Question 1:

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals cause malformations in the developing structures of

teeth. The vitamin/mineral group/s most associated with deficiency malformation in teeth
is/are ______________.
1. iron, sodium, vitamin C, vitamin D
2. calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C
3. phosphorus, vitamin D
4. vitamin A, vitamin K
5. magnesium
a) 1

b) 2, 3

c) 4, 5

d) 3, 4

e) 2, 3, 5

Answer: B
iron
sodium
vitamin K

formation of hemoglobin
regulates body fluids
normal blood clotting and liver function
building bone, release of energy from muscle glycogen conduction of nerve
magnesium
impulses
development and maintenance of teeth and bone, clotting, muscle activity,
calcium
healthy nerve tissue
phosphoro
formation of bones and teeth, release of energy from foods
us
vitamin D healthy eyes, cells of skin and mucous membrane
vitamin C prevents tendency to bleed, essential in healing
Question 2:
The dental health educator is participating in an open forum at a rural community hall
during dental health week. The educator taking part must be experienced in all facets of oral
care, be aware of regional issues, and be prepared to answer and assist with a wide variety
of questions and concerns. The subject of stain became a topic of interest as those attending
varied in age, sex, health, and habits. Which of the following statements are valid?
1. stains appear on the outside surface of teeth or within the tooth
2. all stains can be removed by scaling and polishing
3. stains may be caused be bacteria, chemicals or foods
4. green stain is common in adults

5. endogenous stain occurs during tooth development

a) 2, 3

b) 2, 4

c) 1, 3, 5

d) 1, 3, 4

e) 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer: C

extrinsic stains can be removed by scaling and polishing

intrinsic stains can not be removed by scaling and polishing

chromogenic bacteria creates a green stain at the cervical edge

tobacco (chemical) can create a brown stain

food can stain the surface of teeth (beets)

green stain is common in children as it is thought to be related to the remains of

the enamel cuticle

intrinsic stain is seen within the tooth

extrinsic stain is seen on the outside of the tooth

endogenous stain is related to medication, fluoride or a systemic disease process

occurring during tooth development which leaves the tooth discolored

Question 3:
The dental health educator is working with a hypertensive, geriatric patient to develop
positive tooth brushing/flossing habits and an oral environment free of calculus, plaque or
stains. Which of the following statements would be applicable?
1. use a powered toothbrush
2. floss using the middle fingers, index fingers and thumbs
3. floss using a bridge threader
4. floss using a flossing wand
5. initially have the teeth polished using an air-powder polishing technique using a
slurry mixture
a) 5

b) 1, 2

c) 1, 4

d) 2, 3, 5

e) 1, 2, 5

Answer: C

air-powder polishing uses a high sodium slurry mixture and is not for use on
patients with communicable diseases, respiratory disorders or anyone on a sodium
restricted diet such as hypertension

a powdered toothbrush assists patients with reduced levels of manual dexterity as

seen in seniors

flossing using the index, middle fingers and thumbs requires a high level of
manual dexterity not generally seen in seniors

an alternative to manual flossing for patients with low levels of manual dexterity is
to use a flossing wand

bridge threaders are exclusively for cleaning under bridges or for fixed orthodontic
situations

Question 4:
Maslow's "heirarchy of needs" include in ascending order:
1. physiology
2. security
3. social
4. ego
5. self actualization
The lower needs must be met before the higher needs can be satisfied. The dental health
educator has been working with a family who have been members of the practice for several
years. Initially the family visited for emergency situations only, but over time the parents
completed university, paid back student loans, bought a home, had a wonderful family life,
and moved through the corporate ladder each time securing a more satisfying job and
higher financial compensation. Dentally the family progressed to regular dental visits and a
firm commitment to their oral health. Mrs. Morrison has reached the level of satisfying her
ego needs. Over the long weekend Mrs. Morrison fractured an anterior tooth which had been
slated for root canal therapy, post and core and crown. Mrs. Martin is experiencing severe
discomfort and is extremely self conscious about her appearance. Once seated in the dental
chair, Mrs. Morrison locks her ankles together and clenches the arm rests. The dental
educator recognizes this as a nonverbal cue and approaches the patient bearing this in
mind. Mrs. Morrisson's gesture is indicating ______________________________.
a) defensiveness b) openness

c) embarrassment

d) nervousness

e) touching

Answer: D

crossed arms or clenched fists show that a patient is not in agreement or is

defensive

sitting close or at the same level as a patient indicates openness rather than an
authorative stance

patients covering their eyes or mouth indicates embarrassment

a fearful patient tries to hide their fear by this sort of gesture, once relaxed the
gesture will disappear

