Community Oral Health Principles Flashcards

Which epidemiological index is most commonly used to measure dental caries prevalence in community surveys?

Answer: DMFT index

The DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) is the standard WHO-endorsed tool for measuring caries experience in permanent dentition in community oral health surveys.

What is the primary goal of primary prevention in community dental health?

Answer: Preventing disease before it occurs

Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease entirely through measures such as fluoridation, sealants, and oral hygiene education before disease begins.

Which water fluoride concentration is currently recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service for community water fluoridation?

Answer: 0.7 mg/L

The USPHS updated its recommendation in 2015 to 0.7 mg/L (ppm) for community water fluoridation, replacing the previous range of 0.7–1.2 mg/L.

The Social Learning Theory used in oral health education suggests that behavior change is most effectively achieved through:

Answer: Observational learning and self-efficacy

Bandura's Social Learning Theory emphasizes observational learning (modeling) and self-efficacy — a person's belief in their ability to perform a behavior — as key drivers of behavior change.

A dental hygienist conducting a community needs assessment should FIRST:

Answer: Define the target population and gather existing data

The first step in a community needs assessment is defining the target population and reviewing existing data (census records, prior surveys, health department data) before designing any program.

Head Start oral health programs in the United States primarily target which population?

Answer: Low-income children ages 0–5 and their families

Head Start is a federally funded program providing comprehensive services, including oral health, to low-income children from birth to age 5 and their families.