RDA Preventive Dentistry and Patient Education

Question 1

Coronal polishing with a rubber cup and prophy paste is intended to remove:

Accepted Answer

Extrinsic stains and soft deposits (plaque biofilm)

Answer

Subgingival calculus

Answer

Supragingival calculus

Answer

Intrinsic stains from tetracycline use

Question 2

Which type of fluoride application requires the patient to refrain from eating or drinking for 30 minutes after application?

Accepted Answer

Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel in trays

Answer

Fluoride varnish

Answer

Fluoridated toothpaste

Answer

Fluoride rinse (0.05% NaF daily rinse)

Question 3

A pit-and-fissure sealant is placed on posterior teeth primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Seal the deep occlusal grooves that trap plaque and are prone to decay

Answer

Strengthen enamel that has been weakened by acid erosion

Answer

Replace fluoride therapy in high-caries-risk patients

Answer

Bond orthodontic brackets to enamel

Question 4

When instructing a patient on the Bass toothbrushing technique, the dental assistant should direct the patient to angle the brush bristles at approximately:

Accepted Answer

45 degrees toward the gingival margin

Answer

0 degrees (parallel to the occlusal plane)

Answer

30 degrees toward the gingival margin

Answer

90 degrees perpendicular to the tooth surface

Question 5

Which dietary carbohydrate is considered the most cariogenic (decay-causing) because oral bacteria ferment it most readily?

Accepted Answer

Sucrose (table sugar)

Answer

Complex starches (e.g., bread, crackers)

Answer

Sorbitol (sugar alcohol found in some gums)

Answer

Fructose from whole fruits

Question 6

Before applying a resin-based pit-and-fissure sealant, the tooth surface is conditioned with phosphoric acid gel. The purpose of acid etching is to:

Accepted Answer

Create a microscopically roughened surface that increases mechanical retention of the sealant

Answer

Remove intrinsic stains from the fissures

Answer

Kill bacteria remaining in the pit after cleaning

Answer

Remineralize early enamel lesions before sealing