Modern Dental Assisting Recall Questions

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How do patients most often seek periodontal care?

A general dentist most often refers patients to a periodontist.

What information is included in the periodontal charting?

The periodontal charting includes pocket readings, furcations, tooth mobility, exudate (pus), and gingival recession.

Should teeth have any mobility?

All teeth have a slight degree of mobility because of the cushioning effect of the periodontal membranes.

What is the depth of a normal sulcus?

The depth of a normal sulcus is 3 mm or less.

What units of measurement are used on the periodontal probe?

Millimeters are the units of measurement on the periodontal probe.

What type of radiograph is especially useful in periodontics?

Bitewing radiographs are especially useful in periodontics.

What instruments are used to remove calculus from supragingival surfaces?

Scalers are used to remove calculus from supragingival surfaces.

What instruments are used to remove calculus from subgingival surfaces?

Curettes are used to remove calculus from subgingival surfaces.

What is the purpose of explorers in periodontal treatment?

Explorers locate deposits of calculus that may be supragingival or subgingival and provide tactile information to the operator about the roughness or smoothness of the root surfaces.

What is the difference between a universal curette and a Gracey curette?

A Universal curette has two cutting edges; a Gracey curette has only one edge.

What is the purpose of a periodontal pocket marker?

The periodontal pocket marker is used to make bleeding points as guides for surgical incisions.

How do ultrasonic scalers work?

Ultrasonic scalers work by converting very-high-frequency sound waves into mechanical energy in the form of very rapid vibrations.

What oral conditions would contraindicate the use of an ultrasonic scaler?

Use of an ultrasonic scaler would not be indicated for patients susceptible to infection, or patients with communicable disease, respiratory problems, swallowing difficulty, or a cardiac pacemaker. Oral conditions such as demineralization, restorative materials, narrow periodontal pockets, titanium implants, or areas of exposed dentin are also contraindications.

Why should an ultrasonic scaler not be used on a patient with a communicable disease?

An ultrasonic scaler should not be used on a patient with a known communicable disease because the disease can be transmitted through contaminated aerosols.

What are the more common terms for dental prophylaxis?

Dental cleaning or prophy are more common terms for dental prophylaxis.

What are the more common terms for dental prophylaxis?

Dental cleaning or prophy are more common terms for dental prophylaxis.

Who can legally perform a dental prophylaxis procedure?

Only a dentist or dental hygienist can legally perform a dental prophylaxis procedure.

What are three nonsurgical periodontal treatments?

Dental prophylaxis, scaling, root planing, and gingival curettage are nonsurgical periodontal treatments.

How is tetracycline used in periodontal treatment?

Tetracycline is often used for the treatment of early-onset periodontitis and rapidly destructive periodontitis.

What is the primary goal of periodontal surgery?

The primary goal of periodontal surgery is to control the progress of periodontal destruction and loss of attachment when nonsurgical treatment is ineffective.

What is a gingivectomy?

A gingivectomy is a type of excisional surgery performed to remove gingival tissue.

What is the purpose of osseous surgery?

The purpose of osseous surgery is to eliminate pockets, remove defects, and to restore normal contours in the bone.

What is the function of a periodontal surgical dressing?

A periodontal surgical dressing protects the surgical site similar to a bandage. They function to hold flaps in place, protect newly forming tissues, minimize pain, infection, and hemorrhage, protect the surgical site from trauma during eating and drinking, and to support mobile teeth during the healing process.

What materials are most commonly used in periodontal dressings?

The most commonly used materials in periodontal dressings are zinc oxide-eugenol and noneugenol

Are there any training requirements for persons who work with lasers?

Any person who operates a laser or assists during a laser operation must be thoroughly trained in use of the laser and all necessary safety precautions.

Can a general dentist perform an extraction?

Yes, a general dentist can perform simple extractions.

How can surgical assistants further their profession?

To further their profession, surgical assistants can continue their education and training through a specialized program for surgical dental assistants, or through additional on-the-job training.

In which two settings could a patient receive oral surgery?

A patient could receive oral surgery in a private practice and a hospital or outpatient surgical suite.

Are outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures considered major or minor surgeries?

Most outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures are minor surgeries.

What does the periosteal elevator reflect and retract?

The periosteal elevator reflects and retracts the periosteum from the surface of the bone.

Why is the term "universal" used for forceps?

"Universal" is used for forceps because they can be used for the right or left side of the same arch.

What surgical instrument resembles a spoon excavator?

A surgical curette resembles a spoon excavator.

What surgical instrument is used to trim and shape bone?

A rongeur is used to trim and shape bone.

What is the difference between a hemostat and a needle holder?

Hemostats have grooves in the beak which are used to grasp and hold things, such as a vessel, soft tissue, bone, and tooth fragments. The needle holder operates similarly to a hemostat but has a cross-hatch pattern on the surface of the beaks to hold a suture needle.

When the chisel is used, what additional surgical instrument must be used?

A mallet must be set out with a chisel.

What equipment is used when a surgical scrub is performed?

Orange stick, antimicrobial soap, scrub brush, and sterile towel are used for a surgical scrub.

What does the term donning mean?

Donning is the act of placing on personal protective equipment, such as sterile gloves.

What procedure is commonly completed after multiple teeth have been removed from the same quadrant or arch?

Alveoplasty is commonly completed after multiple teeth have been removed from the same quadrant or arch.

Which type of impaction is it when a tooth is located directly under the gingival tissue?

A tooth directly under the gingival tissue creates a soft tissue impaction.

Which type of biopsy is completed when a surface lesion is scraped to attain cells?

Exfoliative biopsy involves scraping cells from a lesion.

What does the term suture mean?

The term suture means to stitch.

What are the three types of nonabsorbable suture material?

The three types of nonabsorbable suture material are silk, polyester, and nylon.

What is the approximate time frame for removing nonabsorbable sutures?

Nonabsorbable sutures are removed in about 5 to 7 days.

How long should a pressure pack remain on a surgical site to control bleeding?

A pressure pack should remain on a surgical site for at least 30 minutes.

What over-the-counter analgesics may be prescribed by the surgeon for pain?

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be prescribed for pain.

Would you instruct a patient to use a hot compress or a cold compress for swelling?

You would instruct a patient to use a cold compress for swelling.

Would it be possible to see a 21-year-old patient in a pediatric office?

Yes, it would be possible if the patient had special needs.

What is unique about the treatment setting of a pediatric practice?

Pediatric dental offices will display a cheerful, pleasant environment, and treatment rooms will often use an open bay concept.

What types of patients are seen in a pediatric practice?

Infants through adolescents, as well as patients with special needs, are seen in a pediatric practice.

Is it possible for a child to be 10 years old but to act like a 7-year-old child? If so, what are you describing about this patient?

Yes, a patient with a chronologic age of 10 years can have the emotional age of a 7-year-old child. You are describing the emotional age of the child, the level of the child's emotional maturity.

At what developmental stage do children first want control and structure of their environment?

Children want control and structure at ages 3 through 5 years.

How would Dr. Frankl describe a "positive" child?

Dr. Frankl would describe a "positive" child as one who accepts treatment, is willing to comply, follows directions, and is cooperative.

When would a papoose board be used?

A papoose board is used to restrain a patient. It can be adapted for young children who are sedated or for a patient with special needs who may have limited control of movement.

What types of skills are limited in an intellectual disabled child?

Intelligence and adaptive skills are limited in an intellectual disabled child.

What is another term for Down syndrome?

Trisomy 21 is another term for Down syndrome.

Would it be common for you to treat a cerebral palsy patient in a wheelchair? If so, why?

Yes, it would be common to treat a patient with cerebral palsy in a wheelchair, as this disease is often characterized by paralysis.

When should a child first see the dentist?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should first see the dentist by his or her first birthday, or when their first tooth erupts.

If a patient is at high risk for decay, how often should radiographs be taken?

Radiographs should be taken every 6 months in a patient at high risk for tooth decay.

Would fluoride varnish be used on a child?

Fluoride varnish is used on patients with a high risk for caries. It is used routinely for caries prevention.

What procedure is recommended for children to protect the pits and fissures of posterior teeth?

Sealants are used to protect pits and fissures of teeth.

Is an appliance that is placed to stop a patient from sucking the thumb considered interceptive or preventive orthodontics?

Using an appliance to stop thumb sucking would be considered preventive orthodontics.

As a swimmer, should you wear a mouth guard?

No, swimming does not require a mouth guard. Mouth guards should be used in contact sports where traumatic injuries to the teeth could occur.

What types of matrices are commonly used on primary teeth?

T-band and spot-welded band matrices are used on primary teeth.

What endodontic procedure would most likely be performed on a primary tooth?

Pulpotomy is performed on primary teeth.

Would a child be referred to a prosthodontist for placement of a stainless steel crown?

No, a child would not be referred to a prosthodontist for a stainless steel crown. A dentist can perform this procedure.

