PMC Dentistry Licensure flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Enamel composition

Enamel is approximately 96% mineral by weight, mostly hydroxyapatite, with small amounts of organic material and water. It is acellular and cannot regenerate after destruction.

Dentin composition

Dentin is about 70% mineral, 20% organic (mainly type I collagen), and 10% water. Dentinal tubules extend from the pulp to the dentinoenamel junction.

Cranial nerve VII

The facial nerve supplies muscles of facial expression, taste to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and parasympathetic fibers to lacrimal and salivary glands.

Ludwig's angina

A rapidly spreading bilateral cellulitis of the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces that threatens the airway and requires urgent antibiotics and airway management.

Dry socket

Alveolar osteitis occurring two to four days after extraction, with severe pain and an empty socket. Treatment is irrigation and a medicated dressing.

Working length

The distance from a coronal reference point to the apical constriction, typically 0.5 to 1 mm short of the radiographic apex, confirmed with an apex locator.

Sodium hypochlorite irrigation

The main endodontic irrigant, used at 0.5 to 5.25%, which dissolves organic tissue and is antimicrobial. It should not be extruded beyond the apex.

Ferrule effect

A 2 mm circumferential band of dentin coronal to the preparation margin that improves resistance and retention of a post-retained restoration.

Balanced occlusion

A complete denture occlusal scheme with simultaneous bilateral contacts in eccentric movements, reducing tipping forces on the denture bases.

Freeway space

The difference between the rest vertical dimension and the occlusal vertical dimension, typically 2 to 4 mm in a denture patient.

Osseointegration

Direct structural and functional connection between living bone and the surface of a load-bearing implant, requiring adequate bone and controlled loading.

Clinical attachment level

The distance from the cementoenamel junction to the base of the periodontal pocket, calculated as probing depth plus recession.

Periodontal staging

The 2017 classification uses stages I to IV based on severity and complexity of periodontitis, and grades A to C based on progression rate.

Angle Class II

A malocclusion in which the mandibular first molar is positioned distal to the maxillary first molar, often with an increased overjet.

ANB angle

A cephalometric measurement of the skeletal relationship between the maxilla and mandible; a normal value is approximately 2 degrees.

DMFT index

A caries index counting decayed, missing, and filled teeth. It is used in epidemiological surveys to measure caries experience.

Fluoride varnish

A 5% sodium fluoride preparation containing about 22,600 ppm fluoride, applied two to four times yearly for caries prevention in high-risk patients.

Amalgam composition

A dental alloy of silver, tin, copper, and mercury. High-copper formulations reduce the weak gamma-2 phase and improve strength.

Composite polymerization

Composite resin sets by light-activated polymerization of a Bis-GMA or UDMA matrix. Shrinkage stress can cause marginal leakage, so incremental layering is used.

Autoclave sterilization

Steam sterilization at 121 degrees Celsius and 15 psi for 15 to 20 minutes, or at 134 degrees Celsius for 3 to 4 minutes.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices applied to all patients, including hand hygiene, gloves, masks, eye protection, and safe sharps disposal.

Biological indicator

A sterilization monitoring device containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, used to verify steam sterilization efficacy.

ALARA principle

As Low As Reasonably Achievable: the principle of minimizing radiation dose through proper technique, shielding, and avoiding unnecessary radiographs.

Anaphylaxis management

A severe allergic reaction treated with intramuscular epinephrine 0.3 to 0.5 mg, oxygen, and emergency services.

Needlestick injury

A percutaneous injury from a contaminated needle requiring washing, reporting, and evaluation for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C post-exposure prophylaxis.

Latex allergy

An immune reaction to natural rubber latex proteins, managed by using latex-free gloves and equipment and screening patients for allergy history.

Nitrous oxide sedation

Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide and oxygen, contraindicated in early pregnancy, bowel obstruction, and pneumothorax; scavenging is required.

Dental unit waterlines

Tubing that can harbor biofilm such as Legionella and Pseudomonas; managed by flushing, filters, and independent water reservoirs.

Rubber dam

A sheet used to isolate teeth during treatment, protecting the airway from instruments and maintaining a dry field.

Curing light intensity

Light-curing units should deliver more than 400 mW per square centimeter, with clean tips and proper eye protection, for adequate composite polymerization.

Impression disinfection

Rinsing and disinfecting impressions before sending them to the laboratory, following manufacturer instructions for immersion or spray.

Sharps disposal

Needles and blades are placed immediately in puncture-resistant sharps containers without recapping by hand, following safe technique.