NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures 2

Question 1

When applying dental sealants, what is the most critical factor that determines sealant retention on the tooth surface?

Accepted Answer

Complete isolation and dry field during application

Answer

The brand of sealant material used

Answer

The patient's age at time of application

Answer

The color of the sealant material

Question 2

Which type of toothbrush bristle is recommended by the Canadian Dental Association for most patients?

Accepted Answer

Soft or extra-soft bristles

Answer

Hard bristles for maximum plaque removal

Answer

Medium bristles as a compromise

Answer

Natural boar bristles for environmental sustainability

Question 3

A patient asks about the difference between dental prophylaxis and scaling and root planing. What is the key distinction?

Accepted Answer

Prophylaxis is a preventive cleaning for healthy patients; scaling and root planing is a therapeutic procedure for periodontal disease

Answer

There is no difference; they are the same procedure

Answer

Prophylaxis uses only hand instruments while scaling uses ultrasonic devices

Answer

Prophylaxis is more expensive than scaling and root planing

Question 4

What is the recommended concentration of sodium fluoride in professional fluoride varnish used in Canadian dental practice?

Accepted Answer

5% (22,600 ppm F)

Answer

0.05% (225 ppm F)

Answer

1.1% (5,000 ppm F)

Answer

0.2% (900 ppm F)

Question 5

During patient education about interdental cleaning, when should the dental assistant recommend interdental brushes over traditional dental floss?

Accepted Answer

When the patient has open interdental spaces, dental implants, orthodontic appliances, or bridges

Answer

Never; dental floss is always superior

Answer

Only for patients over 65 years of age

Answer

Only when the patient refuses to floss

Question 6

What is the primary mechanism by which fluoride prevents dental caries?

Accepted Answer

It enhances remineralization by incorporating into the tooth structure as fluorapatite, which is more acid-resistant than hydroxyapatite

Answer

It kills all bacteria in the oral cavity

Answer

It whitens teeth, making stains less visible

Answer

It increases saliva production