Dentition: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Dentistry · Dentition

Sample item

What is the normal number of primary teeth in a complete deciduous dentition?

A32B20C24D16

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. 20

A complete primary dentition has 20 teeth, with ten in each arch; it includes incisors, canines, and molars but no premolars, which appear only in the permanent dentition.

Option by option

A. 32
Thirty-two is the usual full permanent dentition count.
B. 20 (correct)
Correct: complete deciduous dentition consists of 20 teeth.
C. 24
Twenty-four exceeds the standard number of primary teeth.
D. 16
Sixteen is fewer than the normal primary dentition count.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, 20. A complete primary dentition has 20 teeth, with ten in each arch; it includes incisors, canines, and molars but no premolars, which appear only in the permanent dentition.

Why is "32" not the answer?

Thirty-two is the usual full permanent dentition count.

Why is "24" not the answer?

Twenty-four exceeds the standard number of primary teeth.

Why is "16" not the answer?

Sixteen is fewer than the normal primary dentition count.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Dentition in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct: complete deciduous dentition consists of 20 teeth.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Dentition?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.