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

Moisture contamination is the primary cause of sealant failure. The etched enamel surface must remain completely dry during sealant application for proper bonding and long-term retention.

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

The Canadian Dental Association recommends soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrushes for most patients, as they effectively remove plaque while minimizing the risk of gingival recession and enamel abrasion.

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

Dental prophylaxis is a preventive cleaning performed on patients with healthy periodontium or gingivitis, while scaling and root planing (SRP) is a therapeutic procedure to treat periodontal disease by removing calculus and diseased tissue from root surfaces.

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

Professional fluoride varnish contains 5% sodium fluoride, delivering 22,600 ppm fluoride. This high concentration is safe because the varnish sets on the tooth surface and releases fluoride slowly over hours.

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

Interdental brushes are more effective than floss for patients with open embrasure spaces, around implants, under bridge pontics, and with orthodontic brackets, as they provide better surface contact in these situations.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures 2