National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Which brushing method is least likely to suit a patient with limited hand function?

1. Modified Bass

2. Fones

3. Charter's

4. Roll

The correct answer is: Fones

The Fones technique is the least likely to suit a patient with limited hand function due to its reliance on the coordination and mobility of the hands and fingers. This method involves using a large circular motion to brush the teeth, which can require a considerable range of motion and the ability to stabilize the brush on the teeth effectively. Patients with limited hand function may struggle to achieve the necessary control and precision for this technique, increasing the risk of ineffective cleaning and potential damage to the gums. In contrast, the other methods—Modified Bass, Charter's, and Roll—often allow for greater adaptability and can be modified to accommodate those with limited dexterity. For instance, the Modified Bass technique focuses on a short back-and-forth motion at the gum line, which might be easier to perform with limited hand function when the brush is held at a specific angle. The Charter's technique uses a similar angle but emphasizes cleaning the areas between the teeth and could be modified based on the patient's ability. The Roll technique simply involves sweeping the bristles down the teeth and gums, which may be easier to perform than the large circular motion required in the Fones method. Therefore, while each method has its benefits, the Fones technique may pose considerable challenges for patients with limited