Browse all practice questions for the Cariology and Prevention 1 Practice Test. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

Cariology and Prevention Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep course image
More practice questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

  • Which factor is NOT listed as a determinant of whether oral flora are aciduric or non-aciduric?
  • Which statement best describes how you can be an agent of change in early childhood oral health?
  • Which of the following is part of preparing for an examination when assessing a child’s oral health?
  • What treatment can arrest brown cavitations that do not require restorations?
  • Which bacteria are cited as part of cariogenic flora in the etiology components?
  • Which statement accurately reflects the data on caries prevalence among 5-17-year-olds and 17-year-olds?
  • What is established by age 2-3 and remains relatively stable, including cariogenic organisms, once established?
  • Which fluoride treatment has been shown to work best in arresting advanced cavitated carious lesions?
  • Which factor is included in patient needs and preferences for prevention planning?
  • Secondary prevention includes which of the following?
  • Non-cavitated carious lesions in enamel are commonly described as which of the following?
  • Which teeth do early childhood caries affect first?
  • Which host-related factor influences whether oral flora is aciduric?
  • Which is described as the least expensive salt of silver, commercially available in various concentrations, and used historically in medicine?
  • Rank the following fluoride sources by their typical topical fluoride concentration from highest to lowest: toothpaste, mouthrinse, fluoridated water.
  • Why is caries risk increased in patients with asthma and allergies?
  • Saying that the average 17-year-old has 4.96 decayed, missing, or filled teeth is an example of which measure?
  • What best describes the overall process of dental caries?
  • Why should parents not discourage fluoride varnish applications by primary care physicians?
  • Which term describes the plaque biofilm on teeth that can come to be dominated by cariogenic bacteria under acidic conditions?
  • Which epidemiological measure is more sensitive for capturing the magnitude of caries in the oral cavity?
  • Primary prevention occurs in which period?
  • Which statement correctly describes dental caries?
  • Which statement about fluoride and caries management is accurate according to the material?
  • Which is a primary goal of SDF treatment?
  • Early childhood caries lead to all of the following EXCEPT?
  • Starting with eruption of the first tooth, which brushing guideline is recommended?
  • Which combination of factors is associated with a higher risk of ECC?
  • Which item is NOT listed as a specific aspect to assess during a child’s oral examination in the material?
  • Which of the following is listed as an SDH example?
  • What is the goal of fluoride therapy in infants and younger children?
  • Which item is NOT part of the recommended maternal preventive strategies to reduce vertical transmission of cariogenic bacteria?
  • How often are the high-dose fluoride topical treatments typically applied?
  • What are the two virulence factors of cariogenic bacteria?
  • Represent areas where loss of enamel has exposed underlying dentin and often darken with pigments from food. What are these areas called?
  • In a cross-sectional survey, which measure is used to describe the burden of caries at a single point in time?
  • Which statement describes fluoride's effect on enamel solubility?
  • Which condition would most likely require urgent referral for comprehensive treatment?
  • Xylitol is recommended for pregnant mothers because it is a sugar alcohol that has which property?
  • For high-risk pediatric patients, which fluoride product is indicated for prevention and mitigation of ECC/S-ECC?
  • Which statement describes the interaction between diet and oral flora in caries development?
  • How long do oral acids persist after sugar ingestion?
  • For children aged 1-5 years, which beverage should be limited to 4 ounces and served with meals only?
  • Which organization provides guidelines for SDF re-evaluation timing?
  • What are the two most common dental diseases that can be prevented through safe and effective measures?
  • When is breast milk cariogenic?
  • Which factor determines how long sugar remains in the mouth (sticky or adhesive forms affect this)?
  • What instrument is used to apply the SDF solution to the lesion?
  • Which option describes a high-dose fluoride topical treatment delivered 1-2 times per year under dentist's control?
  • Dental caries develop primarily through which mechanism?
  • Which branch of medicine focuses on the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations?
  • At what age are supplements recommended for infants?
  • Which teeth are most susceptible to fluorosis during the first three years of life?
  • Which of the following is listed as an advantage of silver diamine fluoride?
  • What is the ultimate goal of the dental profession?
  • Which combination of maternal preventive strategies is recommended to reduce vertical transmission of cariogenic bacteria and lower virulence?
  • Which condition is described by multiple dark cavities in anterior and posterior teeth, with possible abscesses and draining fistulae, and patient pain?
  • In the SDF application protocol, what is used to isolate the tooth?
  • What does the DMFT index represent?
  • Which of the following groups are at high risk for caries?
