Q: The image highlights which type of caries?
A. Recurrent caries
B. Class I caries
C. Class V caries
D. Class IV caries
The magnifier points at a dark area “under” the restoration. Those caries that come back after the tooth has been treated are called recurrent caries. This type of carious lesion is not uncommon, and therefore, it is important for us #CDA #FutureCDA to pay attention to areas under restorations when we examine the radiographs. Especially pay attention to this detail when you are taking the dental assisting board exams (RHS®, GC, NELDA®, CDA® etc.). Find an awesome summary that works for you!
Answer: (A). Recurrent caries
Let’s look at the rest of caries using G.V. Black classification:
- Class I: pits and fissures onocclusal, buccal, or lingual surface of posteriors; and lingual surface of anteriors.
- Class II: proximal surface of posteriors.
- Class III: proximal surface of anteriors.
- Class IV: proximal surface of anteriors, including incisal edge.
- Class V: gingival third of facial or lingual surface of anteriors and posteriors.
- Class VI: cusp tip of molars, premolars, or canines.
According to G.V. Black classification, the area highlighted in the image would be considered Class II because the lesion is located interproximally on a posterior tooth. G.V. Black classification for caries is not the only way to chart caries but it is certainly one of the most commonly used tools. For this reason, the Dental Assisting Board Exams (especially the GC, General Chairside exam) may very well include questions about those classes. Make sure you know exactly what those 6 classes of caries are and apply this knowledge when examining radiographs.
When you go take your Dental Assisting Board Exams (CDA®, NELDA®, CPFDA®) in the United States, you will have the chance to write down some notes on a plastic board or computer notepad. Use the tools to write down some important information such as blood pressure, caries classifications, or ASA classifications. This would be your own cheat sheet that can serve you for the rest of the exam. Have another amazing day. Keep pushing forward and if you need someone to talk to, contact me at ClaireJ@SmarterDA.com and support@SmarterDA.com!
P.S. Tell your friends to try the FREE exam prep study guides and quizzes at SmarterDA.com.
Author: Claire RDH, CDA, MS
Claire is the founder of StudentRDH and SmarterDA – exams prep solutions for the dental hygiene and dental assisting students. The exam review online solutions quickly became the #1 choice among students. “Studying is now “addictive!”
Prior to her career in the dental field, Claire Jeong was an education specialist at Boston Children’s Museum. Claire is licensed to practice in the United States and Canada. She can be reached at ClaireJ@SmarterDA.com and support@SmarterDA.com.