Community dentistry: CPI code 3: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Community dentistry: CPI code 3

Sample item

In the WHO Community Periodontal Index, a score of 3 for a sextant corresponds to which finding?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Shallow pocket of 4 to 5 mm

CPI uses a WHO probe with a 0.5 mm ball tip. Code 0 is healthy, 1 bleeding, 2 calculus, 3 a shallow pocket of 4 to 5 mm and 4 a deep pocket of 6 mm or more.

Option by option

  • A. Bleeding on probing only

    This is code 1.

  • B. Pocket of 6 mm or more

    This is code 4.

  • C. Shallow pocket of 4 to 5 mm (correct)

    Correct. Code 3 is a 4 to 5 mm pocket.

  • D. Calculus without pocketing

    This is code 2.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Shallow pocket of 4 to 5 mm. CPI uses a WHO probe with a 0.

Why is "Bleeding on probing only" not the answer?

This is code 1.

Why is "Pocket of 6 mm or more" not the answer?

This is code 4.

Why is "Calculus without pocketing" not the answer?

This is code 2.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: CPI code 3 in Dentistry. 5 mm ball tip. Code 0 is healthy, 1 bleeding, 2 calculus, 3 a shallow pocket of 4 to 5 mm and 4 a deep pocket of 6 mm or more.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Community dentistry: CPI code 3?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.