HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the Frankl scale used to evaluate?

1. Patient pain levels

2. Patient moral values

3. Patient behavior

4. Patient cognitive function

The correct answer is: Patient behavior

The Frankl scale is specifically designed to assess a patient’s behavior, particularly in pediatric dentistry. It provides a standardized way to categorize a child’s level of cooperation during dental treatment. The scale ranges from "definitely negative" to "definitely positive," allowing dental professionals to gauge how well the child is responding to the environment and the procedures. When evaluating a pediatric patient's behavior, this scale helps determine how to proceed with treatment plans and manage anxiety, ensuring that the dental experience is as positive as possible. The other options, while relevant in the context of patient care, do not relate to the primary function of the Frankl scale. Pain levels are generally assessed using different pain scales, moral values do not pertain to behavior during dental visits, and cognitive function is evaluated through entirely different means that are not related to the dental context.