Which outcome is a goal of tertiary prevention?

• A. Prevents/reduces progression of disease and loss of teeth.
• B. Prevents environmental pollution.
• C. Prevents genetic mutations.
• D. Has no impact on oral disabilities.

Answer: (A)

Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitating and preserving function after disease has already occurred, aiming to limit further damage and prevent disability. In dentistry, this means restoring damaged teeth and supporting structures so a patient can continue to chew, speak, and smile normally, while preventing extra tooth loss.

The outcome described as preventing or reducing the progression of disease and loss of teeth fits this goal precisely. It reflects the idea of interventions after disease onset that stabilize the situation, restore function, and protect what remains of the dentition. The other choices don’t align with dental rehabilitation after disease: environmental pollution is unrelated to patient-level dental care, genetic mutations are not how tertiary prevention is applied in this context, and claiming there is no impact on oral disabilities runs counter to the purpose of restoring function and preventing further disability.