Question 5:
Katie, the dental health educator in Dr. Stephen's office is working to provide an active
learning environment for successful patient education programs. Which of the following
statements is / are not indicative of the development of a new habit pattern based on
patient acceptance and active participatory learning?
1. listen to the patient's feeling about their current oral condition
2. design with the patient a plan or program to satisfy the patient's needs and abilities
3. introduce all skills to be learned at once using visual aids
4. send the patient home to try for the first time and practice the skills
5. provide encouragement and reinforcement to the patient
a) 2

b) 3

c) 4

d) 3, 4

e) 1, 2, 5

Answer: D

in order for a plan to be successful, the patient must feel like a partner in the
design of their own program and that the program meets their personal needs at a
level which demands of them what they are capable of

skills should be introduced one at a time to be sure that a patient is comfortable

with each one before going on to the next - only so much can be absorbed at one
time

patients should try each skill in the office after it is demonstrated for them by the
educator and should practice with the educator until the patient is comfortable
and can go home to continue to practice following the designed program

encouragement and reinforcement from the dental team plays an enormous role
in patient success in their oral health routine

Question 6:
The mucogingival junction is the area where:
a. the unattached, marginal gingiva meets the attached gingiva
b. the interdental papillae meet the attached gingiva
c. the tissue of the labia joins the oral mucosa
d. the attached gingiva joins the lining mucosa

Answer: D

the unattached gingiva (marginal gingiva/free gingiva) is the border of the gingiva
surrounding the neck of the tooth in a collar like way

interdental gingiva (gingival papilla) is the extension of the free gingiva between
two teeth

labia refers to lips, the vermilion border is where the skin of the lips joins the
mucous membrane

the attached gingiva extends from the base of the sulcus to the mucogingival
junction. The mucogingival juncion is where the lining mucosa and attached
gingiva join

Question 7:
The cusp of Carabelli is located on which of the following?
a. maxillary second molar, facial cusp
b. maxillary first molar, lingual cusp
c. mandibular first molar, lingual cusp
d. maxillary second bicuspid, lingual cusp

Answer: B

the cusp of Carabelli is found on permanent first molars or deciduous second

molars and is an additional lingual cusp

Question 8:
Which of the following teeth are most likely to vary in form or be congenitally missing?
a. maxillary cuspids
b. mandibular central incisors
c. mandibular first bicuspids
d. maxillary lateral incisors

Answer: D

the permanent maxillary lateral incisors vary in form more than any other tooth in
the oral cavity (except third molars) and are frequently congenitally missing

Question 9:
The bony structures that appear web-like in a radiograph and are filled with bone marrow
are known as:
a. trabeculae
b. foramen
c. hematopoietic
d. osteoblasts

Answer: A

bony spicules in cancellous bone form a meshwork filled with bone marrow which
is visable on a radiograph, the meshwork is referred to as trabeculae

foramen are openings for blood and nerves

hematopoietic pertains to blood

osteoblasts are bone forming cells

Question 10:
The side to side shifting movements of the mandible is controlled by which muscle?
a. zygomatic major
b. pterygoid
c. temporal
d. masseter

Answer: B

the zygomatic major muscle draws the corners of the mouth up and back

the pterygoid muscle controls the mandible side to side shifting

the temporal muscle raises the mandible, closes jaw and retracts a protruding
mandible

the masseter muscle raises the mandible and closes the jaw

Question 11:
To avoid the splatter of contaminants from the ultrasonic cleaning solution:
a. the lid must always remain in place during operation
b. the instruments being cleaned should be enclosed in resin cassettes
c. the ultrasonic cleaner should not be operational for cycles longer than 10 minutes
d. operators should periodically test the cleaning unit for effectiveness