  • Infants who are of low socioeconomic status, who consume a diet high in sugar, and whose mothers have a low education level are how many times more likely to experience ECC or S-ECC?
  • White spot lesions progress into cavities that are initially yellow if not managed. Which option best describes this progression?
  • Which term identifies a severe form of dental caries in very young children, defined by the presence of smooth-surface caries lesions in children under 3?
  • Which organizations strongly recommend breastfeeding?
  • Which of the following is part of the treatment protocol for white spot lesions?
  • Which condition is directly related to total fluoride ingested during tooth development?
  • What is the appearance of healthy teeth?
  • Which children are three times more likely to develop dental disease?
  • Which statement best describes the new paradigm of dental caries?
  • Any sign of smooth-surface caries in a child younger than 3 years is categorized as which condition?
  • The study of health and disease states in populations, and how heredity, biology, social and cultural factors influence these states, is best described as which field?
  • Enamel defects may appear as changes in translucency, texture, or color and increase risk for early childhood caries. Which term describes these conditions?
  • Which fluoride exposure route is most associated with systemic delivery during tooth development?
  • Postpartum intervention for high-risk moms includes which action?
  • Which statement about enamel defects is true in the context of a child’s oral examination?
  • What is the optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water?
  • Oral health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate oral health decisions.
  • Why is bedtime brushing considered the most critical time to brush?
  • What term describes lesions where enamel loss has exposed dentin and they darken with staining?
  • In postpartum care for high-risk moms, which adjunctive product should be considered?
  • What leads to enamel demineralization after being produced by oral bacteria and persisting for 20 to 40 minutes after sugar ingestion?
  • Which hypothesis describes that non-mutans bacteria in the right biofilm environment can adapt to produce acid and destabilize plaque, leading to demineralization?
  • Why do preterm or low birth weight (LBW) children have an increased caries risk?
  • Which combination of color and firmness is checked during re-evaluation after SDF application?
  • Which of the following is NOT a tertiary prevention example?
  • True or false: If a child doesn't have decay by age 3, they are unlikely to have decay.
  • What is an advantage of restoring brown cavitations?
  • In the described program, what outcome was achieved in children of mothers who received prenatal dental services and prevention education, followed by infant participation and an age 1 dental referral?
  • What treatment is used to prevent the development of new lesions in advanced or early aggressive ECC?
  • Which statement best describes epidemiology?
  • What is the purpose of the 4-8 week re-evaluation period for SDF-treated lesions?
  • Lowering pH below the critical pH promotes caries progression by which mechanism?
  • What amount of toothpaste should be placed on the toothbrush for children under 2 years old?
  • What is critical for remineralization as it both acts as a vehicle to transport fluoride ions into the demineralized enamel and acts as a reservoir for calcium & phosphate ions?
  • ECC stands for which condition?
  • Sources of topical fluoride include:
  • Which age group has diet guidance that includes limiting juice to 4 oz, avoiding carbonated beverages and sweetened juice drinks, and serving milk or water between meals?
  • Which statement correctly describes how a lap examination is conducted?
  • What is the consequence of consuming sugars frequently?
  • Which statement is NOT listed as an advantage of silver diamine fluoride?
  • The age range associated with the reported DMFT and DMFS values is?
  • What are the terms of the Alabama Medicaid dental program for all Medicaid eligible pregnant adults?
  • For high-risk patients, which type of beverage is recommended to minimize caries risk?
  • Which factor determines how often sugar is present in the mouth (drinks, sweet snacks, use of sippy cups)?
  • Which statement best describes secondary prevention?
  • What is the commonly used concentration of silver diamine fluoride solution for caries arrest?
  • What percentage of children have enamel defects?
  • Which maternal approach is commonly used to help prevent caries by altering maternal behavior during pregnancy?
  • What amount of toothpaste should be placed on the toothbrush for children 2 years old and over?
  • Our efforts to eradicate caries should focus on which approach rather than a vaccine or targeted antimicrobial?
  • During an oral examination on a child, which finding is used to assess current caries activity?
  • Which are topical mechanisms of fluoride?
  • Fluoride has multiple cariostatic mechanisms, but what is thought to be the primary one?
  • What is the order of caries progression?
  • When should a child start seeing a dentist?
  • Which statement best describes the old paradigm of dental caries?
  • According to the infant feeding guidelines, at what age should an infant begin introducing a cup to replace use of a bottle?
  • Which element is the most electronegative in fluoride compounds?
  • Which of the following statements best reflects the four variables to direct prevention efforts for dental caries and periodontal disease?
  • Which term describes the use of the best available research in dental decision-making?
