MOHAP Dentist Exam cheat sheet

The parotid gland is innervated by parasympathetic secretomotor fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) synapsing in the otic ganglion; the submandibular and sublingual glands receive fibers from the facial nerve (CN VII) via the submandibular ganglion.

The mandibular nerve (V3) exits the skull through the foramen ovale; the maxillary nerve (V2) exits through the foramen rotundum; the ophthalmic nerve (V1) exits through the superior orbital fissure.

Enamel matrix is secreted by ameloblasts and is approximately 96% mineral by weight; dentin is about 70% mineral and is produced by odontoblasts throughout life.

The lingual nerve carries general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and chorda tympani taste fibers; the glossopharyngeal nerve supplies taste and sensation to the posterior third.

Local anesthetics block voltage-gated sodium channels from the intracellular side in their charged form; inflamed tissue lowers pH, reducing the proportion of charged drug and efficacy.

Hepatic clearance follows first-order kinetics at therapeutic concentrations; drugs with high first-pass metabolism (e.g., lidocaine) require reduced oral dosing.

The complement cascade's classical pathway is initiated by IgG or IgM binding C1q; the alternative pathway is antibody-independent and amplifies on microbial surfaces.

Gram-positive bacteria retain crystal violet due to a thick peptidoglycan layer; gram-negative cell walls have a thin peptidoglycan layer and an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharide.

Enamel rods run from the dentinoenamel junction toward the surface; rod direction and Hunter-Schreger bands reflect the path of ameloblast secretory activity.

The dentinoenamel junction has a scalloped interface that increases mechanical interlocking between enamel and dentin.

Saliva is supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite at pH above approximately 5.5; below the critical pH, demineralization predominates.

The main salivary buffers are bicarbonate, phosphate, and proteins; stimulated parotid saliva has higher flow and bicarbonate than resting whole saliva.

Periodontal ligament fibers are principally type I collagen; the principal fiber groups are alveolar crest, horizontal, oblique, apical, and interradicular.

Gingival crevicular fluid is a transudate/inflammatory exudate whose flow increases with gingival inflammation.

Sulcular epithelium is nonkeratinized and permeable; junctional epithelium attaches to the tooth via hemidesmosomes and an internal basal lamina.

The acquired enamel pellicle forms from salivary glycoproteins adsorbing to hydroxyapatite and modulates demineralization and bacterial adhesion.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common oral malignancy; risk factors include tobacco, areca nut/betel quid, alcohol, and HPV (especially oropharyngeal).

Leukoplakia is a clinical diagnosis of a predominantly white patch that cannot be characterized as any other disease; dysplasia on biopsy increases malignant transformation risk.

Odontogenic keratocyst shows a parakeratinized epithelial lining with a corrugated surface and palisaded basal layer; it has a high recurrence rate.

Ameloblastoma is a benign but locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, most often in the posterior mandible, with a soap-bubble radiographic appearance.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common salivary gland tumor, most often in the parotid; it has a fibrous capsule and risk of recurrence if ruptured.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary tumor; grading depends on cystic, intermediate, and epidermoid cell proportions.

Periapical cyst arises from epithelial rests of Malassez stimulated by inflammation; it is lined by nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

Lichen planus shows a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the epithelial-connective tissue interface with basal cell liquefaction degeneration.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is diagnosed clinically; major aphthae exceed 1 cm, last weeks, and may scar.

Oral candidiasis is treated with topical antifungals (nystatin, clotrimazole) or systemic fluconazole for refractory or immunocompromised cases; denture stomatitis requires denture hygiene and disinfection.

Oral lichen planus is a chronic T-cell-mediated condition; erosive forms are managed with topical corticosteroids; malignant transformation risk warrants periodic review.

Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sharp, electric-shock pain in a V2/V3 distribution triggered by touch; carbamazepine is first-line therapy.

Pemphigus vulgaris presents with flaccid bullae and positive Nikolsky sign; direct immunofluorescence shows intercellular IgG; pemphigoid shows linear basement membrane deposition.

Xerostomia from Sjögren syndrome is managed with saliva substitutes, sialogogues (pilocarpine, cevimeline), and caries prevention with topical fluoride.

Angular cheilitis is commonly associated with Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus aureus, often with reduced vertical dimension or nutritional deficiency.

Erythema multiforme major involves oral mucosa with target lesions; HSV is the most common trigger; severe cases may require systemic corticosteroids.