Answer: A

the lid must be left on when processing to prevent airborne contamination and
when not in use to prevent odor and evaporation

instruments may be placed in plastic or resin cassettes and will require a longer
processing time

time required for processing varies based on type of material or debris, power of
the unit and number of instruments. Normal range is 5 to 15 minutes

testing the cleaning unit for effectiveness is an indicator of service required

Question 12:
Sterilizer monitoring services or agencies will send the dental office reports by either
telephone or mail. A positive report:
a. indicates that sterilization did not occur during the test cycle
b. indicates that sterilization occurred during the test cycle
c. indicates the sterilizer does not require service or attention at the time of testing
d. both b and c

Answer: A

a positive report indicates that sterilization did not occur in the test cycle

a negative report indicates that sterilization occurred properly in the test cycle

there are many reasons that service is required for sterilization units and a single
positive report may relate stricly to human error

Question 13:
A properly positioned chairside dental assistant is:
a. 2 to 3 inches lower than the operator
b. at the same height as the operator
c. 4 to 5 inches higher than the operator
d. 12 inches higher than the operator

Answer: C

if the assistant is seated too low, the operator's view is blocked and the assistant
is unable to see into the oral cavity, the proper height is 4 to 5 inches higher than
the operator

if the assistant is seated too high, fatigue and strain will result, feet will not reach
the platform and effect lower extremity circulation

Question 14:
The clock concept for a left handed operator locates the assistant's zone:
a. between 2:00 and 4:00
b. between 8:00 and 10:00
c. between 12:00 and 5:00

Answer: B
operator's zone
assistant's zone
transfer zone
static zone

12 - 5 o'clock
8 - 10 o'clock
5 - 8 o'clock
10 - 12 o'clock

Question 15:
The instrument of choice to remove carious dentin, debris or excess cement from a tooth
would be:
a. a chisel
b. the air-water syringe
c. a spoon excavator
d. a Hollenback

Answer: C

a chisel is a handcutting instrument designed to plane the enamel margin, form

line and point angles and place retention grooves in the tooth preparation

the air-water syringe is a unit instrument used to flush and dry tooth structure

a spoon excavator is a handcutting instrument used to remove carious dentin,

debris or excess cement from a tooth

a Hollenback is a type of carver used to shape or contour interproximal amalgam

restorations(an amalgam knife may also be used)

Question 16:
Current medications are noted in the medical history update because:
a. they will indicate to the dentist whether the patient is at risk for transient bacteremia
b. they will alert the dentist to infectious disease risks
c. they will help the dentist choose appropriate anesthetics and treatment options
d. a and b

Answer: C

the patient at risk for transient bacteremia is not necessarily on medication for a
related condition at the time of the visit

the patient may not currently be on medication for an infectious disease (carrier)

current medications play a role in today's treatment and treatment plan

Question 17:
If a second attempt is necessary to obtain a correct reading or confirm an abnormal reading,
a minimum of __________________ must pass or the other arm is used.
a. 3 minutes
b. 5 minutes
c. 10 minutes
d. 20 minutes

Answer: C

if additional readings are required the reading should be taken after a minimum of
10 minutes to prevent an incorrect reading

Question 18:
Nitroglycerine is available in several forms which determine the route of administration.
Which of the following are correct?
a. oral tablet or oral capsule
b. translingual spray or sublingual tablet
c. liquid suspension or preloaded injection syringe

Answer: B

antibiotics, analgesics, antianxiety medications are dispensed in the form of oral

tablets or capsules

nitroglycerin is dispensed by translingual spray, sublingual tablet for quick transfer

to the blood stream or by transdermal patch or paste for small constant doses

epinephrine is dispensed by preloaded syringe to be used to treat an allergic

reaction

medication for digestive disorders, skin lotions and antibiotics may be dispensed
as a liquid suspension

Question 19:
Induction time for local anesthetic is described as:
a. the length of time taken by the dentist to inject the full carpule of anesthetic
b. the period of time from the injection of the anesthetic until effective anesthesia is in
place
c. the period of time from complete anesthesia until complete reversal

