HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What describes the three types of prevention in dental health?

1. Primary, secondary, tertiary

2. Preventive, corrective, aesthetic

3. Routine, emergency, maintenance

4. Comprehensive, selective, targeted

The correct answer is: Primary, secondary, tertiary

The three types of prevention in dental health are best described as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prevention focuses on preventing diseases or conditions before they occur. This includes practices such as regular brushing and flossing, dental check-ups, and fluoride treatments that aim to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues from developing. Secondary prevention involves early detection and intervention to halt the progression of disease. For example, this includes restorative measures such as fillings for cavities, which address problems as soon as they arise to prevent further complications. Tertiary prevention refers to the management of established diseases or conditions to minimize their impact on a patient's overall health. This might include procedures like root canals or dentures, aiming to restore functionality and quality of life after significant issues have already occurred. The other choices do not accurately represent the comprehensive model of prevention in dental health. Preventive, corrective, and aesthetic focuses more on the nature of dental procedures rather than the prevention strategy stages. Routine, emergency, and maintenance categorize dental visits rather than prevention types, and comprehensive, selective, and targeted are not standard terms used to define prevention categories in dental practice.