What does tertiary prevention involve?

• A. Limitation of disability and rehabilitation.
• B. Elimination of disease.
• C. Vaccination.
• D. Public health surveillance.

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention focuses on what to do once disease is already present to minimize damage and restore function. It aims to limit disability and improve quality of life through rehabilitation and ongoing management, preventing further complications. In dentistry, this means restoring damaged teeth, providing prosthetic replacements when needed, and supporting continued oral function to prevent deterioration.

Elimination of disease and vaccination target preventing disease from occurring in the first place (primary prevention), while public health surveillance is about monitoring and guiding population health practices rather than reducing disability after disease has developed.