FREE NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

A 6-year-old child with a high caries risk has completed a dental cleaning. Which of the following professionally applied topical fluoride treatments is most appropriate for this patient?

Accepted Answer

5% Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish painted directly onto the teeth.

Answer

5% Neutral Sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish is the recommended standard of care for young children, especially those at high risk for caries. Its benefits include a high concentration of fluoride, prolonged contact time due to its adherent nature, and a significantly reduced risk of ingestion compared to tray-applied foams or gels. Systemic supplements are for fluoride-deficient areas and do not replace topical application, while rinses are not suitable for young children who may swallow them.

Question 2

The primary chemical monomer that forms the resin matrix of most modern pit and fissure sealants is known as:

Accepted Answer

Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA)

Answer

The majority of resin-based pit and fissure sealants use Bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA) as their foundational monomer. This is the same type of resin matrix found in many composite restorative materials. Glass ionomer is a different type of sealant material, while zinc oxide-eugenol and calcium hydroxide are used for temporary restorations and liners, not sealants.

Question 3

Which of the following clinical findings represents a significant contraindication for performing coronal polishing?

Accepted Answer

The presence of severe dentin hypersensitivity and enamel erosion.

Answer

Coronal polishing is an abrasive procedure that removes a small amount of the enamel surface. It is contraindicated in areas with enamel erosion or severe dentin hypersensitivity, as the abrasive action can remove additional tooth structure and exacerbate the sensitivity. Polishing may be indicated for extrinsic stain removal or prior to certain procedures, but it is not recommended on compromised enamel.

Question 4

A dental assistant is providing oral hygiene instruction to a patient with new orthodontic appliances. For cleaning the difficult-to-reach areas around brackets and under the archwire, which of the following aids is most essential to recommend?

Accepted Answer

An interproximal brush (proxabrush).

Answer

An interproximal brush is specifically designed with a small, tufted head to effectively clean plaque and food debris from the small spaces around orthodontic brackets, bands, and underneath the archwire where a standard toothbrush cannot adequately reach. Its use is critical for preventing demineralization and gingivitis during orthodontic treatment.

Question 5

The dental caries process is initiated when cariogenic bacteria in plaque metabolize a specific substrate and produce acid as a byproduct. What is this substrate?

Accepted Answer

Fermentable carbohydrates

Answer

Cariogenic bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans, metabolize fermentable carbohydrates (such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and produce acid, primarily lactic acid. This acid lowers the pH at the tooth surface, leading to the demineralization of enamel, which is the first step in caries formation.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

FREE NDAEB Preventive Dental Procedures Questions and Answers