HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

The correct answer is C, which stands for ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. EDTA is a chelating agent commonly used in dentistry to bind and remove calcium ions from the dental tissues and to help with the removal of biofilm and the disinfection of root canals. Its structure, as indicated by its name, consists of an ethylenediamine core with four acetic acid groups, allowing it to form stable complexes with metal ions which is crucial in various dental treatments. Understanding the chemical nature and applications of EDTA is important for dental professionals when managing patients with dental diseases, particularly in endodontics and periodontics.