HESI Dental Hygiene Exam |Reviewed
and Updated in 2026/2027|A Review of
408 Real Past Papers Exam Questions
and Correct Answers With Rationales
(New!) |100% Guaranteed Pass|
Already Graded A+
1. Which should be obtained when physical restraint is recommended for
patient safety during a dental procedure? - ANSWER-Informed consent
Informed consent give permission from a patient, or legal guardian, after the
potential risks of treatment have been explained. Implied consent occurs
when a patient without a formal agreement, consents to treatment through
actions. Informed refusal occurs when a patient declines treatment after a tx
plan is presented. Implied approval is not a legal term used in dentistry.
2. A patient in her seventh month pregnancy begins to feel nauseous during the
dental prophylaxis. Suddenly, the patient begins to sweat and starts grasping
for air. What is the patient experiencing? - ANSWER-Supine hypotensive
syndrome Supine hypotensive syndrome is an abrupt fall in blood pressure
resulting from compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus
when the patient is in a supine position. It manifests as bradycardia,
sweating, nausea, weakness, and air hunger.
3. The Hepatitis B airs (HBV) is transmitted through ingestion of foods or
water contaminated by an infected person. The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is
transmitted through blood, blood products, or body fluids. - ANSWER-Both
statements are false. It's swapped. The Hepatitis A virus is transmitted
through ingestion of foods or water contaminated by an infected person. The
HBV virus is transmitted through blood.
,4. A 17 yr old presents for a third molar evaluation. The panoramic radiograph
reveals the apical thirst of roots #1 & #2 have fused together. Which best
defines this anomaly? - ANSWER-Concrescence
Concrescence is the fusion of 2 individually developed teeth with cementum
only. Gemination occurs when a single tooth bud forms tow joined teeth.
5. A patient's intramural examination reveals a well-circumscribed, raised
lesion along the lateral border of the tongue. The lesion is soft, deep purple
and measures 2mm diameter. The patient believes it first appeared after
accidentally biting the tongue. Which best defines the lesion? - ANSWER-
Hemangioma
6. Intraoral lesions may occur with each of the following condition EXCEPT
one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? - ANSWER-Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a skin tumor often found the face or lips, not the oral
cavity.
7. Which infectious disease is NOT caused by the coxsackievirus? -
ANSWER-Verruca vulgaris
Verruca vulgaris is an oral wart caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
8. A pregnant woman reports a freely moveable, deep red tissue mass, which
extends from the labial gingival between maxillary right premolars. The
surface of the lesion is ulcerated and bleeds easily. A histologic analysis
indicates the lesion is composed of connective tissue, capillaries, and
inflammatory cells. Which best defines the lesion? - ANSWER-Pyogenic
granuloma
9. Which medication is administered to manage an acute asthma attack? -
ANSWER-Albuterol
short acting bronchodilator results in an immediate response to an acute
asthma attack
10.The parents of a 7 yr old are concerned by the development a soft, blue,
vesicle-like swelling on the gingiva where tooth #8 is expected to erupt. No
significant radiographic findings exist other than the partial eruption of tooth
#8. Which course of action is recommended? - ANSWER-No treatment is
required; the cyst will dissipate naturally.
,11.A patient's buccal mucosa exhibits tiny white nodules connected by slender
raised lines in a lace-like pattern. This finding is a clinical manifestation of -
ANSWER-lichen plants
12.Which results will ensue if a kilovolt peak (kVp) below 65 is used when
exposing radiographs? - ANSWER-Exposure to radiation is increased
13.Each of the following compounds is used to fluoridate domestic water
systems EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A. Acidulated phosphate
B. Hydro fluorosilicic acid
C. Sodium fluoride
D. Sodium silicofluoride - ANSWER-Acidulated phosphate
Acidulated phosphate is an in-office, professional topical fluoride.
14.Each of the following patients would benefit from prescription fluoride
supplements EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? - ANSWER-33
yr old female in her second trimester of pregnancy who drinks unfluoridated
water.
