PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY EXAM 5 | DENTAL
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 71-year-old patient with poorly controlled diabetes and xerostomia
presents with multiple active root caries. What is the MOST appropriate
INITIAL management?
A. Full-mouth extraction
B. High-fluoride therapy and systemic glycemic coordination
C. Cosmetic whitening
D. Delay treatment until pain develops
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stabilizing systemic risk and caries progression is the first
priority before definitive treatment.
2. A patient presents with smooth enamel erosion on palatal surfaces and
denies acidic diet. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Bruxism
D. Vitamin deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrinsic acid exposure from reflux commonly causes palatal
erosion.
3. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis struggles with brushing due to hand
deformity. What is the BEST intervention?
A. Stop brushing
B. Powered toothbrush
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash only
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adaptive devices improve mechanical plaque control.
4. A patient continues developing caries despite fluoride use. What is the
MOST likely contributing factor?
A. Genetics
B. Frequent sugar intake
C. Excess saliva
D. High fluoride resistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent carbohydrate exposure drives demineralization
cycles.
5. A child presents with early white spot lesions. What is the BEST
intervention?
A. Extraction
B. Fluoride varnish
C. Antibiotics
D. No treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lesions are reversible with remineralization therapy.
6. A localized gingival lesion appears near a crown. What should be
evaluated FIRST?
A. Tooth color
B. Crown margin adaptation
C. Age
D. Saliva composition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Defective margins trap plaque.
, 7. A patient reports halitosis despite good hygiene. What is the MOST
likely source?
A. Tooth enamel
B. Tongue coating
C. Fluoride deficiency
D. Calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tongue dorsum is the primary reservoir of odor-producing
bacteria.
8. A patient brushes immediately after acidic drinks. What is the MOST
damaging effect?
A. Enamel strengthening
B. Abrasion of softened enamel
C. Reduced caries
D. Increased saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid weakens enamel, making it vulnerable to mechanical loss.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with wear facets. What is BEST
management?
A. Mouthwash
B. Night guard
C. Extraction
D. Whitening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mechanical protection is essential.
10. A diabetic patient shows delayed healing. What is the MOST
important factor?
A. Brushing frequency
B. Glycemic control
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 71-year-old patient with poorly controlled diabetes and xerostomia
presents with multiple active root caries. What is the MOST appropriate
INITIAL management?
A. Full-mouth extraction
B. High-fluoride therapy and systemic glycemic coordination
C. Cosmetic whitening
D. Delay treatment until pain develops
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stabilizing systemic risk and caries progression is the first
priority before definitive treatment.
2. A patient presents with smooth enamel erosion on palatal surfaces and
denies acidic diet. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Bruxism
D. Vitamin deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrinsic acid exposure from reflux commonly causes palatal
erosion.
3. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis struggles with brushing due to hand
deformity. What is the BEST intervention?
A. Stop brushing
B. Powered toothbrush
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash only
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adaptive devices improve mechanical plaque control.
4. A patient continues developing caries despite fluoride use. What is the
MOST likely contributing factor?
A. Genetics
B. Frequent sugar intake
C. Excess saliva
D. High fluoride resistance
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent carbohydrate exposure drives demineralization
cycles.
5. A child presents with early white spot lesions. What is the BEST
intervention?
A. Extraction
B. Fluoride varnish
C. Antibiotics
D. No treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lesions are reversible with remineralization therapy.
6. A localized gingival lesion appears near a crown. What should be
evaluated FIRST?
A. Tooth color
B. Crown margin adaptation
C. Age
D. Saliva composition
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Defective margins trap plaque.
, 7. A patient reports halitosis despite good hygiene. What is the MOST
likely source?
A. Tooth enamel
B. Tongue coating
C. Fluoride deficiency
D. Calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tongue dorsum is the primary reservoir of odor-producing
bacteria.
8. A patient brushes immediately after acidic drinks. What is the MOST
damaging effect?
A. Enamel strengthening
B. Abrasion of softened enamel
C. Reduced caries
D. Increased saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid weakens enamel, making it vulnerable to mechanical loss.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with wear facets. What is BEST
management?
A. Mouthwash
B. Night guard
C. Extraction
D. Whitening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mechanical protection is essential.
10. A diabetic patient shows delayed healing. What is the MOST
important factor?
A. Brushing frequency
B. Glycemic control
