HESI DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM TEST BANK | EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (PROFESSOR VERIFIED) | LATEST EDITION

HESI DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM TEST BANK | EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (PROFESSOR VERIFIED) | LATEST EDITION Question 1 Which of the following best describes the primary etiological factor in plaque-induced gingival diseases? A) Fungal infections B) Bacterial biofilm C) Viral pathogens D) Allergic reactions Correct Answer: B) Bacterial biofilm Rationale: Dental plaque, which is a bacterial biofilm, serves as the primary etiological factor in plaque-induced gingival diseases. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins and enzymes that initiate and perpetuate the inflammatory response in gingival tissues. Without adequate plaque removal, these bacterial accumulations lead to gingival inflammation and disease progression. ________________________________________ Question 2 A patient presents with gingival enlargement that is firm, fibrotic, and painless, affecting primarily the interdental papillae. The patient reports taking phenytoin for seizure control. What is the most likely diagnosis? A) Pregnancy tumor B) Drug-influenced gingival enlargement C) Hereditary gingival fibromatosis D) Leukemic gingival enlargement Correct Answer: B) Drug-influenced gingival enlargement Rationale: Phenytoin is a well-known anticonvulsant medication associated with drug-induced gingival enlargement. The fibrotic, painless nature of the enlargement and the medication history are characteristic of this condition. Calcium channel blockers and cyclosporine are also associated with this type of gingival overgrowth. The condition typically begins within 1-3 months of starting the medication. ________________________________________ Question 3 During tooth development, which structure gives rise to the enamel organ? A) Dental papilla B) Dental sac C) Oral epithelium D) Neural crest cells Correct Answer: C) Oral epithelium Rationale: The enamel organ develops from the oral ectoderm (oral epithelium) during the bud stage of tooth development. This epithelial structure is responsible for forming enamel through the differentiation of ameloblasts. The dental papilla (mesenchymal origin) gives rise to dentin and pulp, while the dental sac forms the cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. ________________________________________ Question 4 What is the primary function of the junctional epithelium? A) To form the outer layer of the gingiva B) To provide attachment between the gingiva and the tooth surface C) To produce gingival crevicular fluid D) To resorb alveolar bone Correct Answer: B) To provide attachment between the gingiva and the tooth surface Rationale: The junctional epithelium is a specialized epithelium that forms a biological seal around the tooth at the base of the gingival sulcus. It attaches to the tooth surface via hemidesmosomes and an internal basal lamina, creating a barrier that protects the underlying connective tissues from bacterial invasion. This attachment is crucial for maintaining periodontal health. ________________________________________ Question 5 Which of the following periodontal pathogens is most strongly associated with aggressive periodontitis? A) Porphyromonas gingivalis B) Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans C) Fusobacterium nucleatum D) Prevotella intermedia Correct Answer: B) Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Rationale: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (formerly Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) is the pathogen most strongly associated with aggressive periodontitis, particularly the localized form. This organism produces leukotoxin, which destroys polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes, and has other virulence factors that contribute to rapid attachment loss and bone destruction, especially in younger patients. ________________________________________ Question 6 The dental lamina is responsible for forming: A) Cementum only B) The permanent dentition only C) Both primary and permanent dentitions D) Alveolar bone Correct Answer: C) Both primary and permanent dentitions Rationale: The dental lamina is a band of epithelial tissue that invaginates from the oral epithelium during early tooth development. It gives rise to the tooth germs for both the primary dentition (successional lamina) and the permanent dentition (the permanent successors develop from the lingual extension of the dental lamina). After tooth formation, the dental lamina typically degenerates. ________________________________________ Question 7 A patient exhibits gingival inflammation limited to the interdental papillae with no attachment loss. Bleeding on probing is present. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?