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Highest Answer Letter: D
Chapter: Module 01: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following would not contribute to the development of a musculoskeletal injury?
A) Engaging in highly repetitive tasks
B) Allowing time for sufficient rest
C) Making forceful movements
D) Maintaining an awkward posture
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated with Periodontal Instrumentation
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
2. Which of the following describes a painful musculoskeletal disorder of the fingers, hand, and/or wrists
owing to the compression of the brachial nerve plexus and vessels between the neck and shoulder?
A) Tenosynovitis
B) Ulnar nerve entrapment
C) Pronator syndrome
D) Thoracic outlet syndrome
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Musculoskeletal Problems Common in Dental Hygienists
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
3. Which of the following is not likely to result in musculoskeletal pain?
A) Leaning forward slightly from the waist or hips
B) Bending the hand up or down repeatedly at the wrist
C) Forceful gripping with the fingers
D) Hunching the shoulders forward
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Neutral Position for the Clinician
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
Copyright © 2026
,4. You observe a clinician who is experiencing musculoskeletal pain in his fingers and wrist. Which of the
following is the least likely cause of his pain?
A) Holding the dental instrument in a tight grasp
B) Holding his lower arms out away from his body
C) Maintaining his arms at waist level
D) Working with his wrist bent
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Important Elements of the Seated Position
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
5. Which of the following does not describe correct neutral seated position for the clinician?
A) Shoulders lifted up toward the ears
B) Upper arms parallel to the long axis of the torso
C) Elbows at waist level
D) Forearms held parallel to the floor
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic Dos and Don’ts for Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
6. To be correctly positioned for a view of mandibular teeth, the patient’s mouth should be approximately
level with the clinician’s:
A) sternum.
B) elbow.
C) hands.
D) shoulder.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Establishing the Height of the Patient Chair—Skill Building
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
7. For best vision and access to teeth, how should the patient’s head be positioned?
A) Centered in the chair headrest
B) Balanced on the edge of headrest closest to clinician
C) Even with the top of the headrest
D) Where patient’s neck muscles are most comfortable
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Patient Head Position
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
Copyright © 2026 1-2
,8. When accessing the mandibular arch for treatment, how should the overhead dental light be
positioned?
A) At arm’s length and aimed toward the patient’s neck
B) Over the oral cavity and perpendicular to the floor
C) Between the oral cavity and patient’s neck
D) At a 60 degree angle and as close as possible to the oral cavity
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Positioning the Overhead Dental Light
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
9. All of the following situations can result in musculoskeletal injury EXCEPT:
A) poor operator positioning.
B) excessive force of the instrument against the tooth.
C) keeping weight evenly balanced while sitting.
D) repeating the same movement over and over.
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
10. A review of the literature reveals the prevalence of MSDs among dental professionals may be as high
as:
A) 20%.
B) 45%.
C) 78%.
D) 93%.
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: What Is Ergonomics, and Why Should Hygienists Care?
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
11. All of the following are acceptable positioning practices EXCEPT:
A) tilting the head forward 15 degrees.
B) sitting with weight on one hip.
C) elbows held slightly away from the body.
D) keeping both feet flat on the ground.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Neutral Position for the Clinician
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
Copyright © 2026 1-3
, 12. Which of the following is an improper positioning practice resulting from the patient's chair being too
high?
A) Shoulders up and elbows away from the body
B) Sitting on the hip closest to the patient
C) Curved back for better vision
D) Neck tilted over 15 degrees
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Adjusting the Patient to Facilitate Clinician Posture
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
13. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding patient head position?
A) Headrest is adjusted so the patient's neck and head are aligned with the torso.
B) Top of patient's head is even with the end of the headrest.
C) Patient tilts head downward for mandibular access.
D) Patient tilts head downward for maxillary access.
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Patient Head Adjustment for Optimal Visibility
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
14. All of the following are recommended features for the clinician's stool EXCEPT:
A) it should have five legs for stability.
B) it should have a square front edge.
C) it should have an adjustable back rest.
D) its legs should have casters.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
15. What is the most common positioning error made by clinicians during periodontal instrumentation?
A) Sitting too far away from the patient
B) Patient's head is not at the edge of the headrest
C) Patient is too high in relation to clinician
D) Leaning too far over the patient
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic hazards for Dental Hygienists
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
16. Which of the following does not describe correct elements of the seated clinician position?
A) Feet positioned in wide base of support
B) Feet flat on the floor touching each other
Copyright © 2026 1-4
Base Settings: Brownstone Default
Information Field: Subject
Information Field: Title
Information Field: Ahead
Information Field: Taxonomy
Highest Answer Letter: D
Chapter: Module 01: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Multiple Choice
1. Which of the following would not contribute to the development of a musculoskeletal injury?
A) Engaging in highly repetitive tasks
B) Allowing time for sufficient rest
C) Making forceful movements
D) Maintaining an awkward posture
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated with Periodontal Instrumentation
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
2. Which of the following describes a painful musculoskeletal disorder of the fingers, hand, and/or wrists
owing to the compression of the brachial nerve plexus and vessels between the neck and shoulder?
