NDEE 2026 Practice Exam 6
(Original) Questions and
Answers with Rationale
� Question 1
A 56-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes presents
with generalized gingival inflammation, bleeding on
probing, and 6–7 mm periodontal pockets. Which factor
most contributes to the severity of the periodontal
disease?
A. Frequent tooth brushing
B. Poor glycemic control
C. High fluoride intake
D. Bruxism
� Correct Answer: B. Poor glycemic control
� Rationale:
Poorly controlled diabetes impairs neutrophil function,
delays wound healing, and increases inflammatory
,responses, making periodontitis more severe and difficult
to manage.
� Question 2
Which microorganism is most strongly associated with
dental caries?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Actinomyces israelii
C. Candida albicans
D. Treponema denticola
� Correct Answer: A. Streptococcus mutans
� Rationale:
Streptococcus mutans metabolizes dietary sugars into
acids that demineralize enamel and initiate dental caries.
� Question 3
,A patient develops swelling of the lips and difficulty
breathing immediately after administration of a local
anesthetic. What is the priority action?
A. Place the patient in a supine position and observe.
B. Administer intramuscular epinephrine and activate
emergency medical services.
C. Give oral antihistamines only.
D. Continue the dental procedure.
� Correct Answer: B. Administer intramuscular
epinephrine and activate emergency medical services.
� Rationale:
The patient is exhibiting signs of anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment and should be
administered immediately while arranging emergency
medical care.
� Question 4
Which radiographic feature is most characteristic of
chronic apical periodontitis?
, A. Widened periodontal ligament space with a periapical
radiolucency
B. Uniform radiopacity around the root apex
C. Generalized bone sclerosis without symptoms
D. Complete loss of the lamina dura in every tooth
� Correct Answer: A. Widened periodontal ligament
space with a periapical radiolucency
� Rationale:
Chronic apical periodontitis typically appears as a
radiolucent lesion around the apex due to bone resorption
from chronic inflammation.
� Question 5
Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the
mandibular teeth?
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
C. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
(Original) Questions and
Answers with Rationale
� Question 1
A 56-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes presents
with generalized gingival inflammation, bleeding on
probing, and 6–7 mm periodontal pockets. Which factor
most contributes to the severity of the periodontal
disease?
A. Frequent tooth brushing
B. Poor glycemic control
C. High fluoride intake
D. Bruxism
� Correct Answer: B. Poor glycemic control
� Rationale:
Poorly controlled diabetes impairs neutrophil function,
delays wound healing, and increases inflammatory
,responses, making periodontitis more severe and difficult
to manage.
� Question 2
Which microorganism is most strongly associated with
dental caries?
A. Streptococcus mutans
B. Actinomyces israelii
C. Candida albicans
D. Treponema denticola
� Correct Answer: A. Streptococcus mutans
� Rationale:
Streptococcus mutans metabolizes dietary sugars into
acids that demineralize enamel and initiate dental caries.
� Question 3
,A patient develops swelling of the lips and difficulty
breathing immediately after administration of a local
anesthetic. What is the priority action?
A. Place the patient in a supine position and observe.
B. Administer intramuscular epinephrine and activate
emergency medical services.
C. Give oral antihistamines only.
D. Continue the dental procedure.
� Correct Answer: B. Administer intramuscular
epinephrine and activate emergency medical services.
� Rationale:
The patient is exhibiting signs of anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment and should be
administered immediately while arranging emergency
medical care.
� Question 4
Which radiographic feature is most characteristic of
chronic apical periodontitis?
, A. Widened periodontal ligament space with a periapical
radiolucency
B. Uniform radiopacity around the root apex
C. Generalized bone sclerosis without symptoms
D. Complete loss of the lamina dura in every tooth
� Correct Answer: A. Widened periodontal ligament
space with a periapical radiolucency
� Rationale:
Chronic apical periodontitis typically appears as a
radiolucent lesion around the apex due to bone resorption
from chronic inflammation.
� Question 5
Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the
mandibular teeth?
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
C. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
