GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Question Stem
A 45-year-old patient presents for a routine hygiene visit with a
complaint of “a lump” on the inside of the cheek. As the dental
hygienist thinking about the practice of oral and maxillofacial
pathology, which is the most appropriate first step to
incorporate into your plan of care?
Options
A. Immediately perform an excisional biopsy during the
appointment.
B. Obtain a focused history of onset, duration, and associated
symptoms and perform an intraoral exam.
,C. Reassure the patient that most cheek lumps are benign and
schedule routine prophylaxis.
D. Prescribe an empiric topical antifungal and ask the patient to
return in two weeks.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Myers & Curran emphasize that the initial
approach in oral pathology is a focused history and
thorough intraoral examination to characterize lesions
before diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. This guides
appropriate triage and choice of supplemental tests.
• Incorrect (A): Excisional biopsy may be indicated later, but
not without history, examination, and consideration of
size, location, and differential diagnoses.
• Incorrect (C): Reassurance without assessment risks
missing clinically significant pathology; a lump warrants
evaluation rather than dismissal.
• Incorrect (D): Empiric treatment without diagnostic
reasoning may delay correct diagnosis; topical antifungals
are only appropriate if clinical features support candidiasis.
Teaching Point
Always start with targeted history and examination before tests
or treatment.
,Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
A patient with a persistent ulcer on the lateral tongue for 4
weeks is referred. According to principles of oral and
maxillofacial pathology practice, which action should the dental
hygienist prioritize when preparing the referral?
Options
A. Document lesion size, color, duration, and risk factors;
include photos and a concise clinical summary.
B. Wait another month to see if the lesion resolves before
documenting or referring.
C. Instruct the patient to use an over-the-counter topical
analgesic and report back if it worsens.
D. Schedule an immediate full-mouth extraction to remove
potential irritants.
Correct Answer
A
Rationales
, • Correct (A): The text recommends detailed documentation
(size, color, duration), clinical photographs, and concise
summaries to aid diagnostic specialists and ensure
continuity of care.
• Incorrect (B): Delaying action for a persistent ulcer (>2
weeks) risks missing malignancy; timely documentation
and referral are indicated.
• Incorrect (C): Symptomatic care alone is insufficient for a
non-healing ulcer; diagnostic evaluation is necessary.
• Incorrect (D): Extractions are not an appropriate first
response and could obscure diagnosis or create
complications.
Teaching Point
Document lesions thoroughly and include photos when
referring for specialty evaluation.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
During a head and neck exam you note a well-circumscribed,
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Question Stem
A 45-year-old patient presents for a routine hygiene visit with a
complaint of “a lump” on the inside of the cheek. As the dental
hygienist thinking about the practice of oral and maxillofacial
pathology, which is the most appropriate first step to
incorporate into your plan of care?
Options
A. Immediately perform an excisional biopsy during the
appointment.
B. Obtain a focused history of onset, duration, and associated
symptoms and perform an intraoral exam.
,C. Reassure the patient that most cheek lumps are benign and
schedule routine prophylaxis.
D. Prescribe an empiric topical antifungal and ask the patient to
return in two weeks.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Myers & Curran emphasize that the initial
approach in oral pathology is a focused history and
thorough intraoral examination to characterize lesions
before diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. This guides
appropriate triage and choice of supplemental tests.
• Incorrect (A): Excisional biopsy may be indicated later, but
not without history, examination, and consideration of
size, location, and differential diagnoses.
• Incorrect (C): Reassurance without assessment risks
missing clinically significant pathology; a lump warrants
evaluation rather than dismissal.
• Incorrect (D): Empiric treatment without diagnostic
reasoning may delay correct diagnosis; topical antifungals
are only appropriate if clinical features support candidiasis.
Teaching Point
Always start with targeted history and examination before tests
or treatment.
,Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
A patient with a persistent ulcer on the lateral tongue for 4
weeks is referred. According to principles of oral and
maxillofacial pathology practice, which action should the dental
hygienist prioritize when preparing the referral?
Options
A. Document lesion size, color, duration, and risk factors;
include photos and a concise clinical summary.
B. Wait another month to see if the lesion resolves before
documenting or referring.
C. Instruct the patient to use an over-the-counter topical
analgesic and report back if it worsens.
D. Schedule an immediate full-mouth extraction to remove
potential irritants.
Correct Answer
A
Rationales
, • Correct (A): The text recommends detailed documentation
(size, color, duration), clinical photographs, and concise
summaries to aid diagnostic specialists and ensure
continuity of care.
• Incorrect (B): Delaying action for a persistent ulcer (>2
weeks) risks missing malignancy; timely documentation
and referral are indicated.
• Incorrect (C): Symptomatic care alone is insufficient for a
non-healing ulcer; diagnostic evaluation is necessary.
• Incorrect (D): Extractions are not an appropriate first
response and could obscure diagnosis or create
complications.
Teaching Point
Document lesions thoroughly and include photos when
referring for specialty evaluation.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
During a head and neck exam you note a well-circumscribed,
