Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by patients having no hair or teeth?

1. Congenital alopecia

2. Down syndrome

3. Ectodermal dysplasia

4. Marfan syndrome

The correct answer is: Ectodermal dysplasia

Ectodermal dysplasia is a condition that affects the development of the ectoderm, one of the three primary germ layers in the embryo that gives rise to structures such as hair, skin, nails, and teeth. Individuals with ectodermal dysplasia often experience a range of symptoms, but one of the hallmark characteristics is the absence of hair (alopecia) and teeth (hypodontia or anodontia). This condition can present with sparse or missing hair, fine or soft hair texture, and developmental issues with teeth where patients may have fewer teeth or none at all. The severity and specific presentations can vary significantly among individuals affected by ectodermal dysplasia, but the typical absence or malformation of hair and teeth is a defining feature. In contrast, congenital alopecia primarily pertains to hair loss without necessarily impacting dental development. Down syndrome has a variety of physical and cognitive features but does not uniformly include an absence of hair and teeth. Marfan syndrome is characterized by connective tissue abnormalities, influencing tall stature and other physical attributes, but it does not primarily lead to the absence of hair or teeth. Thus, ectodermal dysplasia accurately describes the condition identified in the question.