Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer focuses on the use of a gingival groove during restorations. A gingival groove, or a preparation that extends into the gingival sulcus, is often utilized to enhance the retention of a restoration and ensure that margins are well-defined when the competing restorative materials have different handling characteristics or bonding requirements.

In the context of restoring with glass ionomer cement (GIC) and composite lamination, the requirement for a gingival groove is minimized because GIC has inherent bonding properties that facilitate its adhesion to dentin and enamel. Additionally, when composite resin is layered on, the bonding techniques will often adequately seal the margins without needing a specific groove, allowing for a smoother interface that doesn't require as much preparation.

In contrast, when restoring with other materials listed in the other scenarios, the gingival groove may be more necessary. For example, with amalgam restorations, a defined preparation with proper angles can help in achieving mechanical retention, thus necessitating different preparation strategies than those employed with resin-based materials. Similarly, GIC for abrasion or for root caries may involve different considerations regarding the gingival margin's preparation to ensure effective adhesion and help prevent microleakage.

Therefore, the least requirement for a gingival groove during a restoration