  • Which statement can alter the balance between aciduric and non-aciduric oral bacteria?
  • Provides moderate-dose (226 mg/L) fluoride topically on a daily basis for those using it; effective & available over the counter; requires active use, but younger children are incapable of rinsing effectively
  • Which two epidemiological measures serve as indices of caries prevalence?
  • Which of the following is a risk factor for caries in children, as listed in the high-risk group factors?
  • Which of the following best describes a primary prevention approach in dentistry?
  • Dental caries are inherited, inevitable, and equally distributed in the general population. True or False?
  • Which of the following is NOT one of the three components of dental caries etiology?
  • What is the most consistent predictor of caries risk in children?
  • Which statement describes the Take a 1st Look program results?
  • Which of the following is a primary prevention measure used to prevent dental trauma?
  • Which of the following is an example of tertiary prevention?
  • What is the fluoride concentration in toothpaste?
  • Which risk(s) are minimized by appropriate fluoride therapy in infants and young children?
  • During SDF application, which step supports preventing contact of the solution with soft tissues?
  • During SDF application, what precaution should be followed to avoid soft tissue irritation?
  • Which statement accurately summarizes the SDF application protocol?
  • What is the fluoride concentration in mouthrinse?
  • The critical pH for hydroxyapatite dissolution is:
  • Enamel abnormalities indicate which level of caries risk?
  • What is the current regulatory status of silver diamine fluoride regarding caries arrest use?
  • What percentage of adolescents have dental caries by the age of 17?
  • Which location is recommended to brush along for high-risk patients?
  • What are the three components of evidence-based dentistry?
  • Which ethnicity has among the highest rates of dental caries in children?
  • ECC is used to describe caries in children up to what age?
  • What are the systemic mechanisms of fluoride?
  • According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, how can the possibility of preventing disease be improved in both the near and long term?
  • What is the recommended amount of SDF solution to moisten the lesion?
  • The presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated & cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child under the age of 6 defines which condition?
  • In planning for ECC prevention, patient needs and preferences involve which pair?
  • Remineralization occurs when acid is buffered by which oral fluid?
  • During a lap examination, which action is used to inspect the teeth and soft tissue?
  • What is the recommended toothpaste amount for children 2 years old and over?
  • What is a notable cosmetic side effect of applying SDF that should be discussed with patients and caregivers?
  • During SDF application, how should the carious lesion be moistened?
  • DMFS measures caries experience at which level?
  • Which ECC categories require urgent referral for comprehensive treatment?
  • The first clinical sign of demineralized enamel typically begins at which location?
  • During SDF application, which tissues should you avoid touching with the microbrush or solution?
  • In the described progression order of caries, which tooth group is listed as the second stage?
  • Which of the following is a tooth-related factor in caries etiology?
  • What is the average DMFT in school-age children (age 5-17)?
  • In the Take a 1st Look program, which group had the highest caries treatment counts?
  • Which combination of sources contributes to total fluoride ingestion during tooth development?
  • What is the critical pH range for enamel?
  • Are fluoride supplements taken by women during pregnancy effective in preventing dental caries in their offspring?
  • Secondary prevention occurs in which period of caries development?
  • By what age should an infant have a dental home established?
  • Initiation of fluoride varnish should occur around which age range?
  • Which term is defined by the ADA as the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate oral health decisions?
  • In what language should persistent and repeated education and counsel be delivered?
  • Silver nitrate has historically been used as what type of agent in medicine?
  • What is more effective in caries prevention compared to fluoride incorporated into enamel through systemic exposure during tooth development?
  • Which of the following is NOT listed as a risk factor for infants and young children regarding dental caries?
  • DMFT measures caries experience at which level?
  • Which tool is specifically used to apply the SDF solution to a carious lesion?
  • What is the window of opportunity for a lifetime impact on oral health?
  • Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the four variables to direct prevention efforts for dental caries and periodontal disease?
  • What children should receive fluoride through systemic water fluoridation or dietary supplements?
  • Decreasing maternal which condition is associated with improved child oral health?
  • According to the new paradigm, lesion progression may be arrested at ANY stage, including cavitation. True or False?
  • What is the window of infectivity for early childhood caries?
  • Which term describes disease occurrences in a population during a defined period, distinct from prevalence?
  • What reduces or removes the fluoride-rich layer of enamel at the surface?
  • What percentage of 5-9 year old children have at least one carious lesion or restoration?
  • What is the average DMFS in school-age children (age 5-17)?
  • Abscesses and fistulae may be present; the patient may experience pain, but young children may be unable to verbalize it. Which caries category matches this description?
