NBDHE NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The Bass toothbrushing technique is most effective at removing plaque from:
- Occlusal surfaces only
- The gingival sulcus and margin (Correct answer)
- Interproximal surfaces only
- The dorsal tongue
Correct answer: The gingival sulcus and margin
The Bass technique positions bristles at 45 degrees toward the gingival sulcus, making it highly effective at removing subgingival plaque at the gingival margin.
Question 2: The US Public Health Service currently recommends community water fluoridation at:
- 0.3 ppm
- 0.7 ppm (Correct answer)
- 1.2 ppm
- 2.0 ppm
Correct answer: 0.7 ppm
Since 2015, the USPHS recommends a single optimal fluoride level of 0.7 mg/L (ppm) in community drinking water to prevent caries while minimizing fluorosis.
Question 3: Dental sealants are most effective when applied to:
- Smooth proximal surfaces of incisors
- Pit and fissure surfaces of posterior teeth (Correct answer)
- Root surfaces exposed by recession
- Anterior teeth in adults
Correct answer: Pit and fissure surfaces of posterior teeth
Dental sealants are resin coatings applied to pit and fissure surfaces of molars and premolars, which are the most caries-susceptible surfaces.
Question 4: The Snyder colorimetric test assesses oral health by measuring:
- Fluoride levels in saliva
- Cariogenic bacterial acid production potential (Correct answer)
- Buffering capacity of saliva
- Periodontal pocket depth
Correct answer: Cariogenic bacterial acid production potential
The Snyder test detects acid production by oral bacteria (primarily Lactobacillus) in a culture medium, reflecting cariogenic potential.
Question 5: Xylitol reduces caries risk primarily by:
- Strengthening enamel crystalline structure
- Inhibiting Streptococcus mutans growth and acid production (Correct answer)
- Neutralizing salivary pH
- Increasing salivary flow rate
Correct answer: Inhibiting Streptococcus mutans growth and acid production
Xylitol is a non-fermentable sugar alcohol that cannot be metabolized by S. mutans, thereby reducing bacterial acid production and adherence to tooth surfaces.
Question 6: Primary prevention in dentistry is defined as:
- Treating existing disease before it progresses
- Preventing disease from occurring in the first place (Correct answer)
- Limiting disability from established disease
- Rehabilitating function after tooth loss
Correct answer: Preventing disease from occurring in the first place
Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease before it begins, including measures such as fluoride use, sealants, and oral hygiene instruction.
NBDHE NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry 1
The Bass toothbrushing technique is most effective at removing plaque from: