Specialties
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons only perform surgeries related to wisdom teeth extraction.
False..
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform a wide range of surgeries including facial trauma repair, jaw realignment (orthognathic surgery), dental implant placement, cyst and tumor removal, and reconstructive surgeriesโnot just wisdom teeth removal.
Soft-bristle toothbrushes are recommended over stiff-bristle toothbrushes.
Fact - soft bristles clean effectively while being gentler on enamel and gums.
What is the name of the committee that makes Instagram posts and publicizes PDS content?
PR (Public Relations)
The primary function of fluoride is to kill all bacteria in the mouth.
False..
Fluorideโs main role is to strengthen tooth enamel by promoting remineralization and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria. While it can inhibit some bacterial activity, it does not kill all bacteria in the mouth.
The teeth in the front of the mouth used for cutting food.
Incisors
Endodontists specialize in treating diseases of the gums and supporting bone around teeth.
False..
Endodontists specialize in treating the dental pulp and root canals. Periodontists focus on diseases of the gums and supporting structures.
Sugar-free gum can actually help reduce cavity risk.
Fact โ chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva, which neutralizes acids.
How many components are in Cal PDS total?
(Including pairs and solo officers)
10
Presidents, External, Internal, PR, Finance, DEOP, CS, Secretary, DEI, Web Admin
Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body but cannot regenerate once damaged.
True!
Enamel is highly mineralized and the hardest tissue in the body, but unlike other tissues, it doesnโt contain living cells and cannot regenerate after damage. Instead, damage must be repaired through dental treatments or remineralization with fluoride.
The type of joint that allows the jaw to move.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Orthodontists are the only dental specialists trained to correct malocclusion and jaw growth discrepancies.
True!
Orthodontists receive additional training focused specifically on diagnosing and correcting malocclusion (bite issues) and guiding jaw growth using braces, aligners, and other appliances.
Gum disease is linked to other health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Fact โ research shows a strong association between oral and systemic health.
What is the committee that focuses on educating local students (K-12) about the importance of oral and dental health?
DEOP
Dental Education and Outreach Program (DEOP)
Periodontal disease is caused solely by poor brushing technique.
False..
Periodontal disease is a complex condition caused by bacterial plaque, but also influenced by genetics, smoking, systemic illnesses (like diabetes), and immune responses. Poor oral hygiene is important but not the sole cause.
Brushing twice a day helps prevent this common gum disease.
Pediatric dentists only treat children with baby teeth and do not work with adolescents or teenagers.
False..
Pediatric dentists treat patients from infancy through adolescence (and sometimes special needs adults), managing not just baby teeth but also permanent teeth development and dental care in young patients.
Cavities can heal on their own without dental treatment.
Myth โ once a cavity forms, it cannot fully heal on its own and requires treatment or remineralization in very early stages.
What year were we founded?
1965.
"Established in 1965, Cal PDS is UC Berkeley's oldest pre-dental club, offering resources, community, and growth for aspiring dentists on campus."
Root canals are performed only to relieve pain and never to save the tooth structure.
False..
The main goal of root canal treatment is to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue to save the natural tooth from extraction. Pain relief is a benefit, but the procedure primarily preserves the tooth structure and function.
The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
Pulp
Prosthodontists focus exclusively on placing dental implants, with no involvement in making dentures or crowns.
False
Prosthodontists specialize in restoring and replacing teeth, including designing and placing dentures, crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of tooth replacement options, not just implants.
Baby teeth donโt need fillings because they fall out anyway.
Myth โ untreated decay in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and affect the development of permanent teeth.
What are the names of your Cal PDS Presidents for the 2025-2026 School Year?
Preksha & Michelle
Saliva contains enzymes that begin carbohydrate digestion and also have antimicrobial properties.
True!
Saliva contains the enzyme amylase (Bio 1A), which starts breaking down carbohydrates in the mouth. It also has antimicrobial components like lysozyme and immunoglobulins that help control oral bacteria and protect against infections.
The type of cells responsible for resorbing bone during tooth movement or remodeling.
Osteoclasts