HESI Dental Hygiene Study Material
Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(GRADE A+) 2026/2027
which assessment supplies the most accurate account of a patient's dietary habits? -CORRECT
ANSWERS- 3-day food diary
periodontal exam of 51 year old male confirms the development of a type II embrasure with localized
areas of slight to moderate gingival recession. Which aid is recommended for effective interdental
cleaning in this area -CORRECT ANSWERS- interdental proxy brush
proxy brush for type II and III
end-tufted brush - type III or proximal surfaces where a tooth is missing
what are the post op care instructions provided after periodontal surgery? -CORRECT ANSWERS- limit
physical activity
eat a soft, balanced diet
use an extra soft tooth brush
composite and porcelain restorations should be protected with a thin layer of water based lubrication
before applying sodium fluoride. Dental sealants are unaffected by the application of any fluoride
treatment and require no protective measures. -CORRECT ANSWERS- both statements are false
sealants, composites resins, and porcelain restorations should be protected with a water based lubricant
prior to APF fluoride treatment.
which statement is true regarding the purpose of polishing teeth? -CORRECT ANSWERS- considered a
cosmetic procedure
what is the most appropriate radiographic recommendation for a patient presenting with extensive
dental work and at risk for decay? -CORRECT ANSWERS- a full mouth periapical series
each of the following could be mistaken as dental caries on a dental image except one. -CORRECT
ANSWERS- radiopaque bases
each of the following interdental aids are effective plaque removal of type II embrasures except -
CORRECT ANSWERS- floss threader
these are effective self care aids for type II embrasures
,interdental brush
textured floss
toothpick
which description depicts the varying width of the periodontal ligament -CORRECT ANSWERS- thicker in
areas of tension
thicker in apical region
thicker in functioning teeth
thinner in nonfunctioning teeth
each of following is a manifestation of moderate dental anxiety -CORRECT ANSWERS- quick answers
sweating
overwillingness to cooperate
slurred speech is a manifestation most often associated with? -CORRECT ANSWERS- hypoglycemia and
stroke
during xray exposure, why is it important to maintain the tooth and film in a parallel relationship? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- minimizes dimensional distortion
a 4-year old patient lives in community with .5 ppm of fluoride in drinking water. what is the
recommended fluoride supplement dose in mg to prescribe daily for this patient. -CORRECT ANSWERS-
.25 mg
.5+ .25= .75
(.7 ppm is recommended)
the dental hygienist fails to inform the patient the tip of the scaling instrument broke in the patient's
mouth. This is an example of -CORRECT ANSWERS- negligence and unintentional tort
the dental hygienist post dates a treatment appointment on an insurance form. this is an example of -
CORRECT ANSWERS- criminal law
this is fraud which would be dealt under criminal law- a law established to prevent harm to society.
in some cases of professional negligence, an expert witness is not needed. a hygienist breaking an
instrument tip and leaving it in the sulcus would require an expert witness. -CORRECT ANSWERS- first
statement is true, second is false.
,leaving broken instrument in the sulcus does not require expert witness. this is evidence under the
doctrine of res ipsa loquitor- the matter speaks for itself.
a breach of contact occurs when privacy rights have been violated. Harm has to occur for there to be a
breach of contract. -CORRECT ANSWERS- first statement is true and second is false.
harm does not have to occur.
which situation would not require written consent? -CORRECT ANSWERS- radiographs
taking radiographs is part of the standard of care when treating a patient.
which situations would require a written consent? -CORRECT ANSWERS- taking minor children in public
programs
providing treatment that extends over a year
taking a patient's photo
a new patient shows evidence of subginigval calculus with 5-6mm pocket depths. the patient questions
the extensive treatment plan presented, especially since she has had her teeth cleaned every 6 months.
Which does this pose? -CORRECT ANSWERS- ethical dilemma
occurs when a sitation presents with one or more opposing ethical principles
refers to the science or philosophy of law -CORRECT ANSWERS- jurisprudence
refers to certain types of misconduct by healthcare providers, for which they are legally liable to
compensate a patient who is a victim of these wrongful acts -CORRECT ANSWERS- malpractice
a tort, includes libel and slander -CORRECT ANSWERS- defamation
the patient fears receiving local anesthesia, the dental hygienist informs the patient the injection will
not hurt, yet it does. this is a violation of? -CORRECT ANSWERS- veracity
each of the following is an example of criminal law -CORRECT ANSWERS- claiming a procedure was
completed when it was not
post dating a treatment appointment on an insurance claim
practicing without a license
(defaming a patient is not an example of criminal law)
, during treatment, the hygienist applies a desensitizing agent on a tooth without informing the patient.
this is an example of -CORRECT ANSWERS- technical battery - patient did not agree to have
the hygienist provides protective eyewear for the patient prior to dental treatment is an example of -
CORRECT ANSWERS- nonmaleficence
aSpatientStripsSandSfallsSoverSaSbucketSthatSwasSplacedSinStheShallwayStoScatchSwaterSleakingSfromStheSceili
ng.StheSofficeSisSguiltySofS-CORRECTSANSWERS-SnegligenceS-
SanSactionSorSlackSofSactionSthatScontributesStoStheSharmSorSinjurySofStheSpatient
theSpatientSadmitsSnotSbrushingShisSteethSforS2Sweeks.SwhichSmicroorganismsSwillSbeSmostSprevalentS-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SspriochetesSandSvibriosSappearSduringSdaysS7-14SafterSineffectiveSplaqueSremoval.
whatSmicroorganismsSappearSafterS4-7SdaysSofSineffectiveSplaqueSremovalS-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SfilamentousSformsSincreaseSandSrodsSandSfusobacteriaSappear
whatSmicroorganismsSareSpresentSalmostSimmediatelySafterSplaqueSremovalS-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SgramSpositiveScocci
eachSofStheSfollowingSareSblisterformSlesionsS-CORRECTSANSWERS-SvesicleS
pustule
bulla
aSsuperficial,SelevatedSsolidSlesionSthatSisStypicallySlessSthanSorSequalStoS1cmSinSdiameter.S-
CORRECTSANSWERS-Spapule
whichSpalpationStechniqueSisSusedStoSdetermineStheSpresenceSofSmandibularStori?S-CORRECTSANSWERS-
Sdigital
whatSmethodsSofSpalpationSareSusedStoSpalpateStheSlymphSnodesSorSthyroidSgland?S-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SmanualS(fingersSfromSoneShandSareSusedStoSgraspStissue)SandS
bimanualSmethodS(fingersSandSthumbSfromSeachShandSareSusedSsimultaneouslyStoSpalpateStissues)
whatSmethodSisSofSpalpationSisSusedStoSpalpateStheSlipsS-CORRECTSANSWERS-Sbidigital
duringSaSmedicalSemergency,SeachSofStheSfollowingSexhibitsSanSincreaseSinSbloodSpressureSexceptSfor?S-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SmyocardialSinfarction-
StheSbloodSpressureSduringSaSMISmaySbeSnormal,SbutScommonlySisSdecreased.
duringSaSmedicalSemergency,SwhatSconditionsSexhibitsSanSincreaseSinSbloodSpressureS-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SacuteSallergicSreaction
epilepsy
asthmaS
pulmonarySedema
Exam Questions with Correct Answers
(GRADE A+) 2026/2027
which assessment supplies the most accurate account of a patient's dietary habits? -CORRECT
ANSWERS- 3-day food diary
periodontal exam of 51 year old male confirms the development of a type II embrasure with localized
areas of slight to moderate gingival recession. Which aid is recommended for effective interdental
cleaning in this area -CORRECT ANSWERS- interdental proxy brush
proxy brush for type II and III
end-tufted brush - type III or proximal surfaces where a tooth is missing
what are the post op care instructions provided after periodontal surgery? -CORRECT ANSWERS- limit
physical activity
eat a soft, balanced diet
use an extra soft tooth brush
composite and porcelain restorations should be protected with a thin layer of water based lubrication
before applying sodium fluoride. Dental sealants are unaffected by the application of any fluoride
treatment and require no protective measures. -CORRECT ANSWERS- both statements are false
sealants, composites resins, and porcelain restorations should be protected with a water based lubricant
prior to APF fluoride treatment.
which statement is true regarding the purpose of polishing teeth? -CORRECT ANSWERS- considered a
cosmetic procedure
what is the most appropriate radiographic recommendation for a patient presenting with extensive
dental work and at risk for decay? -CORRECT ANSWERS- a full mouth periapical series
each of the following could be mistaken as dental caries on a dental image except one. -CORRECT
ANSWERS- radiopaque bases
each of the following interdental aids are effective plaque removal of type II embrasures except -
CORRECT ANSWERS- floss threader
these are effective self care aids for type II embrasures
,interdental brush
textured floss
toothpick
which description depicts the varying width of the periodontal ligament -CORRECT ANSWERS- thicker in
areas of tension
thicker in apical region
thicker in functioning teeth
thinner in nonfunctioning teeth
each of following is a manifestation of moderate dental anxiety -CORRECT ANSWERS- quick answers
sweating
overwillingness to cooperate
slurred speech is a manifestation most often associated with? -CORRECT ANSWERS- hypoglycemia and
stroke
during xray exposure, why is it important to maintain the tooth and film in a parallel relationship? -
CORRECT ANSWERS- minimizes dimensional distortion
a 4-year old patient lives in community with .5 ppm of fluoride in drinking water. what is the
recommended fluoride supplement dose in mg to prescribe daily for this patient. -CORRECT ANSWERS-
.25 mg
.5+ .25= .75
(.7 ppm is recommended)
the dental hygienist fails to inform the patient the tip of the scaling instrument broke in the patient's
mouth. This is an example of -CORRECT ANSWERS- negligence and unintentional tort
the dental hygienist post dates a treatment appointment on an insurance form. this is an example of -
CORRECT ANSWERS- criminal law
this is fraud which would be dealt under criminal law- a law established to prevent harm to society.
in some cases of professional negligence, an expert witness is not needed. a hygienist breaking an
instrument tip and leaving it in the sulcus would require an expert witness. -CORRECT ANSWERS- first
statement is true, second is false.