Which teeth are injured most frequently?

Maxillary central incisors are most often injured.

What happens when a tooth is avulsed?

A tooth comes out when avulsed.

How would a dentist stabilize a tooth after an injury?

The dentist uses a temporary splint to stabilize an injured tooth.

Are you legally required to report child abuse?

No, a dental assistant is not legally required to report child abuse.

Could a fractured or broken nose be a result of child abuse?

Yes, a fractured nose could result from child abuse.

Who in the dental office should report child abuse?

In the dental office, the dentist is the member legally required to report child abuse.

What is a coronal polish?

A coronal polish is a procedure used to remove stains and plaque.

What is the difference between a coronal polish and an oral prophylaxis?

An oral prophylaxis is the complete removal of calculus and debris, as well as stain, and is performed only by the dentist and the registered dental hygienist. A coronal polish is only used to remove stains and plaque, and may be performed by dental assistants who have had special training.

What is the purpose of selective polishing?

Selective polishing means that only the teeth with visible stain are polished, limiting the amount of surface enamel removed by the polishing action.

What is an extrinsic stain?

An extrinsic stain is one that appears on the exterior of the tooth and can be removed from the surfaces of the teeth.

What is an intrinsic stain?

An intrinsic stain is caused by an environmental source and occurs within the tooth and cannot be removed by polishing or scaling.

Which is the most common technique for stain removal?

Rubber cup coronal polishing is the most common technique for stain removal.

Which type of grasp is used to hold the handpiece?

The pen grasp is used to hold the handpiece.

What is the purpose of a fulcrum?

The purpose of a fulcrum is to provide stability for the operator.

What precaution should be taken when esthetic-type restorations are polished?

Only very fine abrasives, such as micron-fine sapphire or diamond pastes or aluminum oxide pastes, should be used to avoid scratching the porcelain.

In which direction should the polishing stroke move?

The polishing stroke should be overlapping strokes from the gingival third toward the incisal (or occlusal) surface of the tooth.

What damage can result from use of the prophy cup at high speed?

Higher speeds produce frictional heat that can damage the tooth and burn the gingiva.

How should the patient's head be positioned for access to the maxillary mandibular arch?

For access to the maxillary mandibular arch, the patient's head should be positioned with the chin tipped upward.

What is the purpose of dental sealants?

The purpose of dental sealants is to prevent dental caries in the pits and fissure areas.

Why are pits and fissures susceptible to caries?

Pits and fissures are susceptible to caries because their narrow width and uneven depth allow for accumulation of food and acid-producing bacteria, but prevent easy cleaning by saliva or toothbrushing. Also, the enamel that lies at the base of fissures is thinner than the enamel around the rest of the tooth.

Should sealants be the only preventive measure used?

Sealants should be used as part of a comprehensive preventive program.

What are the two types of polymerization?

The two types of polymerization are light-cured and self-cured.

Why is clear sealant material less desirable?

Clear sealant material is less desirable because it is difficult to see during placement and recalls.

Is there a difference in retention rates between filled and unfilled sealants?

There is no difference in retention rates between filled and unfilled sealants.

What is the reason for putting fluoride in dental sealant material?

It is thought that a flouride-rich layer will help remineralize incipient enamel caries and that the fluoride will strengthen the base of the pit or fissure.

What is the range of shelf-life of sealant materials?

Sealant materials have a shelf-life between 18 and 36 months.

What are patient safety precautions to keep in mind when one is using sealants?

Two patient safety precautions to remember when using sealants include not using sealants on patients with acrylate allergies and using protective glasses on the patient.

What determines the effectiveness of dental sealants?

Retention of the dental sealant determines the effectiveness of dental sealants.

What age groups seek orthodontic care?

All ages seek orthodontic care.

Give a type of genetic cause for malocclusion.

A genetic cause for malocclusion could be a smaller jaw size from one parent and large teeth from the other.

What term is used for abnormal occlusion?

Malocclusion is the term used for abnormal occlusion.

What tooth is used to determine a person's occlusion?

The maxillary first molar determines occlusion.

If a tooth is not properly lined up with its opposing tooth, it is said to be in ________.

A tooth not properly lined up with its opposing tooth is in crossbite.

If a person occludes and you cannot see the mandibular anterior teeth, what is the patient's malalignment?

The patient's malalignment is overbite.

What two positions does the orthodontist evaluate for facial symmetry?

Frontal view and profile view are the two positions the orthodontist evaluates for facial symmetry.