Geriatric Dentistry Practice Questions
Older adults are a growing share of every dental practice, and exam questions increasingly reflect that. This set covers age-related oral changes, root caries and periodontal considerations, xerostomia, denture care and edentulism, nutrition and oral function, polypharmacy, systemic disease burden, and cognitive and functional decline. On the AFK, INBDE, ORE and ADC, geriatric topics usually appear as integrated scenarios, for example a patient on several medications with new root caries and a dry mouth, where you must connect the medical history to prevention and treatment choices.
10 questions · answers and explanations revealed as you go · no sign-up
Questions
Question 1 of 10
Polypharmacy
What is the most reliable first step for identifying polypharmacy-related dental risk?
The answer is A.
Medication reconciliation includes dose, schedule, indication, recent changes, nonprescription drugs, supplements, and adherence. Verification prevents interaction decisions based on an incomplete or obsolete list. Reviewing the complete regimen, organ function, treatment duration, and safer alternatives reduces cumulative harm in an older patient.
Question 2 of 10
Age-Related Oral Changes
Which dentinal change becomes more common with increasing age?
The answer is D.
Progressive peritubular mineralization narrows or occludes tubules, producing sclerotic, more translucent dentin with lower permeability. This may reduce sensitivity yet also alter bonding and caries behavior on exposed roots. Clinical interpretation should separate expected structural aging from active disease, medication effects, and modifiable...
Question 3 of 10
Denture Care & Edentulism Management
What is the main purpose of daily mechanical denture cleaning?
The answer is C.
Denture biofilm accumulates on both polished and fitting surfaces and can contribute to odor, stomatitis, and respiratory pathogen carriage. Gentle brushing with a suitable cleanser remains central; soaking is an adjunct selected for the material. Follow-up should account for changing tissues, functional capacity, hygiene support, and the maintenance...
Question 4 of 10
Nutrition & Oral Function in the Elderly
Which symptom points more toward dysphagia than impaired mastication?
The answer is A.
Mastication prepares a bolus, whereas swallowing safely transports it while protecting the airway. Coughing, choking, wet voice, prolonged meals, or recurrent respiratory infection warrants assessment beyond dental fit. Oral rehabilitation should be paired with dietary and medical assessment when intake, weight, swallowing, or nutritional quality is...
Question 5 of 10
Cognitive & Functional Decline Considerations
Which finding may indicate unmet dependent oral-care needs?
The answer is B.
Oral neglect may reflect inadequate staffing, resources, knowledge, access, or deliberate omission. Clinicians should document findings, relieve urgent problems, communicate with responsible parties, and use safeguarding procedures when welfare remains at risk.
Question 6 of 10
Root Caries & Periodontal Considerations in Aging
What should determine periodontal recall frequency in an older adult?
The answer is B.
Chronologic age alone is a poor maintenance prescription. Prior periodontitis, current inflammation, attachment changes, smoking, diabetes, dexterity, salivary status, and self-care capacity should shape individualized recall. Risk-based prevention and longitudinal findings are more informative than chronologic age or a single visual feature.
Question 7 of 10
Systemic Disease Burden in Geriatric Patients
Why is a brief frailty screen useful before complex treatment?
The answer is A.
Frailty screening is a risk signal rather than a diagnosis or prohibition. It supports proportionate planning, possible medical or geriatric input, and discussion of benefits and burdens in the context of the patient's priorities. The safest plan integrates current stability, physiologic reserve, medications, recovery burden, support, and the patient’s...
Question 8 of 10
Xerostomia in the Elderly
When can a systemic sialogogue be useful?
The answer is D.
Muscarinic sialogogues depend on residual gland function and can cause sweating, urinary frequency, gastrointestinal effects, bronchospasm, or cardiovascular effects. Expected benefit must therefore be weighed against comorbidity and contraindications.
Question 9 of 10
Nutrition & Oral Function in the Elderly
What nutritional effect can result from an unstable painful denture?
The answer is B.
Pain and instability can restrict intake, but weight loss in an older adult is multifactorial and potentially serious. Correcting the prosthesis should accompany evaluation of oral lesions, swallowing, mood, disease, medicines, access, and nutrition.
Question 10 of 10
Cognitive & Functional Decline Considerations
What should be attempted before relying on a substitute decision-maker?
The answer is C.
Simplifying information, treating pain, optimizing hearing and vision, choosing a favorable time, and involving a trusted supporter can reveal retained capacity. Substitute authorization is used only when adequate support does not enable valid consent.
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