15.Under which classification of gingival diseases and conditions is puberty-
associated gingivitis found? - ANSWER-Plaque-Induced Gingival diseases
modified by systemic factors
16.A patient presents with a short, thick lingual frenum that results in limited
tongue movement affecting speech. Which is the most likely diagnosis of
this condition? - ANSWER-Ankyloglossia
17.The junction of a buccal and lingual triangular ridge is a transverse ridge.
The oblique ridge of a maxillary molar is an example of a transverse ridge. -
ANSWER-The first statement is true and the second is false
18.Which factor makes aging enamel less susceptible to caries? - ANSWER-
reduced permeability
19.Which groove is the most identifying characteristic of a three-cusp
mandibular second premolar? - ANSWER-Distolingual
, 20.Which is true regarding the height of contour? - ANSWER-Greatest
elevation of tooth either incisocervically or occlusocervically
21.How many primary and permanent teeth are typically present in an eight yr
old child? - ANSWER-14 primary; 10 permanent
22.Which is the target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block? - ANSWER-
mandibular foramen on medial surface of mandible
23.Which salivary gland is encapsulated? - ANSWER-Sublingual
24.Which type of joint is the temporomandibular? - ANSWER-Synovial
25.Which peripheral nervous system and subdivision are responsible for a
shutdown of salivary gland secretion? - ANSWER-autonomic; sympathetic
26.Destroyed enamel cannot reform since the cells that formed it no longer
exist. Cavitated enamel can repair itself by the incorporation of calcium and
phosphate ions from saliva? - ANSWER-First statement is true second
statement is false
27.Which bacterium is most important in causing the progression of carious
lesions? - ANSWER-Aciduric
28.Most dental sealants places are self-cured because this process allows for a
longer working time for the operator. - ANSWER-NEITHER the statement
NOR the reason is correct.
29.Anaerobe bacteria - ANSWER-grow only in the absence of oxygen
30.When is tooth eruption complete? - ANSWER-Tooth has made contact with
its antagonists in opposing jaw
31.When does mixed dentition begin? - ANSWER-Eruption of first permanent
tooth
32.How many succedaneums teeth are in permanent dentition? - ANSWER-20
and Updated in 2026/2027|A Review of
408 Real Past Papers Exam Questions
and Correct Answers With Rationales
(New!) |100% Guaranteed Pass|
Already Graded A+
1. Which should be obtained when physical restraint is recommended for
patient safety during a dental procedure? - ANSWER-Informed consent
Informed consent give permission from a patient, or legal guardian, after the
potential risks of treatment have been explained. Implied consent occurs
when a patient without a formal agreement, consents to treatment through
actions. Informed refusal occurs when a patient declines treatment after a tx
plan is presented. Implied approval is not a legal term used in dentistry.
2. A patient in her seventh month pregnancy begins to feel nauseous during the
dental prophylaxis. Suddenly, the patient begins to sweat and starts grasping
for air. What is the patient experiencing? - ANSWER-Supine hypotensive
syndrome Supine hypotensive syndrome is an abrupt fall in blood pressure
resulting from compression of the inferior vena cava by the gravid uterus
when the patient is in a supine position. It manifests as bradycardia,
sweating, nausea, weakness, and air hunger.
3. The Hepatitis B airs (HBV) is transmitted through ingestion of foods or
water contaminated by an infected person. The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is
transmitted through blood, blood products, or body fluids. - ANSWER-Both
statements are false. It's swapped. The Hepatitis A virus is transmitted
through ingestion of foods or water contaminated by an infected person. The
HBV virus is transmitted through blood.
,4. A 17 yr old presents for a third molar evaluation. The panoramic radiograph
reveals the apical thirst of roots #1 & #2 have fused together. Which best
defines this anomaly? - ANSWER-Concrescence
Concrescence is the fusion of 2 individually developed teeth with cementum
only. Gemination occurs when a single tooth bud forms tow joined teeth.
5. A patient's intramural examination reveals a well-circumscribed, raised
lesion along the lateral border of the tongue. The lesion is soft, deep purple
and measures 2mm diameter. The patient believes it first appeared after
accidentally biting the tongue. Which best defines the lesion? - ANSWER-
Hemangioma
6. Intraoral lesions may occur with each of the following condition EXCEPT
one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? - ANSWER-Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma is a skin tumor often found the face or lips, not the oral
cavity.
