Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

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Prepare for the Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) with our comprehensive quiz. Enhance your knowledge with questions covering all exam sections. Each question includes detailed explanations to aid your understanding and readiness for the exam.

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Which dental hygiene procedure focuses on the removal of calculus?

Polishing
Scaling
Fluoride application
Sealant application

The correct answer is: Scaling

Scaling is the dental hygiene procedure specifically aimed at the removal of calculus, which is the hardened plaque that accumulates on teeth and can contribute to periodontal disease if not removed. This procedure involves the use of specialized instruments to carefully and effectively remove calculus from teeth above and below the gum line. Polishing, while important for enhancing the smoothness and shine of teeth, does not directly address the removal of calculus; instead, it focuses on the removal of surface stains and plaque that remain after scaling. Fluoride application is designed to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay rather than remove deposits, and sealant application involves the process of applying a protective coating to the surfaces of teeth to prevent cavities, offering no role in calculus removal. Thus, scaling distinctly serves the primary purpose of removing calculus, making it the correct answer in this context.