Dentistry
What this domain tests
Dentistry questions cover oral anatomy, periodontal disease, dental charting, radiographs, scaling and polishing, extractions, and anesthesia safety. The exam expects you to recognize disease and know the sequence of a safe dental procedure.
Core rules
- Dog dental formula: 2(I3/3 C1/1 P4/4 M2/3) = 42. Cat: 2(I3/3 C1/1 P3/2 M1/1) = 30.
- Triadan system: right maxilla 100s, left maxilla 200s, left mandible 300s, right mandible 400s. Tooth 108 is the right maxillary fourth premolar; 309 is the left mandibular first molar.
- Periodontal disease progresses from plaque and calculus to gingivitis, then periodontitis with attachment loss, pockets, mobility, and furcation involvement.
- Dental radiographs are required to assess roots, bone loss, and retained teeth; use bisecting-angle or parallel technique as appropriate.
- Scaling removes calculus; polishing smooths enamel; irrigation removes debris. Extractions need elevators, forceps, and sometimes sectioning of multirooted teeth.
- Use a cuffed ET tube and a throat pack to protect the airway.
Worked example
A chart notes a deep pocket and bone loss on the right maxillary fourth premolar. In Triadan notation this is tooth 108. The left mandibular first molar is 309. Correct numbering lets the veterinarian communicate the lesion and plan treatment without ambiguity.
Traps that cost marks
Scaling without polishing; probing only visually; missing radiographs; using a human scaler; failing to protect the airway; extracting a tooth without assessing root structure.