Questions Answers with Rationales Chapters 1

Community Oral Health Practice for the Dental Hygienist 5th Edition (Beatty) Questions & Answers with Rationales (Chapters 1– 11)

Chapter 1: Introduction to Dental Public Health

• What is the primary goal of dental public health?
• To increase profit in private practices
• To prevent and control oral diseases in populations
• To expand dental insurance coverage
• To promote cosmetic dentistry services

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Dental<> public<> health<> focuses<> on<> the<> prevention<> and<> control<> of<> oral<> diseases<> within<> entire populations, improving community oral wellness rather than individual treatment.

• Which term refers to the study of the distribution and determinants of health-

related events?

• Sociology
• Epidemiology
• Etiology
• Biostatistics

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Epidemiology<> examines<> how<> diseases<> are<> distributed<> in<> populations<> and<> the<> factors<> that influence their occurrence, forming the foundation of community health assessment.

• Which factor is considered a social determinant of oral health?
• Occlusion
• Salivary pH
• Access to dental care
• Tongue mobility

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Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Social<> determinants<> include<> access<> to<> care,<> socioeconomic<> status,<> education,<> and<> environment— factors shaping the community’s oral health outcomes.

Chapter 2: Education and Promotion in Oral Health

4. The primary purpose of health promotion is to:

• Treat existing oral disease
• Enhance motivation for healthy behaviors
• Replace educational programs
• Increase dental clinic visits

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Health<> promotion<> focuses<> on<> empowering<> individuals<> and<> communities<> to<> adopt<> healthier behaviors, reducing disease risk.

• Which learning domain includes attitudes, values, and motivation?
• Cognitive
• Affective
• Psychomotor
• Behavioral

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The<> affective<> domain<> addresses<> emotional<> aspects<> of<> learning<> such<> as<> values,<> beliefs,<> and motivation.

• What is the first step in developing an oral health education program?
• Implementation
• Needs assessment
• Evaluation
• Intervention design

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A<> needs<> assessment<> identifies<> gaps<> and<> determines<> priority<> needs,<> forming<> the<> foundation<> for effective program design.2

Chapter 3: Epidemiology and Fluoride

• Which index measures dental caries in permanent teeth?

A. OHI-S

B. CPITN

C. DMFT

• PI

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: DMFT<> (Decayed,<> Missing,<> Filled<> Teeth)<> is<> the<> standard<> index<> for<> assessing<> caries<> prevalence<> in populations.

8. The greatest public health benefit of community water fluoridation is:

• Reduction of gingivitis
• Prevention of dental caries
• Increased salivary flow
• Whiter teeth

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Fluoride<> strengthens<> enamel<> and<> prevents<> decay,<> especially<> in<> children<> and<> low-income populations.

• A fluoride concentration of 0.7 ppm in community water supplies is recommended

because:

• It prevents fluorosis entirely
• It maximizes benefits while minimizing risks
• It increases dental office revenue
• It eliminates the need for toothpaste

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 0.7<> ppm<> is<> the<> optimal<> level<> recommended<> by<> health<> agencies<> for<> effective<> caries<> prevention with low fluorosis risk.

Chapter 4: Prevention and Risk Assessment

• Which patient is at highest risk for caries according to current evidence?
• Drinks only water
• Uses fluoride toothpaste twice daily

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• Frequently sips sugary beverages
• Has high salivary flow

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Frequent sugar exposure fuels acidogenic bacteria, raising caries risk significantly.

11. Sealants are most effective when applied to:

• Smooth surfaces
• Interproximal surfaces
• Occlusal pits and fissures
• Facial surfaces

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Occlusal surfaces have deep fissures that trap bacteria; sealants protect these high-risk areas.

• Which factor is a primary biological cause of periodontal disease?
• Stress
• Plaque biofilm
• Diet
• Genetics

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Plaque biofilm initiates the inflammatory process leading to periodontal destruction.

Chapter 5: Program Planning and Evaluation

• What is the last phase of the program planning cycle?
• Evaluation
• Assessment
• Diagnosis
• Implementation

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Evaluation determines program success and guides future improvements.

14. Formative evaluation is conducted:

• After the program ends
• Before program planning

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