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What step should the dental assistant take before applying topical fluoride?
Dry teeth thoroughly
Rinse with mouthwash
Floss all interproximal areas
Apply a protective coating
The correct answer is: Dry teeth thoroughly
Drying the teeth thoroughly before applying topical fluoride is essential because it maximizes the effectiveness of fluoride treatment. When the teeth are dry, it allows the fluoride gel or varnish to better adhere to the tooth surfaces, ensuring a more efficient application. This step also helps prevent dilution of the fluoride by saliva, which can diminish its benefits. In contrast, rinsing with mouthwash could introduce additional substances that may interfere with fluoride uptake. Flossing interproximal areas, while important for overall oral hygiene, is not necessary immediately before fluoride application and may introduce moisture to the teeth. Applying a protective coating is not a standard practice to be performed before the fluoride application, as the fluoride itself serves to protect and strengthen the enamel. Thus, drying the teeth is the most effective preparation for ensuring the proper application and benefits of topical fluoride.