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In dental terminology, what does 'distal' refer to?
Closest to the midline
Farthest from the midline
Adjacent to another tooth
In between two teeth
The correct answer is: Farthest from the midline
In dental terminology, 'distal' refers to a position that is farthest from the midline of the body or the center of the dental arch. Understanding this term is essential in dentistry as it helps describe the location of teeth and their relation to one another within the mouth. For instance, when discussing upper or lower teeth, a tooth that is positioned towards the back of the mouth, away from the center line, is considered distal. This contrasts with the term 'mesial', which refers to the side of a tooth that is closest to the midline. Knowing these terms is crucial for accurately charting dental conditions and communicating treatment options effectively.