Community dentistry: ICDAS code 4: 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 · Community dentistry: ICDAS code 4

Sample item

Under the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, an underlying dark shadow from dentine is seen, with or without localised enamel breakdown. Which code is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Code 4

In ICDAS, code 1 is the first visual change seen after drying, code 2 is a distinct visual change visible when wet, code 3 is localised enamel breakdown without visible dentine, code 4 is an underlying dark shadow from dentine, code 5 is a distinct cavity with visible dentine and code 6 is an extensive cavity.

Option by option

  • A. Code 3

    Code 3 is a localised enamel breakdown without visible dentine or shadow.

  • B. Code 4 (correct)

    Correct. A dentinal shadow beneath the enamel is code 4.

  • C. Code 5

    Code 5 is a distinct cavity with visible dentine.

  • D. Code 2

    Code 2 is a visual change in enamel seen when the tooth is wet.

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.

More Dentistry questions

Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is B, Code 4. In ICDAS, code 1 is the first visual change seen after drying, code 2 is a distinct visual change visible when wet, code 3 is localised enamel breakdown without visible dentine, code 4 is an underlying dark shadow from dentine, code 5 is a distinct cavity with visible dentine and code 6 is an extensive cavity.

Why is "Code 3" not the answer?

Code 3 is a localised enamel breakdown without visible dentine or shadow.

Why is "Code 5" not the answer?

Code 5 is a distinct cavity with visible dentine.

Why is "Code 2" not the answer?

Code 2 is a visual change in enamel seen when the tooth is wet.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community dentistry: ICDAS code 4 in Dentistry. The correct option holds because: Correct. A dentinal shadow beneath the enamel is code 4.

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 Community dentistry: ICDAS code 4?

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.