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

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

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What brushing method involves positioning the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the occlusal surface of the tooth?

Modified Bass
Fones
Charter's
Roll

The correct answer is: Charter's

The brushing method that involves positioning the bristles at a 45-degree angle towards the occlusal surface of the tooth is known as the Charter's technique. This method is particularly useful for cleaning around orthodontic appliances and in individuals with limited dexterity. By angling the bristles at 45 degrees towards the occlusal surface, the Charter's technique allows for effective plaque removal along the gumline and surfaces of the teeth. The gentle circular motion combined with the angle helps to dislodge debris while minimizing trauma to the gums. Other techniques such as Modified Bass involve similar angling but focus more on cleaning the sulcus area, and Fones method typically utilizes a circular brushing motion without the strategic angling of bristles. The Roll method primarily emphasizes a downward brushing motion without the same attention to the angle towards the occlusal surface. This differentiation highlights why the Charter's method is uniquely effective for specific situations, especially in patients with braces or other dental appliances.