Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Malocclusion is the correct answer because rats possess continuously growing teeth, particularly their incisors. This anatomical feature means that if the teeth do not wear down properly due to inadequate chewing surfaces or other factors, they can grow too long and misalign, leading to malocclusion. This condition can result in difficulty eating, pain, and further dental complications.

The other conditions mentioned can affect dental health in animals, but they are less common specifically due to the unique dental structure of rats. Tooth decay can happen in various animals, but it is not typically associated with the dental structure of rats, which are more prone to issues related to the misalignment of their constantly growing teeth. Enamel hypoplasia refers to underdevelopment of the enamel, which is not primarily linked to the dental structure of rats. Periodontal disease involves infection and inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth, which can occur in many animals but is not as characteristic of rats, especially when considering their dental growth characteristics.