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 52-year-old patient presents for a routine hygiene
appointment and asks why the clinician takes extra time to
inspect mucosa even though they feel well. Which statement
best explains the role of oral and maxillofacial pathology in
routine dental care?
Options
A. It focuses primarily on biopsy techniques performed by
dentists.
B. It aims to identify, diagnose, and guide management of oral
diseases to improve patient outcomes.
,C. It only addresses malignant tumors of the head and neck.
D. It replaces the need for systemic medical history during
dental visits.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Oral and maxillofacial pathology encompasses
identification, diagnosis, and guidance for management of
a wide spectrum of oral diseases, which supports
prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes.
Myers & Curran emphasize the discipline’s broad role in
clinical care.
• Incorrect (A): While biopsies are a tool, the field is not
limited to techniques—it includes clinical assessment,
diagnosis, and interpretation.
• Incorrect (C): It addresses benign and malignant conditions
as well as developmental and inflammatory lesions, not
only malignancies.
• Incorrect (D): Thorough oral pathology assessment
supplements but does not replace a systemic medical
history; both are essential.
Teaching Point
Oral pathology identifies and guides management of a wide
spectrum of oral diseases.
,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
During an interprofessional case discussion, a dental hygienist
must explain when referral to an oral pathologist is most
appropriate. Which scenario best warrants referral?
Options
A. A straightforward decayed tooth with no mucosal change.
B. An asymptomatic persistent white plaque that does not rub
off after 3 weeks.
C. Routine calculus requiring scaling and root planing.
D. Mild gingival swelling adjacent to an erupting wisdom tooth.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Persistent white plaques that cannot be wiped
away raise concern for dysplasia or other pathologic
processes and should prompt referral for specialist
evaluation and possible biopsy.
, • Incorrect (A): Caries is managed within general dental
care, not primarily oral pathology referral.
• Incorrect (C): Routine periodontal care does not require
oral pathology consultation unless unusual lesions are
present.
• Incorrect (D): Eruption-related gingival changes are
common and usually resolve; referral is unnecessary unless
atypical features persist.
Teaching Point
Refer persistent mucosal lesions (e.g., non-removable white
plaques) for specialist 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
A patient has a 6-mm solitary ulcer on the lateral tongue
present for two weeks. Which initial aspect of lesion
assessment most directly helps estimate lesion chronicity?
Options
A. Measuring color under halogen light.
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Question Stem
A 52-year-old patient presents for a routine hygiene
appointment and asks why the clinician takes extra time to
inspect mucosa even though they feel well. Which statement
best explains the role of oral and maxillofacial pathology in
routine dental care?
Options
A. It focuses primarily on biopsy techniques performed by
dentists.
B. It aims to identify, diagnose, and guide management of oral
diseases to improve patient outcomes.
,C. It only addresses malignant tumors of the head and neck.
D. It replaces the need for systemic medical history during
dental visits.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Oral and maxillofacial pathology encompasses
identification, diagnosis, and guidance for management of
a wide spectrum of oral diseases, which supports
prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes.
Myers & Curran emphasize the discipline’s broad role in
clinical care.
• Incorrect (A): While biopsies are a tool, the field is not
limited to techniques—it includes clinical assessment,
diagnosis, and interpretation.
• Incorrect (C): It addresses benign and malignant conditions
as well as developmental and inflammatory lesions, not
only malignancies.
• Incorrect (D): Thorough oral pathology assessment
supplements but does not replace a systemic medical
history; both are essential.
Teaching Point
Oral pathology identifies and guides management of a wide
spectrum of oral diseases.
,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
During an interprofessional case discussion, a dental hygienist
must explain when referral to an oral pathologist is most
appropriate. Which scenario best warrants referral?
Options
A. A straightforward decayed tooth with no mucosal change.
B. An asymptomatic persistent white plaque that does not rub
off after 3 weeks.
C. Routine calculus requiring scaling and root planing.
D. Mild gingival swelling adjacent to an erupting wisdom tooth.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Persistent white plaques that cannot be wiped
away raise concern for dysplasia or other pathologic
processes and should prompt referral for specialist
evaluation and possible biopsy.
, • Incorrect (A): Caries is managed within general dental
care, not primarily oral pathology referral.
• Incorrect (C): Routine periodontal care does not require
oral pathology consultation unless unusual lesions are
present.
• Incorrect (D): Eruption-related gingival changes are
common and usually resolve; referral is unnecessary unless
atypical features persist.
Teaching Point
Refer persistent mucosal lesions (e.g., non-removable white
plaques) for specialist 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
A patient has a 6-mm solitary ulcer on the lateral tongue
present for two weeks. Which initial aspect of lesion
assessment most directly helps estimate lesion chronicity?
Options
A. Measuring color under halogen light.
