Orthodontics: Angle Class III: 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 · Orthodontics: Angle Class III

Sample item

Which molar relationship defines Angle Class III malocclusion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Mesiobuccal cusp of upper first molar lies distal to buccal groove of lower first molar

In Class III, the lower first molar is mesial relative to the upper, so the upper mesiobuccal cusp lies distal to the lower buccal groove. It is often associated with mandibular prognathism or maxillary retrusion.

Option by option

  • A. Mesiobuccal cusp of upper first molar lies distal to buccal groove of lower first molar (correct)

    Correct. This describes Class III.

  • B. Mesiobuccal cusp lies mesial to the groove

    This is the Class II relationship.

  • C. No first molar contact exists

    This does not define any Angle class.

  • D. Mesiobuccal cusp lies in the groove

    This is the Class I relationship.

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 A, Mesiobuccal cusp of upper first molar lies distal to buccal groove of lower first molar. In Class III, the lower first molar is mesial relative to the upper, so the upper mesiobuccal cusp lies distal to the lower buccal groove.

Why is "Mesiobuccal cusp lies mesial to the groove" not the answer?

This is the Class II relationship.

Why is "No first molar contact exists" not the answer?

This does not define any Angle class.

Why is "Mesiobuccal cusp lies in the groove" not the answer?

This is the Class I relationship.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Orthodontics: Angle Class III in Dentistry. It is often associated with mandibular prognathism or maxillary retrusion.

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 Orthodontics: Angle Class III?

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.