California Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Written Practice Exam

What population has a higher incidence of class I lesions?

1. Elderly

2. Adults

3. Teenagers

4. Children

The correct answer is: Children

Class I lesions refer to cavities or tooth decay that only affects the enamel on the surface of the tooth. As children have weaker enamel and are more likely to consume sugary snacks and drinks, they are at a higher risk for developing class I lesions than adults, teenagers, or the elderly. Since they are still in the early stages of developing oral hygiene habits, children may not have the same level of brushing and flossing effectiveness as adults. This can increase their susceptibility to tooth decay. As for the other options, adults and teenagers may have a higher incidence of class II or III lesions which affect deeper layers of the tooth (dentin and pulp) due to longer exposure to sugar and acids. The elderly, on the other hand, may have a higher incidence of class IV lesions which are caused by gum recession and expose the tooth's root surface. Therefore, children have a higher incidence of