Florida Dental Hygienist Licensure Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary mineral found in tooth enamel?
Hydroxyapatite
Rationale: Hydroxyapatite is the main inorganic component of enamel,
providing hardness and resistance to wear.
2. Which bacteria are most commonly associated with periodontal
disease?
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Rationale: P. gingivalis is a gram-negative anaerobe strongly linked to
chronic periodontitis.
3. What is the normal pH of healthy saliva?
6.2–7.6
, Rationale: Saliva normally has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, which
helps maintain oral homeostasis.
4. What is the most common site for oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Lateral border of the tongue
Rationale: The lateral border of the tongue is prone to carcinomas due
to chronic irritation and high exposure to carcinogens.
5. Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; its deficiency
results in weakened connective tissue and gingival bleeding.
6. What is the first step in infection control after patient treatment?
Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most critical step to prevent cross-
contamination and spread of infection.
7. Which instrument is primarily used for supragingival calculus removal?
Sickle scaler
Rationale: Sickle scalers are designed to remove supragingival deposits
due to their sharp, pointed tips.
8. What is the most common side effect of nitrous oxide sedation?
Nausea
Rationale: Nitrous oxide can cause nausea in some patients, especially
if administered at high concentrations or abruptly discontinued.
,9. What is the normal adult range for blood pressure?
120/80 mmHg
Rationale: A blood pressure of around 120/80 mmHg is considered
normal for adults according to current guidelines.
10. Which dental material releases fluoride to help prevent caries?
Glass ionomer cement
Rationale: Glass ionomers release fluoride over time, providing a
cariostatic effect.
11. What is the recommended frequency of periodontal
maintenance for a patient with moderate periodontitis?
Every 3 months
Rationale: Frequent maintenance helps control bacterial load and
prevents disease progression.
12. Which muscle is primarily responsible for closing the jaw?
Masseter
Rationale: The masseter is a strong masticatory muscle that elevates
the mandible during chewing.
13. What is the ideal angulation of a curette during scaling?
70–80 degrees
Rationale: Correct angulation ensures effective calculus removal
without damaging the root surface.
, 14. Which nerve supplies sensation to the upper lip and anterior
teeth?
Infraorbital nerve
Rationale: The infraorbital branch of the maxillary nerve innervates
the anterior maxilla and lip.
15. Which condition is characterized by a “bull’s-eye” lesion on the
skin and possible oral lesions?
Erythema multiforme
Rationale: Erythema multiforme often presents with target-like skin
lesions and can involve mucous membranes.
16. What is the most effective method for reducing dental caries in
a population?
Community water fluoridation
Rationale: Water fluoridation reduces caries prevalence by enhancing
enamel resistance to acid attack.
17. What is the primary purpose of a disclosing agent?
To identify plaque
Rationale: Disclosing agents stain plaque, making it visible for patient
education and improved cleaning.
18. Which periodontal disease is associated with rapid attachment
loss in adolescents?
Aggressive periodontitis
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary mineral found in tooth enamel?
Hydroxyapatite
Rationale: Hydroxyapatite is the main inorganic component of enamel,
providing hardness and resistance to wear.
2. Which bacteria are most commonly associated with periodontal
disease?
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Rationale: P. gingivalis is a gram-negative anaerobe strongly linked to
chronic periodontitis.
3. What is the normal pH of healthy saliva?
6.2–7.6
, Rationale: Saliva normally has a slightly acidic to neutral pH, which
helps maintain oral homeostasis.
4. What is the most common site for oral squamous cell carcinoma?
Lateral border of the tongue
Rationale: The lateral border of the tongue is prone to carcinomas due
to chronic irritation and high exposure to carcinogens.
5. Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
Vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis; its deficiency
results in weakened connective tissue and gingival bleeding.
6. What is the first step in infection control after patient treatment?
Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the most critical step to prevent cross-
contamination and spread of infection.
7. Which instrument is primarily used for supragingival calculus removal?
Sickle scaler
Rationale: Sickle scalers are designed to remove supragingival deposits
due to their sharp, pointed tips.
8. What is the most common side effect of nitrous oxide sedation?
Nausea
Rationale: Nitrous oxide can cause nausea in some patients, especially
if administered at high concentrations or abruptly discontinued.
,9. What is the normal adult range for blood pressure?
120/80 mmHg
Rationale: A blood pressure of around 120/80 mmHg is considered
normal for adults according to current guidelines.
10. Which dental material releases fluoride to help prevent caries?
Glass ionomer cement
Rationale: Glass ionomers release fluoride over time, providing a
cariostatic effect.
11. What is the recommended frequency of periodontal
maintenance for a patient with moderate periodontitis?
Every 3 months
Rationale: Frequent maintenance helps control bacterial load and
prevents disease progression.
12. Which muscle is primarily responsible for closing the jaw?
Masseter
Rationale: The masseter is a strong masticatory muscle that elevates
the mandible during chewing.
13. What is the ideal angulation of a curette during scaling?
70–80 degrees
Rationale: Correct angulation ensures effective calculus removal
without damaging the root surface.
, 14. Which nerve supplies sensation to the upper lip and anterior
teeth?
Infraorbital nerve
Rationale: The infraorbital branch of the maxillary nerve innervates
the anterior maxilla and lip.
15. Which condition is characterized by a “bull’s-eye” lesion on the
skin and possible oral lesions?
Erythema multiforme
Rationale: Erythema multiforme often presents with target-like skin
lesions and can involve mucous membranes.
16. What is the most effective method for reducing dental caries in
a population?
Community water fluoridation
Rationale: Water fluoridation reduces caries prevalence by enhancing
enamel resistance to acid attack.
17. What is the primary purpose of a disclosing agent?
To identify plaque
Rationale: Disclosing agents stain plaque, making it visible for patient
education and improved cleaning.
18. Which periodontal disease is associated with rapid attachment
loss in adolescents?
Aggressive periodontitis
