Specific Plaque Hypothesis — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: E — Disease results principally from a limited subset of plaque microorganisms with particular pathogenic potential
Explanation lettering: B = shown as A · E = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · A = shown as E
A is correct. The specific plaque hypothesis proposes that a limited subset of microorganisms within dental plaque has particular pathogenic importance and is principally responsible for disease. Option C instead describes the ecological plaque hypothesis, in which environmental pressures alter the balance of the resident biofilm and enrich disease-associated organisms. Options B and E reflect versions of the non-specific concept: disease is attributed to the overall activity or amount of plaque rather than selected pathogens. Option D is incorrect because host responses influence disease expression, particularly in periodontal disease, but the specific plaque hypothesis does not regard disease as independent of plaque microorganisms.
Reference: Rosier BT, De Jager M, Zaura E, Krom BP. Historical and contemporary hypotheses on the development of oral diseases: are we there yet? Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2014;4:92. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25077073/