7. Which infectious disease is NOT caused by the coxsackievirus? -
ANSWER-Verruca vulgaris
Verruca vulgaris is an oral wart caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV)
8. A pregnant woman reports a freely moveable, deep red tissue mass, which
extends from the labial gingival between maxillary right premolars. The
surface of the lesion is ulcerated and bleeds easily. A histologic analysis
indicates the lesion is composed of connective tissue, capillaries, and
inflammatory cells. Which best defines the lesion? - ANSWER-Pyogenic
granuloma
9. Which medication is administered to manage an acute asthma attack? -
ANSWER-Albuterol
short acting bronchodilator results in an immediate response to an acute
asthma attack
10.The parents of a 7 yr old are concerned by the development a soft, blue,
vesicle-like swelling on the gingiva where tooth #8 is expected to erupt. No
significant radiographic findings exist other than the partial eruption of tooth
#8. Which course of action is recommended? - ANSWER-No treatment is
required; the cyst will dissipate naturally.
,11.A patient's buccal mucosa exhibits tiny white nodules connected by slender
raised lines in a lace-like pattern. This finding is a clinical manifestation of -
ANSWER-lichen plants
12.Which results will ensue if a kilovolt peak (kVp) below 65 is used when
exposing radiographs? - ANSWER-Exposure to radiation is increased
13.Each of the following compounds is used to fluoridate domestic water
systems EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?
A. Acidulated phosphate
B. Hydro fluorosilicic acid
C. Sodium fluoride
D. Sodium silicofluoride - ANSWER-Acidulated phosphate
Acidulated phosphate is an in-office, professional topical fluoride.
14.Each of the following patients would benefit from prescription fluoride
supplements EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION? - ANSWER-33
yr old female in her second trimester of pregnancy who drinks unfluoridated
water.
15.Under which classification of gingival diseases and conditions is puberty-
associated gingivitis found? - ANSWER-Plaque-Induced Gingival diseases
modified by systemic factors
16.A patient presents with a short, thick lingual frenum that results in limited
tongue movement affecting speech. Which is the most likely diagnosis of
this condition? - ANSWER-Ankyloglossia
17.The junction of a buccal and lingual triangular ridge is a transverse ridge.
The oblique ridge of a maxillary molar is an example of a transverse ridge. -
ANSWER-The first statement is true and the second is false
18.Which factor makes aging enamel less susceptible to caries? - ANSWER-
reduced permeability
19.Which groove is the most identifying characteristic of a three-cusp
mandibular second premolar? - ANSWER-Distolingual
, 20.Which is true regarding the height of contour? - ANSWER-Greatest
elevation of tooth either incisocervically or occlusocervically
21.How many primary and permanent teeth are typically present in an eight yr
old child? - ANSWER-14 primary; 10 permanent
22.Which is the target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block? - ANSWER-
mandibular foramen on medial surface of mandible
23.Which salivary gland is encapsulated? - ANSWER-Sublingual
24.Which type of joint is the temporomandibular? - ANSWER-Synovial
25.Which peripheral nervous system and subdivision are responsible for a
shutdown of salivary gland secretion? - ANSWER-autonomic; sympathetic
26.Destroyed enamel cannot reform since the cells that formed it no longer
exist. Cavitated enamel can repair itself by the incorporation of calcium and
phosphate ions from saliva? - ANSWER-First statement is true second
statement is false
27.Which bacterium is most important in causing the progression of carious
lesions? - ANSWER-Aciduric
28.Most dental sealants places are self-cured because this process allows for a
longer working time for the operator. - ANSWER-NEITHER the statement
NOR the reason is correct.
29.Anaerobe bacteria - ANSWER-grow only in the absence of oxygen
30.When is tooth eruption complete? - ANSWER-Tooth has made contact with
its antagonists in opposing jaw
31.When does mixed dentition begin? - ANSWER-Eruption of first permanent
tooth
32.How many succedaneums teeth are in permanent dentition? - ANSWER-20
