NATIONAL BOARD DENTAL HYGIENE
EXAMINATION PREP 4 | DENTAL HYGIENIST |
LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION WEST COAST
UNIVERSITY
Question 1
A 33-year-old patient presents with localized severe attachment loss on
molars and incisors, minimal plaque deposits, and rapid progression over
the past year. Which classification is most appropriate?
A. Stage II, Grade A periodontitis
B. Stage III, Grade C periodontitis
C. Gingivitis, plaque-induced
D. Stage IV, Grade B periodontitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid progression in a young patient with molar-incisor
pattern indicates Grade C periodontitis.
Question 2
A patient presents with a deep periodontal pocket on a vital tooth with
localized swelling and purulent exudate. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Periapical abscess
B. Periodontal abscess
C. Endodontic lesion
D. Pericoronitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vital tooth + localized periodontal pocket infection indicates
periodontal abscess.
Question 3
,Which systemic condition most directly impairs neutrophil function and
increases periodontal destruction?
A. Asthma
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Iron deficiency anemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes impairs neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis.
Question 4
Which radiographic finding is most consistent with early periodontal
breakdown?
A. Loss of lamina dura
B. Root resorption
C. Periapical radiolucency
D. Hypercementosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lamina dura loss is an early radiographic sign of periodontal
disease.
Question 5
A patient taking amlodipine presents with generalized gingival
enlargement. What is the best initial management?
A. Immediate surgical excision
B. Improved plaque control and monitoring
C. Discontinue medication independently
D. Antibiotic therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque control is first-line; medication changes require
physician consultation.
, Question 6
Which microorganism is most associated with aggressive periodontitis?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
D. Candida albicans
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly linked to aggressive
disease.
Question 7
Which condition presents with necrotic interdental papillae, halitosis, and
spontaneous bleeding?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Necrotizing periodontal disease
C. Periapical cyst
D. Chronic gingivitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Classic triad of NPD includes necrosis, odor, and bleeding.
Question 8
Which anesthetic is most associated with methemoglobinemia?
A. Lidocaine
B. Prilocaine
C. Bupivacaine
D. Mepivacaine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prilocaine metabolites oxidize hemoglobin.
Question 9
EXAMINATION PREP 4 | DENTAL HYGIENIST |
LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION WEST COAST
UNIVERSITY
Question 1
A 33-year-old patient presents with localized severe attachment loss on
molars and incisors, minimal plaque deposits, and rapid progression over
the past year. Which classification is most appropriate?
A. Stage II, Grade A periodontitis
B. Stage III, Grade C periodontitis
C. Gingivitis, plaque-induced
D. Stage IV, Grade B periodontitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid progression in a young patient with molar-incisor
pattern indicates Grade C periodontitis.
Question 2
A patient presents with a deep periodontal pocket on a vital tooth with
localized swelling and purulent exudate. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Periapical abscess
B. Periodontal abscess
C. Endodontic lesion
D. Pericoronitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vital tooth + localized periodontal pocket infection indicates
periodontal abscess.
Question 3
,Which systemic condition most directly impairs neutrophil function and
increases periodontal destruction?
A. Asthma
B. Diabetes mellitus
C. Hyperthyroidism
D. Iron deficiency anemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes impairs neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis.
Question 4
Which radiographic finding is most consistent with early periodontal
breakdown?
A. Loss of lamina dura
B. Root resorption
C. Periapical radiolucency
D. Hypercementosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lamina dura loss is an early radiographic sign of periodontal
disease.
Question 5
A patient taking amlodipine presents with generalized gingival
enlargement. What is the best initial management?
A. Immediate surgical excision
B. Improved plaque control and monitoring
C. Discontinue medication independently
D. Antibiotic therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque control is first-line; medication changes require
physician consultation.
, Question 6
Which microorganism is most associated with aggressive periodontitis?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
C. Lactobacillus acidophilus
D. Candida albicans
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly linked to aggressive
disease.
Question 7
Which condition presents with necrotic interdental papillae, halitosis, and
spontaneous bleeding?
A. Gingival hyperplasia
B. Necrotizing periodontal disease
C. Periapical cyst
D. Chronic gingivitis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Classic triad of NPD includes necrosis, odor, and bleeding.
Question 8
Which anesthetic is most associated with methemoglobinemia?
A. Lidocaine
B. Prilocaine
C. Bupivacaine
D. Mepivacaine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prilocaine metabolites oxidize hemoglobin.
Question 9
