Community Oral Health Flashcards

Which of the following best describes 'health equity' in the context of community oral health?

Answer: Ensuring all individuals have a fair opportunity to attain their highest level of oral health

Health equity means that every individual has a fair opportunity to achieve their best possible health, and that avoidable inequalities and disadvantages are addressed.

The Head Start program targets oral health interventions primarily for which population?

Answer: Low-income children ages 3–5 and their families

Head Start is a federal program that provides early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income children ages 3–5, including oral health screenings and referrals.

The concept of 'motivational interviewing' in oral health education is best described as:

Answer: A patient-centered communication style that elicits intrinsic motivation for behavior change

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, patient-centered counseling approach that explores and resolves ambivalence to help patients find their own reasons for changing health behaviors.

What does the term 'fluorosis' refer to in community oral health?

Answer: A developmental defect of enamel caused by excessive fluoride intake during tooth formation

Dental fluorosis is a hypomineralization of enamel caused by excessive fluoride ingestion during the period of tooth development, resulting in white spots, streaking, or brown pitting.

In calculating the number needed to treat (NNT) in a clinical study, a lower NNT value indicates:

Answer: The treatment is more effective, with fewer patients needed to prevent one outcome

A lower NNT means fewer patients need to be treated to achieve one beneficial outcome, indicating a more effective treatment.

Which national survey provides data on the oral health of the U.S. population through physical examinations and interviews?

Answer: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

NHANES includes both an interview and a standardized physical examination, including a dental exam, providing nationally representative data on oral health status.