Answer: B

administration time is the length of time it takes the dentist to delivery the
anesthetic

induction time is the length of time from the injection of the anesthetic until
effective anesthesia is in place

duration time is the length of time from complete anesthesia until complete
reversal

Question 20:
An area of decay in the cervical third of the facial surface of a tooth would be considered
__________________ using Black's classification of cavities.
a. class I
b. class III
c. class V
d. class VI

Answer: C
class
class
class
class

I
II
V
VI

pit and fissure cavities

proximal surface (M and D) of anterior teeth
gingival third of vestibular and lingual surfaces
defects or abrasion on incisal edge of anterior teeth and cusp tip of posterior teeth

Question 21:
Mrs. Jeannie Maryland telephones Dr. Stephen's office to request a tax reciept for the
treatment received during the previous year. Lori places Mrs. Maryland on hold in order to
retrieve the records and verify the address. When Lori returns to her work station, she
discovers that Mrs. Maryland has been either cut off by the office or has hung up herself. The
general rule for dealing with this situation is __________________ .
a. the individual who placed the call is the one who calls again
b. if the office cut off Mrs. Maryland, Lori should call Mrs. Maryland

c. if Mrs. Maryland chose to hang up, she should call the office back to request the tax
receipt
d. Lori should send a written explanation of what transpired
e. Lori should inform all patients that requests like this should be in writing

Answer: A

the general rule is the individual who placed the call is the one who calls again.
appropriate explanations can be made at the time of the return call.

Question 22:
The Float dental office has received a large supply order from Billings Supply House. The
delivery man indicated that the order is in ten boxes and one box contains the hazardous
material. The acrylic custom tray liquid is in the box marked hazardous material and the
container is labeled hazardous material. The office has two laboratory areas and the solution
is split between the two laboratories. Half of the solution is left in the original container and
the balance is poured into a clean dry and unlabeled container. A __________________ must be
attached (by the office) to the new container.
a. workplace label
b. supplier label
c. shipping label
d. a, c
e. a, b, c

Answer: A

when material is transferred from the original container to another container, a

workplace label must be attached, this label lists:
o

an identifier of the material

safe handling information

a statement that MSDS is available

the supplier attaches a supplier label to the original container of controlled

products, the label lists:
o

danger precautionary measures

first aid measures

shipping labels are attached to all products being shipped, the label includes
supplier, recipient and will indicate if a controlled substance

Question 23:
Mike Badder, his wife Amy Badder and their daughter Julie have a dental appointment with
Dr. Bill Williams. Mike and Amy both have a private dental plan which covers the family.
Mike's date of birth is May 03, 1971, Amy's is March 10, 1973 and Julie's is February 15,
1992. The treatment for the family included:
Mike
extraction of lower right
superumerary third molar

Amy
-emergency examination
-1 PA

Julie
pulpotomy

The claim form for Mike's extraction will include the tooth number
a. 4-9
b. 4-8
c. 9-9
d. 17
e. 3-9

Answer: C
4-9 non-existent
4-8 mandibular right, third molar
9-9 all supernumerary teeth are number 9 - 9, further description can be detailed in the
information box if necessary
17 is the universal tooth code for mandibular left third molar
3-9 non-existent
Question 24:
A patient with dual insurance coverage calls the office after being told by the insurance
company that the policies he has contain a nonduplication of benefits provision. His
understanding from the insurance carrier is that
-his total fee for service is $500.00
-the primary carrier allowable limit is $200.00 for this service

-the secondary carrier allowable limit is $300.00 for this service

Considering the nonduplication of benefits provision, the patient portion (if applicable), the
primary and secondary carrier allowable limits, what amount should the secondary carrier
be responsible for?
a. $100.00
b. $200.00
c. $300.00
d. $500.00
e. $0

Answer: A

the general rule for nonduplication of benefits indicates regardless of maximum

allowable limit, the secondary carrier will only cover the amount beyond the
primary carrier to the secondary limit, if the primary coverage is greater than the
secondary limit the secondary benefit will be zero.

