Mixed Deck — All NBDHE Topics Flashcards

A community oral health campaign creates posters that state, "Smoking can lead to oral cancer" and show images of the serious consequences of the disease. According to the Health Belief Model, this campaign is primarily targeting which two constructs?

Answer: Perceived Susceptibility and Perceived Severity

The Health Belief Model suggests that behavior change is influenced by certain beliefs. Emphasizing the risk of getting a disease targets 'Perceived Susceptibility,' while showing the serious consequences of the disease targets 'Perceived Severity.'

Which type of cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst of the jaws?

Answer: Radicular cyst

Radicular (periapical) cysts are the most common odontogenic cysts, forming from epithelial cell rests at the apex of a non-vital tooth.

In the hierarchy of prevention, tertiary prevention in community oral health is best exemplified by:

Answer: Providing dentures or implants to restore function after tooth loss

Tertiary prevention addresses disability and loss of function that has already occurred — replacing missing teeth with prostheses or implants rehabilitates function after disease has progressed beyond treatment, distinguishing it from primary (preventing disease onset) and secondary (early detection and treatment) prevention.

A radiolucent lesion associated with the crown of an unerupted tooth is most likely a:

Answer: Dentigerous cyst

Dentigerous (follicular) cysts form by expansion of the follicular space around the crown of an unerupted tooth.

Compared to a round (cylindrical) position-indicating device (PID), the use of a rectangular collimator reduces the patient's radiation exposure by approximately:

Answer: 55–70%

A round PID exposes a circular field roughly 2.75 inches in diameter, much larger than the film or sensor. A rectangular collimator restricts the beam to just slightly larger than the receptor, reducing the irradiated tissue area and lowering patient dose by approximately 60% (range 55–70%). This makes rectangular collimation one of the most effective dose-reduction strategies in intraoral radiography.

The Bass toothbrushing technique is most effective at removing plaque from:

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.

Which communication strategy is most effective when treating a patient with moderate hearing loss who does not use hearing aids?

Answer: Facing the patient directly, speaking clearly at a moderate pace, and using visual aids

Direct face-to-face communication with clear speech and supplemental visual aids maximizes comprehension for patients with hearing loss.

When cementing a metal crown with zinc phosphate cement, why must the tooth be kept dry?

Answer: Moisture increases solubility in oral fluids

Moisture contamination increases the solubility of zinc phosphate cement in oral fluids, reducing the longevity of the restoration.

While taking a panoramic radiograph, the dental hygienist instructs the patient to place their tongue against the roof of their mouth and swallow. If the patient fails to do this, what error is MOST likely to appear on the final image?

Answer: A large, dark shadow over the apices of the maxillary teeth.

If the patient's tongue is not in contact with the hard palate during a panoramic exposure, a large, radiolucent shadow (palatoglossal air space) will be superimposed over the apices of the maxillary teeth, potentially obscuring diagnostic information.

Which artery is the primary blood supply to the mandibular teeth and bone?

Answer: Inferior alveolar artery (branch of maxillary artery)

The inferior alveolar artery, a branch of the maxillary artery (from the external carotid), enters the mandibular foramen to supply the mandibular teeth, bone, and periodontium.

Diagnostic techniques or dental hygiene

Answer: All of the above

Dental hygiene diagnostic statements are comprehensive tools that serve multiple functions in patient care. They classify health problems based on underlying disease processes, address how these problems impact a patient's overall health functioning and behaviors, and specifically describe conditions that dental hygienists are educated and licensed to treat. This holistic approach ensures that the diagnosis effectively guides appropriate and individualized dental hygiene interventions.

Which of the following is a primary advantage of using a microfilled composite resin for a Class V restoration on a maxillary canine?

Answer: High polishability resulting in excellent esthetics

Microfilled composites contain very small filler particles (e.g., 0.04 micrometers), which allows the material to be polished to a very smooth, high-gloss, and enamel-like surface. This makes them an ideal choice for esthetically critical areas like the facial surface of an anterior tooth. Their lower filler content, however, makes them weaker and less fracture-resistant than hybrid composites.

A patient with type 1 diabetes presents with generalized gingival inflammation. What is the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease?

Answer: Poorly controlled diabetes increases susceptibility to periodontal disease, and severe periodontitis can worsen glycemic control

The bidirectional relationship means hyperglycemia impairs immune response worsening periodontitis, while periodontal infection can elevate systemic inflammatory mediators affecting glycemic control.

A patient presents with inability to wrinkle the forehead and drooping of the mouth corner on the right side. Which nerve is most likely injured?

Answer: Right facial nerve (CN VII)

Lower motor neuron injury to the facial nerve (CN VII) causes ipsilateral paralysis of ALL facial muscles on that side, including the forehead, distinguishing it from upper motor neuron lesions.

A patient with Type 1 diabetes presents for a dental hygiene appointment. Which oral manifestation is MOST associated with poorly controlled diabetes?

Answer: Severe generalized periodontitis with poor healing

Poorly controlled diabetes is bidirectionally linked with severe periodontitis; hyperglycemia impairs neutrophil function and healing, worsening periodontal disease, which in turn worsens glycemic control.

When a dental hygienist refers a patient for evaluation of a suspicious oral lesion, which information is MOST important to document and communicate?

Answer: Size, location, color, surface texture, borders, duration, associated symptoms, and whether the lesion has changed since first noted

A complete lesion description — size, location, color, texture, borders, duration, symptoms, and changes — is essential to communicate to the consulting specialist for proper evaluation and triage.

The parotid gland's secretory duct (Stensen's duct) opens into the oral cavity at which landmark?

Answer: The parotid papilla opposite the maxillary second molar

Stensen's duct (parotid duct) opens via the parotid papilla on the buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar.

Which measure best reflects the severity of periodontal disease at the population level?

Answer: Community Periodontal Index (CPI)

The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) is specifically designed to assess periodontal conditions in population surveys, recording pocket depth, calculus, and bleeding.

A dental hygienist discovers that a colleague has been charting procedures that were not performed. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Answer: Alert the supervising dentist or practice owner about the discrepancy

Reporting suspected fraud to the supervising dentist or practice owner is the appropriate first step within the organizational hierarchy before escalating externally.

Which behavior change theory emphasizes that a patient must perceive a health threat as severe AND feel susceptible before taking preventive action?

Answer: Health Belief Model

The Health Belief Model posits that perceived susceptibility and perceived severity of disease are prerequisites for health-promoting behavior.