A) Tenosynovitis
B) Ulnar nerve entrapment
C) Pronator syndrome
D) Thoracic outlet syndrome
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Musculoskeletal Problems Common in Dental Hygienists
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
3. Which of the following is not likely to result in musculoskeletal pain?
A) Leaning forward slightly from the waist or hips
B) Bending the hand up or down repeatedly at the wrist
C) Forceful gripping with the fingers
D) Hunching the shoulders forward
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Neutral Position for the Clinician
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
Copyright © 2026
,4. You observe a clinician who is experiencing musculoskeletal pain in his fingers and wrist. Which of the
following is the least likely cause of his pain?
A) Holding the dental instrument in a tight grasp
B) Holding his lower arms out away from his body
C) Maintaining his arms at waist level
D) Working with his wrist bent
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Important Elements of the Seated Position
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
5. Which of the following does not describe correct neutral seated position for the clinician?
A) Shoulders lifted up toward the ears
B) Upper arms parallel to the long axis of the torso
C) Elbows at waist level
D) Forearms held parallel to the floor
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic Dos and Don’ts for Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
6. To be correctly positioned for a view of mandibular teeth, the patient’s mouth should be approximately
level with the clinician’s:
A) sternum.
B) elbow.
C) hands.
D) shoulder.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Establishing the Height of the Patient Chair—Skill Building
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
7. For best vision and access to teeth, how should the patient’s head be positioned?
A) Centered in the chair headrest
B) Balanced on the edge of headrest closest to clinician
C) Even with the top of the headrest
D) Where patient’s neck muscles are most comfortable
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Patient Head Position
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
Copyright © 2026 1-2
,8. When accessing the mandibular arch for treatment, how should the overhead dental light be
positioned?
A) At arm’s length and aimed toward the patient’s neck
B) Over the oral cavity and perpendicular to the floor
C) Between the oral cavity and patient’s neck
D) At a 60 degree angle and as close as possible to the oral cavity
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Positioning the Overhead Dental Light
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
9. All of the following situations can result in musculoskeletal injury EXCEPT:
A) poor operator positioning.
B) excessive force of the instrument against the tooth.
C) keeping weight evenly balanced while sitting.
D) repeating the same movement over and over.
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
10. A review of the literature reveals the prevalence of MSDs among dental professionals may be as high
as:
A) 20%.
B) 45%.
C) 78%.
D) 93%.
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: What Is Ergonomics, and Why Should Hygienists Care?
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
11. All of the following are acceptable positioning practices EXCEPT:
A) tilting the head forward 15 degrees.
B) sitting with weight on one hip.
C) elbows held slightly away from the body.
D) keeping both feet flat on the ground.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Neutral Position for the Clinician
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
Copyright © 2026 1-3
, 12. Which of the following is an improper positioning practice resulting from the patient's chair being too
high?
A) Shoulders up and elbows away from the body
B) Sitting on the hip closest to the patient
C) Curved back for better vision
D) Neck tilted over 15 degrees
Ans: A
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Adjusting the Patient to Facilitate Clinician Posture
Taxonomy: Application/Analysis
13. Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding patient head position?
A) Headrest is adjusted so the patient's neck and head are aligned with the torso.
B) Top of patient's head is even with the end of the headrest.
C) Patient tilts head downward for mandibular access.
D) Patient tilts head downward for maxillary access.
Ans: D
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Patient Head Adjustment for Optimal Visibility
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
14. All of the following are recommended features for the clinician's stool EXCEPT:
A) it should have five legs for stability.
B) it should have a square front edge.
C) it should have an adjustable back rest.
D) its legs should have casters.
Ans: B
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Application of Ergonomic Principles: Seated Posture
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
15. What is the most common positioning error made by clinicians during periodontal instrumentation?
A) Sitting too far away from the patient
B) Patient's head is not at the edge of the headrest
C) Patient is too high in relation to clinician
D) Leaning too far over the patient
Ans: C
Subject: Module 01
Title: Ergonomics and Periodontal Instrumentation
Ahead: Ergonomic hazards for Dental Hygienists
Taxonomy: Knowledge/Comprehension
16. Which of the following does not describe correct elements of the seated clinician position?
A) Feet positioned in wide base of support
B) Feet flat on the floor touching each other
Copyright © 2026 1-4