The critical pH for enamel demineralization is approximately 5.5; for root dentin/cementum it is approximately 6.2-6.7.

Dental caries is a multifactorial, biofilm-mediated, diet-modulated, dynamic disease; the caries balance depends on pathologic versus protective factors.

Fluoride acts by promoting remineralization, forming fluorapatite, and inhibiting bacterial enolase; 5,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste is used for high-risk patients.

Caries risk assessment includes diet frequency, fluoride exposure, saliva flow, past caries experience, and plaque control.

Arrested caries is hard and dark; active caries is soft, leathery, and lighter; excavation endpoints differ accordingly.

Glass ionomer releases fluoride and bonds chemically to tooth structure; it is indicated for high-caries-risk and root caries.

Sealants are indicated for deep pits and fissures in caries-free or incipient-carious teeth; resin-based sealants require dry isolation.

The stepwise excavation approach removes peripheral infected dentin and leaves affected dentin, reducing pulp exposure risk.

Cavity preparation principles include outline form, resistance form, retention form, convenience form, and removal of remaining caries.

Etching enamel with 35-37% phosphoric acid for 15-30 seconds creates microporosity for micromechanical bonding.

Dentin bonding uses etch-and-rinse or self-etch systems; moisture control and avoiding over-drying are critical.

Composite polymerization shrinkage can cause marginal leakage and postoperative sensitivity; incremental placement and C-factor considerations reduce stress.

Amalgam has high compressive strength and long-term durability but no adhesive bond; it is contraindicated in esthetically critical areas.

Pulp protection with calcium hydroxide or resin-modified glass ionomer is indicated for deep preparations with near-exposure.

Occlusal contacts should be checked in centric occlusion and excursive movements after restoration placement.

Rubber dam isolation improves moisture control and protects the airway; it is standard for endodontic and adhesive procedures.

Working length is determined radiographically and with an apex locator; the apical constriction is typically 0.5-1.0 mm short of the radiographic apex.

The root canal system is cleaned with mechanical instrumentation plus irrigants; sodium hypochlorite (0.5-5.25%) dissolves organic tissue and is antimicrobial.

EDTA (17%) chelates smear layer and is used as a final irrigant before obturation.

Irrigant extrusion beyond the apex can cause severe tissue damage; needle depth and pressure must be controlled.

Obturation with gutta-percha and sealer should fill the canal three-dimensionally to the apical constriction.

A separated instrument or perforation should be documented and managed; prognosis depends on location and restorability.

Pulpal diagnosis categories include reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis, and necrosis; periapical diagnosis includes symptomatic and asymptomatic apical periodontitis.

Post-endodontic restorations should protect remaining tooth structure; cuspal coverage is indicated when significant structure is lost.

Gingivitis is reversible inflammation limited to gingiva; periodontitis involves attachment loss and alveolar bone loss.

Periodontal probing depth measures from gingival margin to sulcus base; clinical attachment level measures from cementoenamel junction to sulcus base.

The 2018 classification stages periodontitis by severity (I-IV) and grades by progression rate (A-C).

Risk factors for periodontitis include smoking, diabetes, poor plaque control, and genetic susceptibility.

Scaling and root planing is the initial nonsurgical therapy; re-evaluation occurs 6-8 weeks later.

Systemic antibiotics are adjunctive and not a substitute for mechanical debridement; they are reserved for specific cases.

Gingival recession is classified by Miller or Cairo; root coverage procedures depend on defect type and keratinized tissue.

Peri-implant mucositis is reversible inflammation; peri-implantitis includes bone loss and requires surgical and/or nonsurgical management.

Abutment selection for fixed partial dentures considers crown-root ratio, periodontal support, and arch form.

Ante's law states that the total periodontal ligament area of abutments should equal or exceed that of the replaced teeth.

Occlusal rest seats in removable partial dentures direct forces along the long axis of abutment teeth.

The neutral zone is the space between the lips, cheeks, and tongue where denture teeth are positioned to balance muscular forces.

Complete denture retention depends on adhesion, cohesion, atmospheric pressure, and border seal.

The curve of Spee and compensating curves influence balanced occlusion in complete dentures.

Implant prosthodontics requires adequate bone volume; the anterior loop of the mental nerve must be identified on CBCT.

Provisional restorations should provide esthetics, occlusion, and pulpal protection while maintaining periodontal health.

The inferior alveolar nerve block targets the pterygomandibular space; the lingual nerve is anesthetized as it lies anterior to the inferior alveolar nerve.

