Risk Assessment and Patient Screening Practice Questions
20 free Risk Assessment and Patient Screening practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
What is the primary purpose of conducting a patient risk assessment in preventive dentistry?
- A To diagnose existing disease
- B To identify factors that increase the likelihood of oral disease
- C To determine insurance eligibility
- D To select dental materials for treatment
Correct answer: To identify factors that increase the likelihood of oral disease
Risk assessment identifies behaviors, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors that may predispose patients to disease. This information helps guide preventive care.
Which patient factor significantly increases the risk for dental caries?
- A Frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates
- B Consistent daily use of fluoride toothpaste morning and night
- C Regular professional cleanings scheduled every few months
- D Careful daily flossing between all of the teeth
Correct answer: Frequent intake of fermentable carbohydrates
Frequent sugar exposure feeds cariogenic bacteria and increases caries risk. It is a key component of dietary assessment.
Which medical condition most strongly contributes to periodontal disease risk?
- A Well-controlled asthma
- B Diabetes mellitus
- C Seasonal allergies
- D Migraines
Correct answer: Diabetes mellitus
Poorly controlled diabetes impairs immune response and increases susceptibility to periodontal disease. It is a major risk factor.
Which patient habit most increases the risk of oral cancer?
- A High carbohydrate diet
- B Smoking and alcohol use
- C Low vitamin intake
- D Frequent snacking
Correct answer: Smoking and alcohol use
Tobacco and alcohol significantly elevate oral cancer risk. Their combined use has a synergistic effect.
Which tool is commonly used to evaluate a patient’s periodontal health status?
- A Air-water syringe
- B Periodontal probe
- C Bitewing radiographs
- D Curing light
Correct answer: Periodontal probe
Periodontal probes measure pocket depths and assess gingival health. They are essential for screening periodontal risk.
Which factor most strongly suggests a patient is at high caries risk?
- A Regular dental visits
- B Previous history of caries
- C Daily brushing
- D Use of fluoridated water
Correct answer: Previous history of caries
Past caries experience is a strong predictor of future disease. It indicates underlying oral or behavioral risk factors.
Which patient population requires special consideration due to increased risk of medication-induced xerostomia?
- A Competitive athletes in endurance sports
- B Older adults taking multiple medications
- C Young children under the age of six
- D Pregnant women in the third trimester
Correct answer: Older adults taking multiple medications
Many medications taken by older adults reduce salivary flow, increasing caries risk. Screening should include medication review.
Which sign is an early indicator of gingival disease during screening?
- A Tooth mobility
- B Deep periodontal pockets
- C Bleeding on probing
- D Severe bone loss
Correct answer: Bleeding on probing
Bleeding on probing indicates inflammatory changes in gingival tissues. Early detection supports preventive intervention.
Which factor increases caries risk by reducing the natural cleansing action of saliva?
- A Snacking between meals
- B Using a soft toothbrush
- C Drinking water frequently
- D Chewing sugar-free gum
Correct answer: Snacking between meals
Frequent snacking keeps acid levels high and reduces time for saliva to neutralize acids. This increases caries formation.
Which screening question is important when evaluating risk for infective endocarditis?
- A Do you drink sugary beverages?
- B Have you ever been told you need antibiotics before dental treatment?
- C How often do you floss?
- D Do you wear retainers?
Correct answer: Have you ever been told you need antibiotics before dental treatment?
Patients with certain heart conditions require antibiotic prophylaxis. Asking about prior medical recommendations helps identify risk.
Which category of patients may require shortened appointments due to medical risk?
- A Healthy children
- B Patients with severe anxiety
- C Patients with cardiovascular disease
- D Teenagers with braces
Correct answer: Patients with cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular patients may not tolerate prolonged stress. Shorter appointments help reduce cardiac risk.
Which dietary habit increases erosion risk?
- A Drinking milk daily
- B Frequent intake of acidic beverages
- C Eating high-fiber foods
- D Consuming foods with high protein
Correct answer: Frequent intake of acidic beverages
Acidic drinks lower pH and soften enamel, increasing erosion risk. Screening identifies patients needing dietary counseling.
Which factor places a child at greater risk for early childhood caries?
- A Nighttime bottle feeding with juice
- B Brushing twice daily
- C Use of sealants
- D Limited sugar intake
Correct answer: Nighttime bottle feeding with juice
Prolonged exposure to sugary drinks during sleep increases caries risk. Salivary flow decreases at night, worsening the effect.
Which clinical sign may indicate bruxism during patient screening?
- A Deep periodontal pockets
- B Flattened occlusal surfaces
- C Heavy plaque deposits
- D Dark brown stains
Correct answer: Flattened occlusal surfaces
Bruxism creates worn, flattened surfaces from grinding. Identifying this risk helps prevent further tooth wear.
Which step is essential when screening patients for medical emergencies?
- A Recording vital signs
- B Asking about flossing habits
- C Evaluating tooth shade
- D Checking occlusal contacts
Correct answer: Recording vital signs
Vital signs help identify conditions requiring precautions. They assist in detecting hypertension, arrhythmias, and systemic concerns.
Which oral hygiene factor is considered when determining periodontal risk?
- A Brushing frequency
- B Tooth color
- C Fluoride concentration
- D Chewing habits
Correct answer: Brushing frequency
Poor brushing increases plaque accumulation and inflammation. It is a primary modifiable risk factor.
Which lifestyle factor increases risk for both periodontal disease and implant failure?
- A Sleep apnea
- B Tobacco use
- C Daily exercise
- D Low-carb diet
Correct answer: Tobacco use
Tobacco compromises healing and immune response. It is a major contraindication for implant success.
Which patient is at highest risk for developing root caries?
- A Teenager with braces
- B Older adult with gingival recession
- C Child with sealants
- D Adult with intact enamel
Correct answer: Older adult with gingival recession
Exposed root surfaces are softer and more susceptible to caries. Recession combined with xerostomia increases risk significantly.
Which patient factor is important when determining radiographic risk assessment needs?
- A Tooth shade
- B Caries history and current symptoms
- C Preferred appointment time
- D Fluoride varnish preference
Correct answer: Caries history and current symptoms
Radiographs are prescribed based on caries risk and clinical findings. High-risk patients require more frequent monitoring.
Which systemic condition increases the risk for oral candidiasis?
- A High blood pressure
- B Immunosuppression
- C Migraine headaches
- D Joint pain
Correct answer: Immunosuppression
Immunosuppressed individuals are more prone to fungal infections. Screening helps identify patients needing preventive interventions.