Fissure Sealants — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Resin-based fissure sealant
Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E
Resin-based fissure sealants are the clear answer. Current UK national guidance (GOV.UK, SDCEP) confirms moderate-certainty evidence for resin-based sealants in preventing and arresting caries on permanent molars for up to 48 months. Resin-based materials are designated as first-line choice, with superior clinical retention (typically 70–80% at 2–3 years) and proven efficacy. Glass ionomer cement (B) has inconclusive or low-to-very-low certainty evidence specifically for permanent molars and shows lower retention. Compomers (C), calcium hydroxide liners (D), and off-label flowable composites (E) lack evidence-based guidance for fissure sealing and are not recommended. Compomers in particular have no established evidence for occlusal sealing in the permanent dentition. This question tests knowledge of contemporary prevention guidelines and material hierarchy—essential for UK specialist examination candidates.
Reference: GOV.UK: Delivering Better Oral Health, Chapter 4: Dental Caries, September 2025; SDCEP Child Caries Prevention Guidance: Professionally-delivered interventions (current); supported by Cochrane and meta-analytic evidence confirming resin-based superiority in certainty grade and retention on permanent molars. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention/chapter-4-dental-caries