NBDHE NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The modified Stillman toothbrushing technique is specifically recommended for patients with:
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Gingival recession and exposed root surfaces (Correct answer)
- Fixed orthodontic appliances
- Implant-supported restorations
Correct answer: Gingival recession and exposed root surfaces
The modified Stillman technique combines vibratory strokes at the gingival margin with coronal sweeping strokes, making it suitable for patients with gingival recession.
Question 2: Which type of dental floss is most recommended for patients with tight contact points?
- Waxed floss (Correct answer)
- Unwaxed floss
- Dental tape
- Super floss
Correct answer: Waxed floss
Waxed dental floss glides more easily through tight interproximal contacts and is less prone to shredding than unwaxed floss.
Question 3: The DMFT index records:
- Plaque accumulation on all surfaces
- Decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (Correct answer)
- Probing depth and attachment loss
- Fluorosis severity on enamel
Correct answer: Decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth
The DMFT index is an epidemiological measure of lifetime caries experience, counting decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth.
Question 4: Professionally applied fluoride varnish provides caries protection primarily through:
- Systemic ingestion via saliva
- A sustained topical fluoride reservoir on tooth surfaces (Correct answer)
- Direct antimicrobial killing only
- Dentin tubule occlusion only
Correct answer: A sustained topical fluoride reservoir on tooth surfaces
Fluoride varnish adheres to tooth surfaces, creating a sustained fluoride reservoir that slowly releases fluoride to promote enamel remineralization.
Question 5: Secondary prevention in dentistry is best illustrated by:
- Community water fluoridation
- Application of pit and fissure sealants
- Early detection and treatment of incipient gingivitis (Correct answer)
- Nutritional counseling to reduce sugar intake
Correct answer: Early detection and treatment of incipient gingivitis
Secondary prevention involves early disease detection and intervention to halt progression, such as identifying and treating early gingivitis before it advances to periodontitis.
Question 6: According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child's first dental visit should occur:
- At age 3 years
- When all primary teeth have erupted
- By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting (Correct answer)
- At age 2 years
Correct answer: By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting
The AAPD recommends the first dental visit by age 1 or within 6 months of the first primary tooth erupting to establish early preventive care.
NBDHE NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry 2
The modified Stillman toothbrushing technique is specifically recommended for patients with: