Patient Assessment Flashcards

What does the DMFT index measure in dental epidemiology?

Answer: Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth in the permanent dentition

The DMFT index records the number of permanent teeth that are Decayed, Missing due to caries, or Filled, providing a cumulative measure of caries experience.

A patient's health history reveals they are taking warfarin. What precaution should the dental hygienist take?

Answer: Consult with the prescribing physician about INR levels before invasive procedures

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk; the dental hygienist should consult with the patient's physician to review current INR levels before performing subgingival scaling or other invasive procedures.

Which of the following best describes the 'chief complaint' in a dental hygiene health history?

Answer: The patient's main reason for the dental visit in their own words

The chief complaint is the patient's own description of their primary reason for seeking dental care, recorded in their own words.

When assessing tooth mobility, a Grade II mobility reading means:

Answer: Movement greater than 1 mm in horizontal direction

Grade II tooth mobility indicates movement greater than 1 mm in a horizontal (buccolingual or mesiodistal) direction but no vertical movement.

Which diagnostic test is performed by applying a cold stimulus to a tooth to assess pulp vitality?

Answer: Thermal (cold) test

The thermal cold test uses a cold stimulus (e.g., ice, refrigerant spray) to assess whether the pulp is vital by testing for a pain response.

A patient presents with angular cheilitis, burning tongue, and generalized erythematous mucosa. Which nutritional deficiency should the dental hygienist suspect?

Answer: B-complex vitamin deficiency

Angular cheilitis, glossitis, and erythematous mucosa are classic oral manifestations of B-complex vitamin deficiencies, particularly B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B12.