Dental Hygienist Licensing Exam Questions
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dental prophylaxis?
a) Treat cavities
b) Prevent periodontal disease
c) Whitening teeth
d) Extract teeth
This procedure removes plaque, calculus, and stains to prevent
periodontal disease.
2. The most common cause of dental caries is:
a) Excessive fluoride
b) Bacterial plaque
c) Malocclusion
d) Vitamin deficiency
Dental caries result primarily from acids produced by bacteria in
dental plaque.
3. Which instrument is used to remove supragingival calculus?
a) Explorer
b) Sickle scaler
c) Curette
d) Probe
, Sickle scalers are designed for removal of calculus above the gum
line.
4. Fluoride varnish is applied primarily to:
a) Restore cavities
b) Prevent demineralization
c) Reduce gingival inflammation
d) Whiten teeth
Fluoride varnish helps to strengthen enamel and prevent
demineralization.
5. What is the ideal angle for scaling with a curette?
a) 15–30°
b) 45–60°
c) 70–80°
d) 90°
Correct angulation ensures effective removal of calculus without
damaging soft tissue.
6. Which of the following is a sign of periodontal disease?
a) Healthy gums
b) Bleeding on probing
c) Absence of plaque
d) Firm gingiva
Bleeding on probing indicates inflammation and possible
periodontal disease.
7. The most common site for oral cancer is:
a) Lips
b) Lateral borders of the tongue
c) Palate
d) Gingiva
, The lateral borders of the tongue are most frequently affected in
oral squamous cell carcinoma.
8. Which condition is contraindicated for ultrasonic scaling?
a) Gingivitis
b) Pacemaker patient
c) Periodontitis
d) Supra calculus
Ultrasonic devices can interfere with some pacemakers.
9. How often should a patient with normal oral health have a
professional dental cleaning?
a) Every month
b) Every 3 months
c) Every 6 months
d) Once a year
Routine prophylaxis every six months helps maintain oral health.
10. Which type of radiograph provides the best view of
interproximal caries?
a) Panoramic
b) Occlusal
c) Bitewing
d) Lateral cephalometric
Bitewing radiographs allow visualization of decay between teeth.
11. What is the primary purpose of a sealant?
a) Treat gingivitis
b) Prevent occlusal caries
c) Whiten teeth
d) Reduce sensitivity
Sealants protect grooves and pits from plaque accumulation.
and Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of dental prophylaxis?
a) Treat cavities
b) Prevent periodontal disease
c) Whitening teeth
d) Extract teeth
This procedure removes plaque, calculus, and stains to prevent
periodontal disease.
2. The most common cause of dental caries is:
a) Excessive fluoride
b) Bacterial plaque
c) Malocclusion
d) Vitamin deficiency
Dental caries result primarily from acids produced by bacteria in
dental plaque.
3. Which instrument is used to remove supragingival calculus?
a) Explorer
b) Sickle scaler
c) Curette
d) Probe
, Sickle scalers are designed for removal of calculus above the gum
line.
4. Fluoride varnish is applied primarily to:
a) Restore cavities
b) Prevent demineralization
c) Reduce gingival inflammation
d) Whiten teeth
Fluoride varnish helps to strengthen enamel and prevent
demineralization.
5. What is the ideal angle for scaling with a curette?
a) 15–30°
b) 45–60°
c) 70–80°
d) 90°
Correct angulation ensures effective removal of calculus without
damaging soft tissue.
6. Which of the following is a sign of periodontal disease?
a) Healthy gums
b) Bleeding on probing
c) Absence of plaque
d) Firm gingiva
Bleeding on probing indicates inflammation and possible
periodontal disease.
7. The most common site for oral cancer is:
a) Lips
b) Lateral borders of the tongue
c) Palate
d) Gingiva
, The lateral borders of the tongue are most frequently affected in
oral squamous cell carcinoma.
8. Which condition is contraindicated for ultrasonic scaling?
a) Gingivitis
b) Pacemaker patient
c) Periodontitis
d) Supra calculus
Ultrasonic devices can interfere with some pacemakers.
9. How often should a patient with normal oral health have a
professional dental cleaning?
a) Every month
b) Every 3 months
c) Every 6 months
d) Once a year
Routine prophylaxis every six months helps maintain oral health.
10. Which type of radiograph provides the best view of
interproximal caries?
a) Panoramic
b) Occlusal
c) Bitewing
d) Lateral cephalometric
Bitewing radiographs allow visualization of decay between teeth.
11. What is the primary purpose of a sealant?
a) Treat gingivitis
b) Prevent occlusal caries
c) Whiten teeth
d) Reduce sensitivity
Sealants protect grooves and pits from plaque accumulation.