Question 25:
Appointment Page
Dr. Bill Williams

Friday, January 10, 20xx

Tanya Roberts asks the administrator if any additional appointments are required following
the Friday, January 10, 20xx visit. The administrator's most likely response will
be____________________________________.
a. yes
b. no
c. possibly
d. that she must check her chart
e. that she should ask the dentist on Friday.

Answer: C

the administrator has scheduled a crown preparation appointment on tooth 3-2 at

8:45am Friday

the administrator must be aware that at least one additional appointment will be
required to cement the crown when it returns from the laboratory in about a week

Question 26:
The fabrication of a gold crown involves many steps. Following the removal of the casting
from the ring and brushing away adhering investment material the casting is placed in an
acid solution to remove surface oxidation. The process of removing surface oxidation is
called _________________.
a. polishing
b. finishing
c. pickling
d. casting
e. tempering

Answer: C

polishing is the process of producing a high luster on the casting, this may be
accomplished by wheels, brushes, tripoli and rouge

finishing involves removal of the sprue from the casting and refinement of the
antomy of the casting using discs and coarse abrasives

pickling is the final step in removing oxides from the surface of the casting by
placing it in a commercial pickling solution or 50% hydrochloric acid (offensive
odor)

tempering relates to hydrochloric impression material, it refers to the bath that

holds and cools the tray and material to a temperature comfortable for placement
on a patient's oral tissue

Question 27:
The initial set of alginate is indicated by a/an ____________.
a. glossy appearance
b. exothermic reaction
c. loss of tackiness
d. endothermic reaction
e. chalky appearance

Answer: C

alginate impressions properly mixed and having reached the final set stage are
glossy in appearance

an exothermic reaction occurs with gypsum products, this is a heating reaction

which is transferred to the outside and to anything it comes in contact with

loss of tackiness idicates the initial set of alginate the impression must be seated
prior to this point

an endothermic reaction is when heat is transferred within

study casts that have been in contact with an alginate impression for prolonged
periods appear chalky as some of their moisture has been absorbed by the
alginate

Question 28:
The dental assistant removes the alginate impression from the patient's mouth and then
__________________ the impression.
a. rinses with water, shakes to remove excess liquid, sprays with disinfectant, shakes to
remove excess, sprays with disinfectant, pours in stone
b. blows until debris free, sprays with disinfectant, shakes to remove excess liquid,
pours in stone
c. rinses with water, shakes to remove excess, sprays with disinfectant, shakes to
remove excess liquid, pours in stone
d. sprays with disinfectant, pours in stone
e. rinses with water, sprays with disinfectant, pours in stone

Answer: C

excess liquid must always be removed prior to pouring an alginate impression or it

will weaken the gypsum mix

debris is flushed away by rinsing, blowing until debris free may distort impression
and will not remove blood

rinse, shake, spray disinfectant, shake, pour is the recommended method of

preparing an alginate

Question 29:
Mrs. Marine Pars is in Dr. Stephen's office to discuss the fabrication of a bridge from 1-6 to 14. Dr. Stephen's dental assistant Rosa is directed by Dr. Stephen's to obtain alginate
impressions for study models. Rosa checks to see if Mrs. Pars is wearing a removable dental
appliance. Rosa removes the upper partial denture. Rosa explains the procedure to Mrs.
Pars, mixes the powder and water together and begins the impression process. To load the
maxillary tray the dental assistant will ________.
1. insert the material from the anterior and spread to the posterior
2. overfill the posterior palatal portion of the tray to ensure all anatomy is included
3. rotate the corner of the tray over the maxillary arch
4. make sure the handle is in line with the nose
5. gently bring the tray forward over the anterior teeth and flex the lip over the tray
a) 2, 3

b) 1, 2, 4

c) 3, 4, 5

d) 1, 3, 5

e) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer: C

overfilling the posterior portion of a maxillary tray will allow excess material to
flow toward the throat during placement

the corner of the tray is rotated over the maxillary arch to facilitate fitting between
the lips and accurately placing over the arch.

the handle should be in line with the nose

seat the posterior border of the tray first to form a seal, bringing forward over the
anterior teeth while lifting the patient's lips out of the way as the tray is seated

