Rubber Dam for Composites — ORE Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: B — To maintain a dry, uncontaminated bonding field
The correct answer is B. Direct composite depends on reliable adhesion to enamel and dentine, so the operative field must be kept dry and free of saliva or blood contamination. Such contamination impairs bond strength and may compromise restoration performance. SDCEP identifies good moisture control as necessary for plastic restorative treatment and advises consideration of rubber dam. Comfort and reduced treatment time may occur in selected cases, but neither is the primary reason for its use. Rubber dam does not aim to stop the patient talking, and it does not protect composite from curing light; rather, the operator controls light exposure during composite placement.
Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP). Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, 2nd edition, section 10.7 “Complete Caries Removal and Restoration”, 2018. https://www.sdcep.org.uk/media/2zbkrdkg/sdcep-prevention-and-management-of-dental-caries-in-children-2nd-edition.pdf