HESI DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM 2026 – 260 VERIFIED QUESTIONS & 100% CORRECT ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS STUDY GUIDE (GRADED A+)

HESI DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM 2026 – 260
VERIFIED QUESTIONS & 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS | LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED
PASS STUDY GUIDE (GRADED A+)

HESI DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM 2026

260 VERIFIED QUESTIONS & 100% CORRECT ANSWER

LATEST UPDATE | GUARANTEED PASS STUDY GUIDE (GRADED A+)


Question 1 Which nerve is responsible for sensory innervation of the mandibular teeth?



A. Facial nerve (CN VII)

B. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

C. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)

D. Vagus nerve (CN X)

E. Inferior alveolar nerve (branch of CN V3)



RATIONALE: The inferior alveolar nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the
trigeminal nerve (CN V3), provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, lower
lip, and chin.


Question 2 Which of the following describes the function of cementum?



A. Forms the outer shell of the tooth crown

B. Protects the pulp from bacterial invasion

C. Provides the main chewing surface of posterior teeth

D. Transmits sensory signals to the brain

E. Anchors the periodontal ligament fibers to the root surface

,RATIONALE: Cementum is a calcified tissue covering the root of the tooth. Its primary
function is to anchor the Sharpey's fibers of the periodontal ligament, which connects
the tooth to the alveolar bone.



Question 3 The parotid gland drains saliva through which duct?



A. Wharton's duct

B. Rivinus duct
C. Bartholin duct
D. Submandibular duct

E. Stensen's duct



RATIONALE: The parotid gland, the largest salivary gland, drains through Stensen's
duct, which opens into the oral cavity opposite the maxillary second molar.



Question 4 Which cells are responsible for dentin formation?



A. Ameloblasts
B. Cementoblasts
C. Osteoblasts

D. Fibroblasts

E. Odontoblasts



RATIONALE: Odontoblasts are specialized cells located at the outer edge of the
dental pulp. They are responsible for producing dentin throughout the life of the tooth.


Question 5 The periodontium includes which of the following structures?

,A. Enamel, dentin, cementum, pulp

B. Crown, root, neck, apex

C. Gingiva, alveolar bone, pulp, enamel
D. Dentin, enamel, cementum, gingiva

E. Gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone



RATIONALE: The periodontium consists of the four supporting structures of the tooth:
the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. These structures
collectively support and anchor the tooth in the jaw.



Question 6 Which of the following is the hardest substance in the human body?



A. Dentin

B. Cementum

C. Cortical bone

D. Bone

E. Enamel



RATIONALE: Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, composed of
approximately 96% inorganic hydroxyapatite crystals. It covers the crown of the tooth
and protects underlying structures.


Question 7 The submandibular gland drains through which duct?



A. Stensen's duct

B. Rivinus duct
C. Bartholin duct

, D. Parotid duct

E. Wharton's duct



RATIONALE: The submandibular gland drains through Wharton's duct, which opens
at the sublingual caruncle on either side of the lingual frenum on the floor of the mouth.



Question 8 Which muscle is primarily responsible for closing the mouth?


A. Buccinator

B. Lateral pterygoid

C. Digastric

D. Mylohyoid

E. Masseter



RATIONALE: The masseter is the primary muscle of mastication responsible for
elevating the mandible to close the mouth. It originates from the zygomatic arch and
inserts into the ramus and angle of the mandible.



Question 9 What type of joint is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?


A. Synarthrosis

B. Gomphosis

C. Suture joint

D. Pivot joint

E. Synovial joint (ginglymoarthrodial)