Patient Education and Preventive Dentistry Flashcards

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

Answer: Periodontal disease in pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes

Research has linked maternal periodontal disease to preterm birth and low birth weight, making prenatal periodontal care clinically important.

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

Answer: Disclosing agents with plaque index

Disclosing agents stain plaque to make it visible, enabling accurate quantification using a plaque index during patient instruction.

The Snyder test measures which property of saliva?

Answer: Cariogenic potential via acid production from glucose

The Snyder test is a colorimetric test that assesses the acid-producing ability of salivary bacteria using a glucose medium.

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

Answer: Resin-based composite sealant

Resin-based sealants provide superior retention and are the most widely used material for pit-and-fissure caries prevention on occlusal surfaces.

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'?

Answer: Reflective listening

Reflective listening involves restating or paraphrasing what the patient said to demonstrate understanding and encourage further conversation.

Which factor MOST strongly predicts caries risk in a patient?

Answer: Past caries experience

Past caries experience is the single strongest predictor of future caries risk, as it reflects cumulative biological and behavioral factors.