National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

To improve the adhesion of dental materials, etching the tooth preparation can be used to:

1. Increase surface area

2. Decrease sensitivity

3. Change the color

4. Reduce moisture

The correct answer is: Increase surface area

Etching the tooth preparation enhances adhesion by increasing the surface area available for bonding between the dental materials and the tooth structure. The etching process typically involves the use of an acid, such as phosphoric acid, which removes the smear layer and creates microscopic irregularities on the enamel or dentin surface. This roughened surface allows for mechanical interlocking between the material and the tooth, leading to a stronger bond once the dental material is applied. Increasing the surface area is crucial, as it provides more sites for the bonding agents to adhere, contributing to the longevity and effectiveness of restorations or sealants. The other options do not directly relate to the primary function of etching in this context. For instance, decreasing sensitivity is often a consideration in dental procedures but is not the primary purpose of etching. Similarly, color change and moisture reduction are not direct outcomes of the etching process for the purpose of improving adhesion.