Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Practice Test

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Prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) with our comprehensive practice test. Study effectively with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam and secure your future in dentistry!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary goal of community water fluoridation?

To enhance the taste of drinking water
To increase dental visits
To reduce the incidence of tooth decay
To eliminate all bacteria in the mouth

The correct answer is: To reduce the incidence of tooth decay

The primary goal of community water fluoridation is to reduce the incidence of tooth decay. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. When communities add fluoride to their drinking water supply, it helps provide a consistent source of this beneficial mineral to all residents, thereby promoting better dental health on a community-wide scale. By reducing tooth decay, water fluoridation can lead to fewer cavities, less need for dental treatments, and overall improved oral health amongst the population. This public health measure has been endorsed by numerous health organizations due to its effectiveness and cost-saving benefits in reducing dental caries. While enhancing the taste of drinking water, increasing dental visits, and eliminating bacteria in the mouth are important aspects of oral health, they do not reflect the main objective of water fluoridation, which is fundamentally about the prevention of dental decay.