  • Social determinants of health are best described as which of the following?
  • Which lifestyle behaviors affect both general health and oral and craniofacial health?
  • What color may enamel defects darken to due to staining from foods?
  • After brushing, should the child spit out or rinse?
  • Which topical fluoride option is commonly applied in dental offices?
  • The process whereby calcium & phosphate ions are supplied from a source external to the tooth to promote ion deposition into crystal voids in demineralized enamel to produce net mineral gain
  • Which of the following is an example of a social determinant of health?
  • Which of the following is an example of primary prevention in oral health?
  • Which ions are involved in fluoride-enhanced remineralization?
  • Which statement about fluoride levels in breast milk is true?
  • What should all fluoride prescriptions specify concerning sugar levels?
  • Until after 2 years old (minimal), which item should you NOT introduce to children?
  • Which statement best distinguishes incidence from prevalence?
  • What color change is commonly observed in SDF-treated lesions when assessing treatment success?
  • What is considered the key to further reduction in the burden of diseases and disorders affecting the face, mouth, and teeth?
  • Sources of dietary fluoride include:
  • When should physicians promote oral health in pregnancy?
  • Which statement best describes the scope of oral health?
  • In designing health care and community programs, what must be included?
  • What term describes the ability of cariogenic bacteria to thrive under acidic conditions, leading to dominance of plaque by these bacteria?
  • Which fluoride regimen has been shown to be most effective in arresting or reversing non-cavitated carious lesions?
  • Which of the following is not listed as a lifestyle factor affecting oral health?
  • Which of the following is a substrate-related factor in caries etiology?
  • When should high caries risk children NOT receive dietary supplements?
  • Which level of prevention would include rehab and fixed prosthodontics?
  • Over-the-counter fluoride mouthwashes should be used after what age?
  • What did the old paradigm consider most important in assessing caries?
  • At transition from breast or bottled formula, what should the child drink?
  • The appearance of healthy enamel is described as which of the following?
  • Which provides moderate-dose (1000 mg/L) fluoride topically on a 2-3 times per day basis and requires active use, but ingestion is a concern for younger children?
  • What is the main mechanism of fluoride?
  • Which statement is NOT a source of topical fluoride?
  • Dental caries is defined as what?
  • What is the concentration of fluoride in professionally applied gels used for high-dose topical therapy?
  • What epidemiological term describes the magnitude of disease present in a population at a specific point in time?
  • Early aggressive ECC and advanced ECC require urgent dental referral for comprehensive treatment including what?
  • Which of the following is NOT part of the SDF application protocol?
  • Which statement best describes the relationship between oral health and general health?
  • As a hygienist, which postpartum intervention set is described as including an oral health risk assessment at 6-9 months, fluoride varnish initiation, and establishing a dental home by age 1?
  • Is bottled water generally low or high in fluoride?
  • Until what age should parents help their children brush to ensure all areas are brushed?
  • Which statement best describes primary prevention?
  • What does the DMFS index represent?
  • What is effective without prophylaxis and binds with pellicle and biofilm?
  • The Take a 1st Look program results include earlier and more frequent fluoride applications initiated by which group?
  • Which intervention can reverse or arrest white spot lesions?
  • What term is defined as the level at which demineralization starts?
  • Which product has been cleared by the FDA as a class II medical device for tooth hypersensitivity and is being fast-tracked as a caries arresting medication?
  • What primary oral fluid acts to buffer acids and enable remineralization?
  • S-ECC is defined for children younger than which age?
  • In caries management, SDF contributes to arresting caries progression primarily by which effect?
  • The statement that the average child will develop a new carious lesion between ages 6 and 10 represents which measure?
  • The program reported a reduction in caries incidence in children of mothers who received prenatal dental services. What was the magnitude of this reduction?
  • ECC stands for what?
  • Fluoride-enhanced remineralization is dependent on?
  • Which age group has diet guidance including breastfeeding, bottle handling, introducing a cup at 6 months, and weaning by 12 months?
  • Tertiary prevention occurs during which period?
  • Which provides low dose (0.7-1 mg/L) fluoride topically on a nearly continuous or high-frequency basis for those consuming it via water?
  • Enamel defects are associated with what level of risk for early childhood caries?
  • S-ECC stands for what?
  • When should you re-evaluate SDF-treated teeth to assess whether the lesion is black, firm, or whether re-application is needed?
  • Which practice aligns with the new paradigm for caries management?
  • Oral health risk assessment should be performed at which infant age range?
  • Early childhood caries (ECC) are preventable and reversible.
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy