DENTAL HYGIENIST LICENSING
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following instruments is used primarily for scaling
subgingival calculus?
A. Explorer
B. Probe
C. Curette
D. Scaler
Rationale: Curettes are designed for subgingival scaling and root
planing, allowing access below the gumline without trauma.
2. The primary purpose of fluoride varnish is to:
A. Whiten teeth
B. Remove plaque
C. Prevent dental caries
D. Reduce gingival inflammation
Rationale: Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps prevent
cavities.
,3. Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with
scurvy?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C deficiency leads to weakened collagen, causing
bleeding gums and poor wound healing.
4. The sulcus depth in a healthy periodontium typically measures:
A. 1–3 mm
B. 4–5 mm
C. 5–7 mm
D. 1–3 mm
Rationale: A healthy gingival sulcus usually measures 1–3 mm; deeper
measurements indicate potential periodontal disease.
5. The term “plaque” refers to:
A. Calcified deposits on teeth
B. A soft, sticky biofilm of bacteria
C. Stained enamel
D. Salivary mineral deposits
Rationale: Plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that forms on teeth
and can lead to caries or gingivitis.
6. The most common site for oral cancer is:
A. Hard palate
B. Lips
C. Tongue, lateral border
D. Lateral border of the tongue
Rationale: The lateral borders of the tongue are highly susceptible to
malignant changes.
, 7. A common side effect of chlorhexidine mouth rinse is:
A. Burning sensation only
B. Tooth decay
C. Staining of teeth and tongue
D. Increased caries
Rationale: Chlorhexidine can cause brown staining on teeth and tongue
with long-term use.
8. Which of the following is the main causative agent of dental caries?
A. Lactobacillus
B. Streptococcus mutans
C. Actinomyces
D. Porphyromonas gingivalis
Rationale: Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sugars to acids, initiating
enamel demineralization.
9. The dental hygienist’s role in tobacco cessation primarily involves:
A. Prescribing nicotine replacement
B. Educating and counseling patients
C. Performing oral surgery
D. Diagnosing cancer
Rationale: Dental hygienists provide patient education, support, and
referrals to aid in cessation.
10. Which of the following instruments is used to detect calculus?
A. Probe
B. Explorer
C. Scaler
D. Curette
Rationale: Explorers are tactile instruments used to detect irregularities
like calculus on tooth surfaces.
EXAM PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following instruments is used primarily for scaling
subgingival calculus?
A. Explorer
B. Probe
C. Curette
D. Scaler
Rationale: Curettes are designed for subgingival scaling and root
planing, allowing access below the gumline without trauma.
2. The primary purpose of fluoride varnish is to:
A. Whiten teeth
B. Remove plaque
C. Prevent dental caries
D. Reduce gingival inflammation
Rationale: Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps prevent
cavities.
,3. Which vitamin deficiency is most commonly associated with
scurvy?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin E
D. Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C deficiency leads to weakened collagen, causing
bleeding gums and poor wound healing.
4. The sulcus depth in a healthy periodontium typically measures:
A. 1–3 mm
B. 4–5 mm
C. 5–7 mm
D. 1–3 mm
Rationale: A healthy gingival sulcus usually measures 1–3 mm; deeper
measurements indicate potential periodontal disease.
5. The term “plaque” refers to:
A. Calcified deposits on teeth
B. A soft, sticky biofilm of bacteria
C. Stained enamel
D. Salivary mineral deposits
Rationale: Plaque is a biofilm of microorganisms that forms on teeth
and can lead to caries or gingivitis.
6. The most common site for oral cancer is:
A. Hard palate
B. Lips
C. Tongue, lateral border
D. Lateral border of the tongue
Rationale: The lateral borders of the tongue are highly susceptible to
malignant changes.
, 7. A common side effect of chlorhexidine mouth rinse is:
A. Burning sensation only
B. Tooth decay
C. Staining of teeth and tongue
D. Increased caries
Rationale: Chlorhexidine can cause brown staining on teeth and tongue
with long-term use.
8. Which of the following is the main causative agent of dental caries?
A. Lactobacillus
B. Streptococcus mutans
C. Actinomyces
D. Porphyromonas gingivalis
Rationale: Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sugars to acids, initiating
enamel demineralization.
9. The dental hygienist’s role in tobacco cessation primarily involves:
A. Prescribing nicotine replacement
B. Educating and counseling patients
C. Performing oral surgery
D. Diagnosing cancer
Rationale: Dental hygienists provide patient education, support, and
referrals to aid in cessation.
10. Which of the following instruments is used to detect calculus?
A. Probe
B. Explorer
C. Scaler
D. Curette
Rationale: Explorers are tactile instruments used to detect irregularities
like calculus on tooth surfaces.
