Which of the following is NOT an example of tertiary prevention?

• A. Routine Cleaning
• B. Extractions
• C. Fixed Prosthodontics
• D. Rehabilitation

Answer: (A)

The main concept tested is the levels of prevention. Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing disability and restoring lost function after disease or damage has occurred. In dentistry, that includes actions taken to manage established problems and reestablish function, such as rehabilitation, fixed prosthodontics (to replace missing teeth or restore chewing efficiency), and extractions (to remove teeth that are nonrestorable or causing ongoing harm and to prevent further complications). Routine cleaning, by contrast, is a primary prevention method used to prevent disease from developing in the first place by removing plaque and reducing risk factors. Since routine cleaning aims to prevent disease rather than treat or restore after disease has occurred, it is not an example of tertiary prevention; the other items fit that category.