Restorative & Materials · single question
How often should Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) be applied in a patient with ACTIVE dental caries?
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Correct answer: C. Every 3 months (quarterly)
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for ACTIVE caries arrest should be applied every 6 months per most guidelines, but for high-caries-risk patients with ACTIVE caries, the evidence supports application EVERY 3 MONTHS (quarterly) to maximize caries arrest. The AAPD and CDC recommend bi-annual application for most patients, but quarterly (every 3 months) for active, high-risk patients. Per the source document, 6 months is another common answer — but for ACTIVE caries, 3 months is the evidence-based interval.
- A. CORRECT. For active dental caries, SDF is most effective when applied every 3 months (quarterly). This is the highest-evidence recommendation for active caries arrest.
- B. Incorrect. 4-month intervals are not a standard evidence-based recommendation for SDF application frequency.
- C. Partially correct. 6-month intervals are used for maintenance/prevention — but for ACTIVE caries, 3 months is more appropriate.
- D. Incorrect. Annual application is insufficient for active caries management — caries can progress significantly in 12 months without adequate SDF re-application.
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