Prepare for the HOSA Dental Terminology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each supplemented with hints and explanations. Get equipped for your test with confidence!

Practice this question and more.


What does dentition refer to?

  1. The process of tooth decay

  2. The study of dental hygiene

  3. The natural teeth in position in the dental arches

  4. The procedure of tooth extraction

The correct answer is: The natural teeth in position in the dental arches

Dentition refers to the natural arrangement and condition of an individual's teeth within their dental arches. It encompasses both the types and number of teeth present, as well as their alignment and overall positioning. Dentition is crucial for understanding dental development, occlusion (how the teeth meet), and the classification of teeth as they relate to the functions of biting and chewing. The other options address dental concepts, but they do not define dentition. The process of tooth decay pertains specifically to the deterioration of tooth structure and is known as caries. The study of dental hygiene focuses on practices to maintain oral health, not the arrangement of teeth itself. The procedure of tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth, which is a specific dental treatment unrelated to the concept of dentition's arrangement or health.