,leaving broken instrument in the sulcus does not require expert witness. this is evidence under the
doctrine of res ipsa loquitor- the matter speaks for itself.
a breach of contact occurs when privacy rights have been violated. Harm has to occur for there to be a
breach of contract. -CORRECT ANSWERS- first statement is true and second is false.
harm does not have to occur.
which situation would not require written consent? -CORRECT ANSWERS- radiographs
taking radiographs is part of the standard of care when treating a patient.
which situations would require a written consent? -CORRECT ANSWERS- taking minor children in public
programs
providing treatment that extends over a year
taking a patient's photo
a new patient shows evidence of subginigval calculus with 5-6mm pocket depths. the patient questions
the extensive treatment plan presented, especially since she has had her teeth cleaned every 6 months.
Which does this pose? -CORRECT ANSWERS- ethical dilemma
occurs when a sitation presents with one or more opposing ethical principles
refers to the science or philosophy of law -CORRECT ANSWERS- jurisprudence
refers to certain types of misconduct by healthcare providers, for which they are legally liable to
compensate a patient who is a victim of these wrongful acts -CORRECT ANSWERS- malpractice
a tort, includes libel and slander -CORRECT ANSWERS- defamation
the patient fears receiving local anesthesia, the dental hygienist informs the patient the injection will
not hurt, yet it does. this is a violation of? -CORRECT ANSWERS- veracity
each of the following is an example of criminal law -CORRECT ANSWERS- claiming a procedure was
completed when it was not
post dating a treatment appointment on an insurance claim
practicing without a license
(defaming a patient is not an example of criminal law)
, during treatment, the hygienist applies a desensitizing agent on a tooth without informing the patient.
this is an example of -CORRECT ANSWERS- technical battery - patient did not agree to have
the hygienist provides protective eyewear for the patient prior to dental treatment is an example of -
CORRECT ANSWERS- nonmaleficence
aSpatientStripsSandSfallsSoverSaSbucketSthatSwasSplacedSinStheShallwayStoScatchSwaterSleakingSfromStheSceili
ng.StheSofficeSisSguiltySofS-CORRECTSANSWERS-SnegligenceS-
SanSactionSorSlackSofSactionSthatScontributesStoStheSharmSorSinjurySofStheSpatient
theSpatientSadmitsSnotSbrushingShisSteethSforS2Sweeks.SwhichSmicroorganismsSwillSbeSmostSprevalentS-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SspriochetesSandSvibriosSappearSduringSdaysS7-14SafterSineffectiveSplaqueSremoval.
whatSmicroorganismsSappearSafterS4-7SdaysSofSineffectiveSplaqueSremovalS-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SfilamentousSformsSincreaseSandSrodsSandSfusobacteriaSappear
whatSmicroorganismsSareSpresentSalmostSimmediatelySafterSplaqueSremovalS-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SgramSpositiveScocci
eachSofStheSfollowingSareSblisterformSlesionsS-CORRECTSANSWERS-SvesicleS
pustule
bulla
aSsuperficial,SelevatedSsolidSlesionSthatSisStypicallySlessSthanSorSequalStoS1cmSinSdiameter.S-
CORRECTSANSWERS-Spapule
whichSpalpationStechniqueSisSusedStoSdetermineStheSpresenceSofSmandibularStori?S-CORRECTSANSWERS-
Sdigital
whatSmethodsSofSpalpationSareSusedStoSpalpateStheSlymphSnodesSorSthyroidSgland?S-CORRECTSANSWERS-
SmanualS(fingersSfromSoneShandSareSusedStoSgraspStissue)SandS
bimanualSmethodS(fingersSandSthumbSfromSeachShandSareSusedSsimultaneouslyStoSpalpateStissues)
whatSmethodSisSofSpalpationSisSusedStoSpalpateStheSlipsS-CORRECTSANSWERS-Sbidigital
duringSaSmedicalSemergency,SeachSofStheSfollowingSexhibitsSanSincreaseSinSbloodSpressureSexceptSfor?S-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SmyocardialSinfarction-
StheSbloodSpressureSduringSaSMISmaySbeSnormal,SbutScommonlySisSdecreased.
duringSaSmedicalSemergency,SwhatSconditionsSexhibitsSanSincreaseSinSbloodSpressureS-
CORRECTSANSWERS-SacuteSallergicSreaction
epilepsy
asthmaS
pulmonarySedema
