Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer focuses on the assessment of keratinization, which is a significant characteristic of certain oral soft tissues. In the context of a dental examination, the free gingiva is primarily assessed for keratinization.

Keratinization refers to the process where epithelial cells become filled with keratin protein and lose their moisture, resulting in a tough, protective layer. The free gingiva, which is the gum tissue that surrounds the tooth, is typically keratinized. This keratinized tissue serves as a barrier against mechanical trauma and pathogens, offering protection and contributing to the overall health of the gingival tissue.

The crevicular epithelium, while important in the context of gingival health, is non-keratinized and serves to line the gingival sulcus, which is the space between the tooth and the gum. Similarly, the attached gingiva, although it is often keratinized as well, does not represent the primary structure that is assessed in relation to keratinization during a standard examination. The alveolar mucosa is another non-keratinized structure that does not typically exhibit the keratinization assessed in the free gingiva.

Thus, assessing keratinization is crucial for understanding the health of the ging