Dental Anatomy
How many permanent teeth does a typical adult have?
Which specialty focuses on straightening teeth and correcting bites?
Orthodontics
What procedure is commonly used to remove plaque and tartar from teeth?
Dental cleaning / prophylaxis
What standardized exam is required by most U.S. dental schools?
DAT
What is the hardest substance in the human body?
Enamel
Which teeth are primarily designed for tearing food?
Canines
Which dental specialist primarily treats diseases of the dental pulp and performs root canals?
Endodontist
What restoration covers most or all of the visible portion of a damaged tooth?
Crown
What do the initials DDS stand for?
Doctor of Dental Surgery
What is the common name for dental caries?
Cavities / tooth decay
What tissue lies directly underneath the enamel?
Dentin
Which specialty focuses on the gums and supporting structures of the teeth?
Periodontics
What treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth?
Root canal treatment
Name the three sciences included in the DAT Survey of Natural Sciences.
Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
What condition is the advanced form of gum disease that can cause loss of bone supporting the teeth?
Periodontitis
What part of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels?
Dental pulp
Which specialist diagnoses and surgically treats conditions involving the mouth, jaws, and related structures?
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
What dental procedure replaces a missing tooth using a titanium post placed into the jawbone?
Dental implant placement
What does the PAT section of the DAT stand for?
Perceptual Ability Test
What bacterium is classically associated with dental caries?
Streptococcus mutans
In the Universal Numbering System, what tooth is #19?
Mandibular left first molar
Which dental specialty focuses on diagnosing diseases using imaging and microscopic examination of oral tissues?
Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
In a traditional dental bridge, what is the term for the natural tooth that supports and anchors the bridge?
Abutment tooth
What are the four main sections of the DAT?
Survey of Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning
What cells are responsible for producing dentin?
Odontoblasts