NBDHE Exam Prep 2026/2027 | National Board Dental Hygiene
Examination | Practice Questions & Correct Answers
1. Describe the role of the evaluation phase in the context of dental hygiene
treatment planning.
The evaluation phase is focused on gathering patient information.
The evaluation phase determines whether the dental hygiene
interventions have met the established goals.
The evaluation phase involves performing clinical procedures.
The evaluation phase is where treatment plans are created.
2. A 14-year-old girl has a 3cm reddish, slightly raised nodule on the skin
overlying her cheek. She states that this lesion has been present for years and
has not changed much in size or color. Which of the following neoplasms is
this nodule most likely to be?
Lymphoma
Sarcoma
Melanoma
Hemangioma
Carcinoma
3. What is the correct position of the terminal shank when using a Gracey curet?
Terminal shank is parallel to the long axis of the tooth
Terminal shank is tilted away from the tooth surface
Terminal shank is perpendicular to the tooth surface
Terminal shank is angled towards the handle
,4. Describe the significance of the 'toe' in the design of a gracey curet.
The 'toe' is a feature that enhances the grip of the instrument.
The 'toe' is used for making incisions in soft tissue.
The 'toe' is primarily for aesthetic purposes.
The 'toe' allows for effective scaling and root planing in periodontal
therapy.
5. Which is a characteristic of regeneration, as part of the healing process?
Scar formation occurs at the site of the wound
Damaged tissue is replaced by identical tissue
Occurs by primary, secondary, or tertiary intention
More common than the healing process of repair
6. If a patient has a cartilage injury, which cell type would be primarily
responsible for the repair process?
Myocyte
Fibroblast
Chondrocyte
Osteoblast
7. What is the most frequently used method of sterilization?
dry heat
steam under pressure
pasteurization
freezing
,8. Describe the significance of motile microorganisms like Campylobacter
rectus in the context of periodontal disease.
Motile microorganisms like Campylobacter rectus can contribute to
the progression of periodontal disease by facilitating tissue invasion
and evading the host immune response.
Motile microorganisms are less harmful than non-motile ones in
periodontal disease.
All motile microorganisms are beneficial for oral health.
Motile microorganisms only exist in healthy gums.
9. In a dental examination, if a patient presents with a noticeable gap between
their front teeth, what term would you use to describe this condition, and
what implications might it have for their oral health?
an open bite; it could indicate a need for orthodontic treatment.
a cervical embrasure; it suggests potential gum disease.
a diastema; it may lead to issues with oral hygiene and aesthetic
concerns.
torsoversion; it may require surgical intervention.
10. What term describes the gap between two teeth that are not touching?
a cervical embrasure
torsoversion
an open bite
a diastema
, 11. Why is a pipe cleaner considered contraindicated for plaque control in
patients with dental implants?
A pipe cleaner can damage the surface of dental implants and is
not effective for plaque control.
A pipe cleaner is safe for all dental hygiene practices.
A pipe cleaner is recommended for use with all dental appliances.
A pipe cleaner is effective for cleaning around dental implants.
12. What type of breach occurs if the dental hygienist discusses a patient's
dental condition with a friend and the identity of the patient is inadvertently
revealed?
Statute of limitations
Informed consent
Defamation
Confidentiality
13. Describe the types of products that are best suited for steam-under
pressure sterilization and explain why.
Plastic products are best suited for steam-under pressure sterilization
because they are lightweight.
Steam under pressure is ineffective for any products, as it can
damage them.
Only metal products can be sterilized using steam under pressure
due to their durability.
Metal, glass, and paper products are best suited for steam-under
pressure sterilization due to their ability to withstand high
temperatures and moisture.
Examination | Practice Questions & Correct Answers
1. Describe the role of the evaluation phase in the context of dental hygiene
treatment planning.
The evaluation phase is focused on gathering patient information.
The evaluation phase determines whether the dental hygiene
interventions have met the established goals.
The evaluation phase involves performing clinical procedures.
The evaluation phase is where treatment plans are created.
2. A 14-year-old girl has a 3cm reddish, slightly raised nodule on the skin
overlying her cheek. She states that this lesion has been present for years and
has not changed much in size or color. Which of the following neoplasms is
this nodule most likely to be?
Lymphoma
Sarcoma
Melanoma
Hemangioma
Carcinoma
3. What is the correct position of the terminal shank when using a Gracey curet?
Terminal shank is parallel to the long axis of the tooth
Terminal shank is tilted away from the tooth surface
Terminal shank is perpendicular to the tooth surface
Terminal shank is angled towards the handle
,4. Describe the significance of the 'toe' in the design of a gracey curet.
The 'toe' is a feature that enhances the grip of the instrument.
The 'toe' is used for making incisions in soft tissue.
The 'toe' is primarily for aesthetic purposes.
The 'toe' allows for effective scaling and root planing in periodontal
therapy.
5. Which is a characteristic of regeneration, as part of the healing process?
Scar formation occurs at the site of the wound
Damaged tissue is replaced by identical tissue
Occurs by primary, secondary, or tertiary intention
More common than the healing process of repair
6. If a patient has a cartilage injury, which cell type would be primarily
responsible for the repair process?
Myocyte
Fibroblast
Chondrocyte
Osteoblast
7. What is the most frequently used method of sterilization?
dry heat
steam under pressure
pasteurization
freezing
,8. Describe the significance of motile microorganisms like Campylobacter
rectus in the context of periodontal disease.
Motile microorganisms like Campylobacter rectus can contribute to
the progression of periodontal disease by facilitating tissue invasion
and evading the host immune response.
Motile microorganisms are less harmful than non-motile ones in
periodontal disease.
All motile microorganisms are beneficial for oral health.
Motile microorganisms only exist in healthy gums.
9. In a dental examination, if a patient presents with a noticeable gap between
their front teeth, what term would you use to describe this condition, and
what implications might it have for their oral health?
an open bite; it could indicate a need for orthodontic treatment.
a cervical embrasure; it suggests potential gum disease.
a diastema; it may lead to issues with oral hygiene and aesthetic
concerns.
torsoversion; it may require surgical intervention.
10. What term describes the gap between two teeth that are not touching?
a cervical embrasure
torsoversion
an open bite
a diastema
, 11. Why is a pipe cleaner considered contraindicated for plaque control in
patients with dental implants?
A pipe cleaner can damage the surface of dental implants and is
not effective for plaque control.
A pipe cleaner is safe for all dental hygiene practices.
A pipe cleaner is recommended for use with all dental appliances.
A pipe cleaner is effective for cleaning around dental implants.
12. What type of breach occurs if the dental hygienist discusses a patient's
dental condition with a friend and the identity of the patient is inadvertently
revealed?
Statute of limitations
Informed consent
Defamation
Confidentiality
13. Describe the types of products that are best suited for steam-under
pressure sterilization and explain why.
Plastic products are best suited for steam-under pressure sterilization
because they are lightweight.
Steam under pressure is ineffective for any products, as it can
damage them.
Only metal products can be sterilized using steam under pressure
due to their durability.
Metal, glass, and paper products are best suited for steam-under
pressure sterilization due to their ability to withstand high
temperatures and moisture.
