National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Get ready for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) with our comprehensive quizzes. Study using multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your dental hygienist exam!

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What is the main purpose of calculating a deft index?

  1. To measure dental expenses

  2. To assess the prevalence of periodontal disease

  3. To measure caries experience

  4. To evaluate orthodontic needs

The correct answer is: To measure caries experience

Calculating a deft index is primarily aimed at measuring caries experience in children. The deft index specifically looks at decayed (d), extracted (e), and filled (f) primary teeth (t), providing an important metric for assessing the oral health status of pediatric populations. By utilizing this index, dental professionals can gather data on the extent of dental caries in young patients, which is crucial for understanding population-level trends in oral health and for planning preventive interventions. In the context of dental hygiene and public health, the deft index serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas in need of improved oral health education and treatment options, contributing to the overall goal of reducing childhood dental caries. This is not focused on the assessment of periodontal disease, evaluation of orthodontic needs, or measuring dental expenses, making it clear why the deft index is specifically associated with caries experience.