Question 1

Systemic fluoride is absorbed by the _________ and excreted through the _________. Choose the items listed in the correct order which best fill in the blanks.

Accepted Answer

Systemic fluoride is absorbed by the small intestine and excreted through the kidneys.
Fluoride is taken into the body via the small intestine. By circulating in the bloodstream, fluoride can build up teeth from the inside. Excess fluoride is removed from the blood by the kidneys.

Question 2

The mother of a three-year-old boy reports that since the birth of her son, he has been primarily exposed to the non-fluoridated water of their well. What dosage of fluoride supplement should be recommended to the mother to administer to her three-year-old child?

Accepted Answer

A dosage of 0.5 mg/day of a fluoride supplement should be recommended to the mother to administer to her three-year-old child.
The child's young age and history of little exposure to fluoride make him eligible for a daily supplement of 0.5 mg of fluoride per day.

Question 3

What is the maximum amount of fluoride (parts per million) in a topical application?

Accepted Answer

The maximum amount of fluoride in a topical application is 5,000 ppm.
5,000 ppm (parts per million) is the highest fluoride content available in topical application form. This includes in-office treatments as well as maximum-strength prescription fluoride dentifrices.

Question 4

In relation to the Certainly Lethal Dose (CLD) of fluoride, how does the Safely Tolerated Dose (STD) of fluoride compare?

Accepted Answer

In relation to the Certainly Lethal Dose (CLD) of fluoride, the Safely Tolerated Dose (STD) is 1/4 of the CLD.
The typical amount of fluoride an individual could inadvertently ingest but safely tolerate is only a quarter of the amount which could cause death. If four times the Safely Tolerated Dose is consumed, emergency action should be taken.

Question 5

Acid etch improves sealant retention primarily through:

Accepted Answer

Acid etch improves sealant retention through mechanically bonding.
The acid etch roughens the enamel of the occlusal surface to be sealed. The etched enamel provides a more secure area of attachment for sealant material.

Question 6

Which of the following does NOT accurately describe a dental sealant?

Accepted Answer

"An isolated procedure intended to prevent caries" does NOT accurately describe a dental sealant.
Dental sealants are treatment planned and placed as a part of a complete program against dental disease. Dental sealants should not be an isolated procedure but should accompany oral hygiene recommendations, fluoride treatments, and other such preventive measures.

Question 7

Dental sealants are classified by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Dental sealants are classified by all of the above EXCEPT for the acid etch used.
Acid etch is used primarily to condition the tooth surface prior to sealant placement. Sealants are generally categorized by their color, whether or not they are filled, and how they are cured.

Question 8

Filled sealants with high spots after placement can be worn down with occlusal wear.

Accepted Answer

It is not true that filled sealants with high spots after placement can be worn down with occlusal wear.
The filler content in a sealant makes it harder than surrounding natural tooth surfaces. An unevenly placed filled sealant which interrupts normal occlusion can only be adjusted with a dental drill.

Question 9

After rinsing and drying an etched tooth surface to achieve a chalky-white appearance, what is the NEXT step to be taken?

Accepted Answer

After rinsing and drying an etched tooth surface to achieve a chalky-white appearance, the next step is to dry the tooth for 15-20 seconds.
It is necessary to ensure that the etched tooth surface is thoroughly dried before placing the sealant. This means that rinsing the tooth is not necessary unless the appearance warrants another application of etchant to improve sealant retention.

Question 10

What is the relationship between the curing time of a sealant and its retention?

Accepted Answer

The relationship between the curing time of a sealant and its retention is that the longer the curing time is, the greater the retention will be.
A curing time of 20 to 30 seconds generally improves sealant retention far better than just 15 seconds of curing time. It is important to reference the instructions of the sealant manufacturer for the best recommendation of curing time.

Question 11

A four-year-old girl is at a high risk for caries because of poor nutrition and oral hygiene habits. This girl would benefit greatly by having a fluoride varnish placed to improve her teeth's defenses against cavities, but she is not cooperating so as to allow the varnish to be placed on all tooth surfaces. What area should be given priority for placing the varnish?

Accepted Answer

The maxillary anterior teeth should be given priority for placing the varnish.
Lack of patient cooperation in this instance makes placing the varnish on the easily accessible top front teeth much easier than on most other areas. More importantly, this patient's risk for developing early childhood caries (ECC) is very high. The maxillary anterior teeth frequently are the first to suffer from caries due to frequent intake of sugary drinks.

Question 12

Which patient will benefit the MOST from a prescription for a stannous fluoride rinse?

Accepted Answer

The periodontal patient with advanced generalized recession would benefit the most from a prescription for a stannous fluoride rinse.
Stannous fluoride is ideal for an individual with a lot of root exposure which puts them at risk for developing root caries. Stannous fluoride is often recommended for patients who have an extensive history of periodontal attachment loss and treatment.

Question 13

The artificial sweetener xylitol prevents dental caries by:

Accepted Answer

The artificial sweetener xylitol prevents dental caries by depriving cariogenic bacteria of easily digestible carbohydrates.
Xylitol cannot be metabolized by cariogenic bacteria the way other carbohydrates are. When xylitol is used in the place of traditional sweeteners, there is less usable energy available to pathogenic bacteria which results in a decline in their numbers.

Question 14

When dissimilar molecules are chemically-attracted to one another this is called:

Accepted Answer

When dissimilar molecules are chemically-attracted to one another it is called adhesion.
Cohesion indicates that two like molecules stick to one another. Adhesion occurs between molecules of different substances.

Question 15

Compressive strength is:

Accepted Answer

Compressive strength is the maximum amount of strength at which a material fractures.
Malleability is the quality of being shaped or formed, and elasticity describes a material's ability to resume its original form after experiencing pressure. Tensile strength is a material's ability to stretch until the point of fracturing. Compressive strength is the point at which a material fractures under pressure.

Question 16

Choose the correct pairing of filler particle size:

Accepted Answer

The correct pairing of filler particle size is microfil - 0.01-0.1 microns.
Tooth-colored filler particles come in a variety of sizes for composite restorations. Differing sizes carry different benefits in terms of strength, polish ability, and handling.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a negative effect of polishing?

Accepted Answer

Demineralization is NOT a negative effect of polishing.
Polishing teeth with an abrasive prophy paste can wear down thin tooth surfaces if applied for too long with too much pressure. This also generates heat and aerosols. Demineralization is caused by acid-exposure.

Question 18

Which of the following is contraindicated for polishing?

Accepted Answer

Newly-erupted teeth are contraindicated for polishing.
Newly-erupted teeth, primary teeth in particular, have not had the chance to finish mineralizing their surface. Polishing can wear away the protective minerals.

Question 19

Air polishing with a sodium bicarbonate base is safe for all of the following restorations EXCEPT one. Which restoration is the EXCEPTION?

Accepted Answer

A glass ionomer restoration is the exception.
A sodium bicarbonate-based air polishing procedure is safe for amalgam restorations and is safe for gold and porcelain restorations as long as the margin is avoided. The sodium bicarbonate could scratch the surface of a glass ionomer restoration.

Question 20

When preparing to take an impression what should be done FIRST?

Accepted Answer

When preparing to take an impression the fit of the trays in the patient's mouth should be checked.
All of the above should be done prior to inserting an impression tray loaded with impression material. However, the fit of the trays must first be determined before doing anything else. After the fit is checked, wax may be applied, the water and alginate may be mixed, and the clinician may position himself or herself for taking the impression.

Quiz 2: Provision of Clinical Dental Hygiene Services

Systemic fluoride is absorbed by the _ and excreted through the _. Choose the items listed in the correct order which best fill in the blanks.