NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures 3

Question 1

A patient with xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by medication asks for advice on reducing their caries risk. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste (5,000 ppm), sugar-free gum with xylitol, and increase water intake

Answer

Xerostomia patients are at very high caries risk due to reduced salivary buffering and clearance. Management includes high-concentration fluoride products, saliva stimulants like xylitol gum, adequate hydration, and avoiding drying agents like alcohol-based mouthwashes.

Question 2

What is the correct technique for applying pit and fissure sealant to a permanent first molar?

Accepted Answer

Clean, isolate, etch for 15-30 seconds, rinse, dry to frosty appearance, apply sealant, and light cure

Answer

The sealant protocol requires meticulous surface preparation: cleaning, complete isolation from moisture, acid etching to create mechanical retention, thorough rinsing and drying, careful sealant application into all pits and fissures, and proper light curing.

Question 3

Which dietary counselling point is most important for a patient who drinks multiple acidic beverages (citrus juice, sports drinks) throughout the day?

Accepted Answer

Limit acidic beverages to mealtimes, rinse with water after consumption, and wait 30 minutes before brushing

Answer

Acidic beverages cause enamel erosion. Limiting consumption to mealtimes reduces the frequency of acid attacks, rinsing with water helps neutralize the acid, and waiting 30 minutes before brushing prevents abrading softened enamel.

Question 4

When providing oral hygiene instructions to a patient who has just received orthodontic brackets, which cleaning aid should the dental assistant emphasize as essential in addition to regular brushing?

Accepted Answer

An interdental brush or orthodontic floss threader for cleaning between brackets, under archwires, and between teeth

Answer

Orthodontic appliances create numerous plaque-retentive areas that cannot be reached by regular brushing alone. Interdental brushes and floss threaders are essential for cleaning between brackets, under archwires, and between teeth.

Question 5

What is the purpose of using a disclosing solution or tablet during a patient education session?

Accepted Answer

To stain bacterial plaque so the patient can visualize areas they are missing during their home care routine

Answer

Disclosing agents (typically erythrosine dye) stain bacterial plaque pink or red, making it visible on tooth surfaces. This powerful visual tool shows patients exactly where their brushing and flossing is inadequate.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures 3