National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What sources of information must a dentist consider when making a final diagnosis?

1. Social history and diet

2. Historical, clinical, and radiographic findings

3. Only clinical and patient complaints

4. Patient's family history only

The correct answer is: Historical, clinical, and radiographic findings

A comprehensive approach is essential in making a final diagnosis in dentistry, and that involves considering a variety of information sources. Historical, clinical, and radiographic findings provide a multifaceted view of a patient's condition. Historical information includes the patient's medical and dental history, which may reveal past health issues, treatments, or surgeries that could affect the current diagnosis. Clinical findings encompass observations made during the physical examination, such as signs of infection, decay, or abnormal tissue changes. Radiographic findings, obtained through X-rays or other imaging techniques, allow dentists to visualize structures that are not accessible through visual examination alone, such as the status of teeth beneath gums and the condition of bone structure. Together, these elements enable dentists to arrive at an informed and accurate diagnosis. This holistic method ensures that all relevant factors are taken into account, thereby reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and enhancing the overall quality of care provided to the patient. Other choices focus on narrower aspects of patient history or assessment, which could lead to incomplete or misleading conclusions in the diagnostic process.