National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What type of sealant is polymerized by chemical reactions?

1. Self-Cured

2. Light-Cured

3. Dual-Cured

4. Traditional

The correct answer is: Self-Cured

Self-cured sealants are polymerized through a chemical reaction that occurs when two components are mixed together, typically a base and a catalyst. This process leads to the hardening of the material without the need for external light sources. Self-cured sealants are advantageous because they do not require a curing light, making the application process straightforward. In contrast, light-cured sealants rely on a specific wavelength of light to initiate the polymerization process, and dual-cured sealants utilize both light and chemical reactions to achieve hardness. Traditional sealants do not refer to a specific polymerization method but may imply older technologies that are not as commonly used today. The unique feature of self-cured sealants makes them particularly useful in situations where a light-curing option may not be feasible or practical, emphasizing their importance in dental applications.