Community dentistry: indices: 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.

Try it

Dentistry · Community dentistry: indices

Sample item

A researcher wants to measure plaque by running a probe along the gingival third of each tooth surface, scoring 0 to 3 according to the thickness of the plaque film. Which index is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Silness and Loe plaque index

The Silness and Loe plaque index scores plaque at the gingival margin from 0 to 3, using a probe and visual inspection. It is paired with the Loe and Silness gingival index.

Option by option

  • A. Dean fluorosis index

    Dean's index grades mottling of enamel from fluoride.

  • B. Greene and Vermillion calculus index

    The calculus index belongs to the OHI-S and records supragingival or subgingival calculus.

  • C. Russell periodontal index

    Russell's index scores periodontal disease severity in a population.

  • D. Silness and Loe plaque index (correct)

    Correct. This scoring of plaque thickness at the gingival margin is the Silness and Loe index.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Silness and Loe plaque index. The Silness and Loe plaque index scores plaque at the gingival margin from 0 to 3, using a probe and visual inspection.

Why is "Dean fluorosis index" not the answer?

Dean's index grades mottling of enamel from fluoride.

Why is "Greene and Vermillion calculus index" not the answer?

The calculus index belongs to the OHI-S and records supragingival or subgingival calculus.

Why is "Russell periodontal index" not the answer?

Russell's index scores periodontal disease severity in a population.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: indices in Dentistry. It is paired with the Loe and Silness gingival index.

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: indices?

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.