Question 30:
Dr. Stephen's assistant, Katie, is preparing to fabricate a custom tray. She begins by
preparing the cast. Which of the following steps would be included?
1. fill the undercuts
2. outline the margins of the cast in pencil, indicating the area the tray will cover
3. place a spacer on the cast to create room in the tray for the impression material

4. cut spacer stops in the spacer

a) 2

b) 3

c) 2, 3, 4

d) 1, 2, 3, 4

Answer: D

fill undercuts to prevent locking the tray in

outlining the area the tray is to cover facilitates placing the tray material and
lessens the necessity of trimming

place the spacer

cut spacer stops, apply a separating medium if necessary

Question 31:
Michael Smart is scheduled for preliminary impressions. Dr. Jones will instruct the
commercial laboratory to fabricate a sports mouth guard. The dental assistant has not
disinfected the alginate impression prior to placing it in a sealed plastic bag. How should the
laboratory be made aware of this?
1. the dental assistant will telephone the laboratory
2. the dental assistant will place a damp paper in the bag
3. the receptionist will telephone the laboratory
4. the dental assistant will label the bag with a hazardous symbol
a) 1

b) 4

c) 2, 3

d) 1, 2

e) 2, 3, 4

Answer: B

phoning is not an effective way of informing the laboratory, the assistant may
forget or lab technicians may be in contact with the alginate prior to the call

damp paper will help to prevent dimensional distortion for a limited period of time

the bag should be labeled with a hazardous symbol

Question 32:
Susan Jones is scheduled for endodontic treatment. The operative tooth is the upper right
central incisor. After the tooth has been anesthetized, the procedure begins with the
placement of the rubber dam. The pulp tissue is removed and the dentist inserts an
endodontic file to determine the length of the canal. The film is exposed and processed. The
radiographic image is measured to obtain the length of the canal. What may result from an
inaccurate length measurement?
1. perforation of the apex
2. postoperative pain
3. overinstrumentation of the canal
4. underinstrumentation of the canal
5. underfilling of the canal
a) 1

b) 2, 5

c) 3, 4

d) 1, 2, 3, 4

e) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer: E

an inaccurate measurement of the canal can be too long or too short

too short a measurement may result in underinstrumentation of the canal and

underfilling of the canal

too long a measurement may result in overinstrumentation of the canal and

perforation of the tooth apex

Question 33:
After a complete clinical examination, the following is noted on the treatment chart of a
twenty-five year old female patient:
- wisdom teeth are missing
- all other permanent teeth are present
- 4 - 5 is in lingual version
- 3 - 5 requires an MOD amalgam restoration
- 4 - 7 requires an occlusal composite
How is the rubber dam adapted to accommodate tooth 4 - 5?
1. a larger size hole would be created
2. the hole is created 1mm lingual to the alignment
3. the hole is created 1mm facial to the alignment

4. the hole is created 2 - 3mm lingual to the alignment

5. the hole is created 2 - 3mm facial to the alignment
a) 2

b) 3

c) 4

d) 1, 2

e) 1, 5

Answer: B

the size of the hole is related to the size of the tooth

1mm placement lingually for teeth in lingual version or 1mm placement facially for
teeth in facial version is usually considered correct procedure

punches placed too far facially or lingually with cause bunching, stretching or
tearing

Question 34:
Coronal polishing should be limited to a handpiece speed of under __________________.
a. 10,000 RPM
b. 20,000 RPM
c. 50,0000 RPM
d. 75,000 RPM

Answer: B

a low steady speed of up to 20,000 rpm minimizes tissue trauma and functional
heat to the patient

Question 35:
When evaluating a patient's oral hygiene an index which categorizes the amount of tooth
structure covered by plaque, calculus and stain may be used, if the index used in your office
is from 0 - 3 indicating ideal to poor oral hygiene and/or accumulation. An index of 1
indicates:
a. there is no plaque, stain or calculus present
b. there is plaque, stain or calculus present within the gingival 3rd of the teeth

c. there is plaque, stain or calculus present extending into the middle 3rd of the teeth
d. there is plaque, stain and calculus covering most of the tooth surfaces

