National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

Which medical condition are dental patients most likely to experience while at the dental office?

1. Hypotension

2. Sycope

3. Hyperglycemia

4. Allergic reaction

The correct answer is: Sycope

Patients in a dental office setting are most likely to experience syncope, which is a temporary loss of consciousness often related to insufficient blood flow to the brain. Syncope commonly occurs due to anxiety, fear, or stress that individuals may feel when undergoing dental procedures. Factors such as the physical position of patients (e.g., lying back in the dental chair), pain, and the sight of needles or dental instruments can also contribute to a vasovagal response, leading to syncope. While hypotension, hyperglycemia, and allergic reactions are relevant medical conditions, they tend to be less frequent in dental settings. Hypotension can occur but is generally less common than syncope in this context. Hyperglycemia may be a concern for diabetic patients but often does not manifest acutely during a dental appointment unless there are significant lapses in managing their condition. Allergic reactions can occur, particularly in response to medications or materials used, but they are not as commonly encountered as syncope in the dental office. Thus, syncope stands out as a prevalent phenomenon due to the unique combination of psychological and physical factors associated with dental visits.