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 index is utilized to assess caries experience in a population?

DMFT Index
deft index
CAMBRA
CPI Index

The correct answer is: deft index

The DMFT index is used to assess caries experience in a population by measuring the number of decayed (D), missing (M), and filled (F) teeth (T) in an individual or a group. It provides a standardized way to quantify caries levels and can help public health officials and dental professionals understand the caries prevalence in a specific population. While the deft index measures caries in primary teeth (decayed, extracted, filled teeth), it is not typically used for assessing caries experience in all populations as adequately as the DMFT index, which analyzes permanent teeth. CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) is a preventive approach focusing on identifying risks for caries but does not serve as an index for measuring caries experience directly. The CPI index is designed for assessing periodontal conditions, thus not relevant for caries assessment. Therefore, for evaluating caries experience, the DMFT index is the appropriate choice, capturing the necessary information across various age groups and demographic settings.