The greater palatine foramen is located at the junction of the hard palate and alveolar process, typically opposite the maxillary third molar.

Third molar extraction difficulty increases with root curvature, depth of impaction, and proximity to the inferior alveolar canal.

Postoperative bleeding is managed with pressure, hemostatic agents, and reversal of coagulopathy; airway protection is paramount.

Odontogenic infections spread along fascial planes; Ludwig's angina involves the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces and threatens the airway.

Local anesthetic maximum doses: lidocaine 4.4 mg/kg (with epinephrine), articaine 7 mg/kg, mepivacaine 6.6 mg/kg.

Malignant hyperthermia is associated with succinylcholine and volatile anesthetics; dantrolene is the treatment.

Orthognathic surgery planning requires cephalometric analysis and consideration of skeletal and dental relationships.

Class I malocclusion has normal first molar relationship; Class II has the mandibular first molar distal to the maxillary; Class III has it mesial.

Cephalometric landmarks include SNA, SNB, and ANB angles; ANB indicates the skeletal anteroposterior relationship.

Growth modification is most effective during the pubertal growth spurt; timing is assessed with cervical vertebral maturation.

Fixed appliances move teeth through bone remodeling; optimal force levels vary by tooth type and movement.

Retention after orthodontic treatment prevents relapse; fixed retainers and removable retainers are common.

Impacted canines require radiographic localization and may need surgical exposure and orthodontic traction.

Early interceptive treatment addresses habits, crossbites, and arch length discrepancies.

Clear aligners are effective for mild to moderate malocclusions; complex movements may require fixed appliances.

The primary dentition erupts from about 6 months to 2.5 years; the first primary tooth is usually the mandibular central incisor.

The mixed dentition stage begins with the eruption of the first permanent molar at about 6 years.

Pulpotomy is indicated for a vital pulp with coronal inflammation; pulpectomy is indicated when radicular pulp is involved.

Stainless steel crowns are indicated for extensive primary molar caries and after pulpotomy.

Fluoride varnish (5% NaF) is applied every 3-6 months for caries prevention.

Behavior guidance techniques include tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and nitrous oxide sedation.

Space maintainers preserve arch length after premature primary tooth loss.

Dental trauma in children includes crown fractures, luxation, and avulsion; avulsed permanent teeth should be replanted and splinted.

A systematic radiographic interpretation includes image quality, anatomy, caries, periapical status, bone levels, and incidental findings.

Cone beam computed tomography provides three-dimensional imaging for implant planning, impacted teeth, and complex endodontics.

The bisecting angle technique and paralleling technique are used for intraoral radiographs; paralleling minimizes distortion.

Radiation protection principles include ALARA, collimation, lead aprons, and thyroid shields.

Periapical radiographs are indicated for suspected periapical pathology; bitewings are indicated for interproximal caries.

Treatment planning considers patient goals, medical status, prognosis, and sequencing of care.

Informed consent requires disclosure of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the patient's right to refuse.

Differential diagnosis of radiolucencies includes cysts, tumors, and inflammatory lesions; biopsy may be required.

Standard precautions apply to all patients regardless of presumed infectious status.

Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to prevent healthcare-associated infection.

Sterilization of instruments is achieved by autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes or 134°C for 3 minutes; biological indicators are used for monitoring.

Surface disinfection uses EPA-registered hospital disinfectants; barriers protect high-touch surfaces.

Needlestick injuries require immediate washing, reporting, and post-exposure prophylaxis evaluation.

Medical emergencies in the dental office include syncope, hypoglycemia, anaphylaxis, and cardiac arrest; oxygen and epinephrine are essential.

Anaphylaxis is treated with intramuscular epinephrine 0.3-0.5 mg of 1:1000 solution in adults.

Basic life support follows the CAB sequence: compressions, airway, breathing; high-quality compressions are emphasized.

Informed consent must be obtained before treatment and documented in the patient record.

Confidentiality of patient information is a legal and ethical obligation; disclosure requires consent or legal mandate.

The UAE healthcare regulatory framework includes MOHAP and local health authorities; licensure and scope of practice must be maintained.

Professional boundaries and conflicts of interest must be managed; gifts and referrals should not compromise care.

Accurate and timely clinical records are required; records may be used in legal proceedings.

Advertising and social media use must comply with professional regulations and must not mislead patients.

Practice management includes appointment scheduling, billing, and quality improvement; patient safety reporting systems support continuous improvement.

Continuing professional development is required to maintain licensure and competence.