CALIFORNIA RDHAP
Preventative Dental
Cleanings
Q&A
2024
,1. What is the main purpose of preventative dental
cleanings?
a) To remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums
b) To detect and treat oral diseases such as caries and
periodontitis
c) To educate patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Preventative dental cleanings aim to prevent
oral problems by removing harmful deposits, diagnosing
and managing diseases, and promoting healthy behaviors.
2. Which of the following instruments is used to measure
the depth of the gingival sulcus or pocket?
a) Explorer
b) Scaler
c) Probe
d) Curette
Answer: C. A probe is a calibrated instrument that is
inserted into the sulcus or pocket to measure its depth in
millimeters.
3. What is the recommended frequency of preventative
dental cleanings for most patients?
a) Once a year
b) Twice a year
c) Every three months
d) It depends on the patient's risk factors and needs
Answer: D. The frequency of preventative dental cleanings
should be individualized based on the patient's oral health
, status, risk factors, and preferences.
4. What are some of the benefits of fluoride application
during preventative dental cleanings?
a) It strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to
decay
b) It reduces the sensitivity of exposed root surfaces
c) It inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause plaque and
caries
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Fluoride has multiple benefits for preventing
and reversing dental caries, as well as reducing dentinal
hypersensitivity.
5. What are some of the indications for using ultrasonic or
sonic scalers during preventative dental cleanings?
a) Heavy calculus deposits
b) Orthodontic appliances or implants
c) Limited manual dexterity or fatigue
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Ultrasonic or sonic scalers use high-frequency
vibrations to remove calculus and biofilm from the teeth
and can be useful for patients with heavy deposits, complex
restorations, or limited operator access.
6. What are some of the contraindications for using
ultrasonic or sonic scalers during preventative dental
cleanings?
a) Communicable diseases or infections
b) Cardiac pacemakers or implantable defibrillators
Preventative Dental
Cleanings
Q&A
2024
,1. What is the main purpose of preventative dental
cleanings?
a) To remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and gums
b) To detect and treat oral diseases such as caries and
periodontitis
c) To educate patients on proper oral hygiene and nutrition
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Preventative dental cleanings aim to prevent
oral problems by removing harmful deposits, diagnosing
and managing diseases, and promoting healthy behaviors.
2. Which of the following instruments is used to measure
the depth of the gingival sulcus or pocket?
a) Explorer
b) Scaler
c) Probe
d) Curette
Answer: C. A probe is a calibrated instrument that is
inserted into the sulcus or pocket to measure its depth in
millimeters.
3. What is the recommended frequency of preventative
dental cleanings for most patients?
a) Once a year
b) Twice a year
c) Every three months
d) It depends on the patient's risk factors and needs
Answer: D. The frequency of preventative dental cleanings
should be individualized based on the patient's oral health
, status, risk factors, and preferences.
4. What are some of the benefits of fluoride application
during preventative dental cleanings?
a) It strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to
decay
b) It reduces the sensitivity of exposed root surfaces
c) It inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause plaque and
caries
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Fluoride has multiple benefits for preventing
and reversing dental caries, as well as reducing dentinal
hypersensitivity.
5. What are some of the indications for using ultrasonic or
sonic scalers during preventative dental cleanings?
a) Heavy calculus deposits
b) Orthodontic appliances or implants
c) Limited manual dexterity or fatigue
d) All of the above
Answer: D. Ultrasonic or sonic scalers use high-frequency
vibrations to remove calculus and biofilm from the teeth
and can be useful for patients with heavy deposits, complex
restorations, or limited operator access.
6. What are some of the contraindications for using
ultrasonic or sonic scalers during preventative dental
cleanings?
a) Communicable diseases or infections
b) Cardiac pacemakers or implantable defibrillators
