NBDHE Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry 2

Question 1

A dental hygienist is counseling a pregnant patient about oral health. Which statement is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Periodontal disease in pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes

Answer

Routine cleanings should be avoided in the first trimester

Answer

Pregnancy itself causes tooth loss and cannot be prevented

Answer

Fluoride is contraindicated during pregnancy

Question 2

Which method is the GOLD STANDARD for assessing a patient's oral hygiene status at home?

Accepted Answer

Disclosing agents with plaque index

Answer

Patient self-report

Answer

Gingival inflammation scoring

Answer

X-ray interpretation

Question 3

The Snyder test measures which property of saliva?

Accepted Answer

Cariogenic potential via acid production from glucose

Answer

Salivary pH buffering capacity

Answer

Salivary flow rate

Answer

Streptococcus mutans count

Question 4

Which sealant material is most commonly used for pit-and-fissure sealants in permanent molars?

Accepted Answer

Resin-based composite sealant

Answer

Glass ionomer cement

Answer

Zinc oxide eugenol

Answer

Amalgam

Question 5

Which motivational interviewing principle is BEST demonstrated when a dental hygienist says, 'It sounds like you're concerned about your child's sweet snacks and their effect on cavities'?

Accepted Answer

Reflective listening

Answer

Developing discrepancy

Answer

Rolling with resistance

Answer

Affirming self-efficacy

Question 6

Which factor MOST strongly predicts caries risk in a patient?

Accepted Answer

Past caries experience

Answer

Low saliva pH only

Answer

Poor toothbrushing frequency alone

Answer

High sucrose intake alone