Dental 101
Name four major sections/areas tested on the DAT.
Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning
What is the only movable bone of the skull?
Mandible
A patient has bleeding, swollen gums. What common condition might they have?
Gingivitis
Which type of tooth is primarily designed for tearing food?
Canine
What famous candy slogan says, “Taste the rainbow”?
Skittles
What part of the tooth is located below the enamel and surrounds the pulp?
Dentin
What joint connects the mandible to the skull?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
What is the main purpose of fluoride in dentistry?
Strengthens enamel/helps prevent cavities
How many permanent canines does a person normally have?
4
Which drink has a lower pH and is generally more acidic
Soda
What mineral makes up most of tooth enamel?
Hydroxyapatite
Which cranial nerve is responsible for most facial sensation AND controls the muscles of mastication?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
What instrument does a dentist commonly use to examine the surfaces of teeth for abnormalities?
Dental explorer
Which permanent teeth normally replace the primary molars?
Premolars
Approximately how many liters of saliva can a person produce in one day
About 1-1.5L
What dental specialty focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp?
Endodontics
Which branch of the trigeminal nerve provides sensation to the lower teeth?
Mandibular division (V3)
A patient needs treatment involving the inside of a tooth because the pulp is infected. What procedure might they need?
Root canal treatment
Which permanent tooth usually has the longest root?
Maxillary canine
What is the medical term for chronic dry mouth?
Xerostomia
What type of bacteria are strongly associated with the initiation of dental caries?
Streptococcus mutans
What nerve is commonly anesthetized during a mandibular block before dental treatment?
Inferior alveolar nerve
Untreated gingivitis can progress into what more serious form of gum disease that can cause bone and tooth loss?
Periodontitis
Which permanent molar is usually the first permanent tooth to erupt?
First molar
What is the technical term for grinding or clenching your teeth?
Bruxism