a constantly dry mouth. This xerostomia places the patient at a significantly increased risk for which oral condition?

Accepted Answer

Root caries

Answer

Periodontitis

Answer

Candidiasis

Answer

Geographic tongue