Answer: B

if O is ideal and 3 is poor, the sequence would be:

o

0-a

1-b

2-c

3-d

Question 36:
Following the diagnostic evaluation the dentist provides the patient with standard treatment
alternatives, benefits and costs. The informed patient exercised "the right to chose" and
selects a treatment plan which does not reflect the dentist's preference. The value
demonstrated in this situation is ______________________.
a. patient autonomy
b. practice preference
c. life and health
d. appropriate and pain free oral function
e. aesthetics

Answer: A

decisions made in dentistry involve moral choices and choices involving conflicting
values

patient autonomy
practice preferences

the patient has the right to make an informed decision regarding

their dental care even when it differs from the dentist's preferred
care
recognized services, materials, and techniques may vary according
to the preference of the dental office

life and health

appropriate and pain
free oral function
aesthetics

most important of the values

all dental care must maintain or improve a patient's quality of life
care of all patients will vary based on factors such as age, health,
anatomy, and oral hygiene
the self image of the patient must be addressed when oral and facial
appearance is involved

Question 37:
A dentist is responsible for providing care to members of society and must be aware of
behavior that is discriminatory or contradictory to human rights legislation. A dentist has a
right, in an emergency situation, to refuse care based on _________________.
1. personal conflict
2. time constraint
3. religious belief
4. race
5. medical condition

a) 2

b) 5

c) 1, 5

d) 1, 2

e) 3, 4

Answer: D

a dentist can refuse emergency care based on a personal conflict or time

constraint

religious belief, race, medical conditions, sexual preference, and age are all
human rights issues

Question 38:
Ongoing review of the regular activities in a dental practice will indicate the effectiveness of
the time management of the team members and time wasting activities. Which of the
following is/are indicative of time wasting activity or behavior?
1. not planning
2. lack of privacy
3. work area clutter
4. organize work flow

5. establish deadlines
a) 1

b) 1, 4

c) 4, 5

d) 1, 2, 3

e) 2, 3, 5

Answer: D

organizing work flow and setting deadlines are effective steps in time
management

work area clutter, lack of privacy and not planning waste time and energy
gradually effecting not only the individual involved but all team members

Question 39:
A new patient is seeing the dentist requesting a second opinion regarding a treatment plan
proposed by another office. The dentist agrees to a clinical examination and to provide the
patient with independent treatment alternatives, costs and benefits. After providing the
patient with comprehensive alternatives the dentist leaves the room and the dental
assistant prepares to dismiss the patient. The patient expresses disbelief at the current state
of her teeth, remarking that a lot of time and money has been spent through the years
maintaining her teeth. The dental assistant explains that the quality of care that she had
received in the past was poor and in fact is responsible for her current dental situation. The
dental assistant's statement could prove damaging under the concept of
__________________________.
a. act of omission
b. act of commission
c. malpractice
d. jurisprudence
e. defamation of character

Answer: E

an act of omission is failure to perform an act that a reasonable and prudent

professional would perform

an act of commission is when an act is performed that a reasonable and prudent

professional would not perform

malpractice - professional negligence

jurisprudence - law as applied to dentistry

defammation of character is an attack on reputation

Question 40:
An orthodontic patient arrives for a 10:00 appointment. (Her arch wire needs to be
tightened) The dental assistant observes the patient as being anxious and unresponsive to
conversation. At the end of the session, the patient informs the assistant that at the previous
appointment (for the same treatment), another assistant left a rough edge that resulted in a
lacerated cheek. In addition, the same assistant made a rude comment (during a filling
appointment six months ago) regarding the patient's nose ring.
How should the dental assistant deal with this situation?
1. asks the patient to make another appointment to discuss this
2. discuss immediately
3. recognize the real issue
4. avoid being argumentative
5. document details of the conversation
a) 1

b) 5

c) 2, 5

d) 3, 4

e) 2, 3, 4, 5

Answer: E

problems and concerns should be discussed immediately, delay in dealing with a

patient concern indicates disinterest or that a patient's point of view is
unimportant

delays to solving allow the problem to escalate

listen to determine if the problem is related to other concerns such as personal

problems or personality conflicts

arguing with a patient provides additional barriers to successful resolution

comprehensive details of the conversation are essential

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