National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Is coronal polishing the complete removal of calculus, debris, stains, and plaque from the teeth?

  1. True

  2. False

  3. Only true for molars

  4. Only true for anterior teeth

The correct answer is: False

Coronal polishing is specifically a procedure aimed at removing soft deposits, stains, and debris from the outer surfaces of the teeth; however, it does not involve the complete removal of calculus. Calculus, often referred to as tartar, is hardened plaque that requires professional dental tools for its effective removal, typically performed during a dental cleaning by a hygienist or dentist. Thus, stating that coronal polishing is the complete removal of calculus, debris, stains, and plaque is misleading. The focus of coronal polishing is on improving the aesthetic appearance of the teeth by polishing outer surfaces rather than a comprehensive cleaning that includes calculus removal. Therefore, understanding the primary purpose of coronal polishing helps clarify why the statement in the question is false.