NDAEB Preventive Procedures and Nutrition Questions and Answers

Question 1

A mother expresses concern about her 4-year-old child's cavity risk, stating the child frequently snacks on crackers and sips fruit juice throughout the day. What is the most crucial nutritional advice a dental assistant should provide?

Accepted Answer

Advise limiting snacking and juice consumption to mealtimes only.

Answer

The frequency of sugar and fermentable carbohydrate intake is a more significant factor in caries development than the total amount consumed. Limiting sugary and starchy foods/drinks to mealtimes reduces the duration of acid attacks on the enamel, allowing saliva to buffer the pH and remineralize the teeth.

Question 2

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which professionally applied topical fluoride helps to prevent dental caries?

Accepted Answer

It inhibits demineralization and enhances the remineralization of enamel.

Answer

Topical fluoride works primarily on the tooth surface. It integrates into the enamel's crystal structure to form fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid. It also attracts calcium and phosphate ions to the tooth, which aids in rebuilding and strengthening areas that have begun to demineralize.

Question 3

When applying a pit and fissure sealant, what is the most critical step for ensuring successful long-term retention after the tooth has been etched and rinsed?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a completely dry, contamination-free surface until the sealant is cured.

Answer

The success of a resin-based sealant relies on creating a strong mechanical bond with the enamel. Acid etching creates microscopic pores, but if saliva contaminates the surface, the pores will be blocked, and the sealant will not bond properly. Therefore, maintaining absolute isolation and dryness is the most critical factor for retention.

Question 4

A dental assistant is providing oral hygiene instructions to an adult patient with signs of mild gingivitis. The Bass method of toothbrushing is specifically recommended because it is most effective for:

Accepted Answer

Removing plaque and debris from the gingival sulcus.

Answer

The Bass (or sulcular) brushing technique is specifically designed to clean the area at and just below the gumline. By angling the bristles at 45 degrees into the gingival sulcus and using small vibratory motions, it effectively disrupts the plaque biofilm that is responsible for causing gingivitis.

Question 5

A patient's health history reveals a highly restrictive diet, and clinically, they present with inflamed, bleeding gums and poor tissue healing. A deficiency in which vitamin is most directly associated with these oral manifestations, which can lead to scurvy in severe cases?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Answer

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which is vital for maintaining the health and integrity of connective tissues like the gums and periodontal ligament. A deficiency impairs tissue repair and can lead to inflamed, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, scurvy.

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

(NDAEB) National Dental Assisting Examination Board Practice Test

NDAEB Preventive Procedures and Nutrition Questions and Answers