DH 224: Dental Public Health Midterm With complete
solutions | latest update 2026/2027
What factors affect dental care delivery in the US? (p. 9) - Ans 1. Poor distribution of
providers.
2. Lack of diversity among providers.
3. Restrictive regulatory statutes.
4. Geographic, educational, and cultural barriers.
5. Cost of care.
Dental public health emphasizes what science? (p. 7) - Ans The science of dental hygiene.
Preventing and controlling dental disease and promoting dental health through organized
community efforts.
Dental hygiene is the only healthcare profession with what type of care? (p. 19) -
Ans Preventative care.
The only valid opposition to public water fluoridation: (p. 26) - Ans It's a violation of
personal freedom of choice.
How does xylitol decrease dental decay? (p. 29) - Ans Xylitol keeps bacteria from
adsorbing well onto the tooth surface, decreasing the amount of plaque that's able to
accumulate.
Changes in DH over the past 10 years: (p. 91?) - Ans 1. Virtually every state has expanded
the legal scope of practice of DH.
, 2. Freedom in some states (i.e., NM, AK) to provide expanded dental hygiene care w/o
supervision of a dentist.
3. "Collaborative practice" more widely practiced, increasing access to care for underserved
populations.
4. Gradual move from private practice only to more public health settings.
5. Dental therapists and advanced hygiene practitioners. Expanding the professional practice of
DH has improved public's access to oral health services.
How do DH improve overall health? - Ans By treating oral conditions, removing plaque
and calculus, and educating more people throughout the world. Their efforts help to reduce oral
disease on a global basis.
What sectors are included in the dental care delivery system in the US? (p. 36?) -
Ans Federal, nongovernmental, and state sectors.
Which dental organization is one of the oldest health organization? (p 22) -
Ans Federation Dentaile International, or FDI.
What is the role of state dental boards? (p. 97) - Ans Regulating the practice and
procedure requirements for practitioners.
How does a CHANGE AGENT accomplish goals? (p. 108) - Ans 1. Vision. 2. Collaboration.
3. Communication. 4. Negotiation.
What is the definition of barrier to care? What are some barriers to DH care? (p 153) -
Ans Barrier to care= Anything that limits an individual's ability to receive dental services.
Some barriers to care:
1. Age.
solutions | latest update 2026/2027
What factors affect dental care delivery in the US? (p. 9) - Ans 1. Poor distribution of
providers.
2. Lack of diversity among providers.
3. Restrictive regulatory statutes.
4. Geographic, educational, and cultural barriers.
5. Cost of care.
Dental public health emphasizes what science? (p. 7) - Ans The science of dental hygiene.
Preventing and controlling dental disease and promoting dental health through organized
community efforts.
Dental hygiene is the only healthcare profession with what type of care? (p. 19) -
Ans Preventative care.
The only valid opposition to public water fluoridation: (p. 26) - Ans It's a violation of
personal freedom of choice.
How does xylitol decrease dental decay? (p. 29) - Ans Xylitol keeps bacteria from
adsorbing well onto the tooth surface, decreasing the amount of plaque that's able to
accumulate.
Changes in DH over the past 10 years: (p. 91?) - Ans 1. Virtually every state has expanded
the legal scope of practice of DH.
, 2. Freedom in some states (i.e., NM, AK) to provide expanded dental hygiene care w/o
supervision of a dentist.
3. "Collaborative practice" more widely practiced, increasing access to care for underserved
populations.
4. Gradual move from private practice only to more public health settings.
5. Dental therapists and advanced hygiene practitioners. Expanding the professional practice of
DH has improved public's access to oral health services.
How do DH improve overall health? - Ans By treating oral conditions, removing plaque
and calculus, and educating more people throughout the world. Their efforts help to reduce oral
disease on a global basis.
What sectors are included in the dental care delivery system in the US? (p. 36?) -
Ans Federal, nongovernmental, and state sectors.
Which dental organization is one of the oldest health organization? (p 22) -
Ans Federation Dentaile International, or FDI.
What is the role of state dental boards? (p. 97) - Ans Regulating the practice and
procedure requirements for practitioners.
How does a CHANGE AGENT accomplish goals? (p. 108) - Ans 1. Vision. 2. Collaboration.
3. Communication. 4. Negotiation.
What is the definition of barrier to care? What are some barriers to DH care? (p 153) -
Ans Barrier to care= Anything that limits an individual's ability to receive dental services.
Some barriers to care:
1. Age.
