Page 1 of 206
DENTAL HYGIENIST LICENSING
EXAMINATION (NEW YORK) ACTUAL EXAM
2026/2027 COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM
REAL QUESTIONS WITH WELL ELABORATED
ANSWERS. (100% CORRECT VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS)
1. Which of the following tooth surfaces is most prone to
plaque accumulation due to salivary duct openings?
A) Facial surfaces of maxillary incisors
B) Lingual surfaces of mandibular molars
C) Palatal surfaces of maxillary molars
D) Occlusal fissures of premolars
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Answer: C
Rationale: The palatal surfaces of maxillary molars are near
the opening of the parotid duct (Stensen’s duct), which supplies
serous saliva rich in minerals, promoting plaque and calculus
accumulation. This sheltered area also has reduced self-
cleansing action.
2. In the periodontium, the principal fiber group that resists
extrusive forces is the:
A) Alveologingival fibers
B) Transseptal fibers
C) Apical fibers
D) Oblique fibers
Answer: C
Rationale: Apical fibers insert into cementum at the root apex
and into alveolar bone, preventing tooth elevation (extrusive
forces). Oblique fibers resist intrusive forces.
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3. A 45-year-old patient presents with generalized
attachment loss of 4-5mm, but only 2mm probing depths.
Which condition is most likely?
A) Gingivitis
B) Periodontitis with gingival recession
C) Aggressive periodontitis
D) Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Attachment loss with shallow probing depths
suggests the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) has been exposed
due to recession. This is common in chronic periodontitis with
thin gingival biotype or history of aggressive toothbrushing.
4. (SCENARIO) A patient has xerostomia post-radiation for
nasopharyngeal cancer. Which salivary gland was
primarily in the radiation field?
, Page 4 of 206
A) Submandibular
B) Sublingual
C) Parotid
D) Minor labial glands
Answer: C
Rationale: The parotid glands lie superficially over the ramus
of the mandible and are frequently included in head/neck
radiation fields. Their serous acini are highly radiosensitive,
leading to severe, often permanent xerostomia.
5. The normal pH of stimulated whole saliva is
approximately:
A) 5.5
B) 6.2
C) 7.4
D) 8.0
DENTAL HYGIENIST LICENSING
EXAMINATION (NEW YORK) ACTUAL EXAM
2026/2027 COMPLETE ACCURATE EXAM
REAL QUESTIONS WITH WELL ELABORATED
ANSWERS. (100% CORRECT VERIFIED
SOLUTIONS)
1. Which of the following tooth surfaces is most prone to
plaque accumulation due to salivary duct openings?
A) Facial surfaces of maxillary incisors
B) Lingual surfaces of mandibular molars
C) Palatal surfaces of maxillary molars
D) Occlusal fissures of premolars
,Page 2 of 206
Answer: C
Rationale: The palatal surfaces of maxillary molars are near
the opening of the parotid duct (Stensen’s duct), which supplies
serous saliva rich in minerals, promoting plaque and calculus
accumulation. This sheltered area also has reduced self-
cleansing action.
2. In the periodontium, the principal fiber group that resists
extrusive forces is the:
A) Alveologingival fibers
B) Transseptal fibers
C) Apical fibers
D) Oblique fibers
Answer: C
Rationale: Apical fibers insert into cementum at the root apex
and into alveolar bone, preventing tooth elevation (extrusive
forces). Oblique fibers resist intrusive forces.
,Page 3 of 206
3. A 45-year-old patient presents with generalized
attachment loss of 4-5mm, but only 2mm probing depths.
Which condition is most likely?
A) Gingivitis
B) Periodontitis with gingival recession
C) Aggressive periodontitis
D) Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Attachment loss with shallow probing depths
suggests the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) has been exposed
due to recession. This is common in chronic periodontitis with
thin gingival biotype or history of aggressive toothbrushing.
4. (SCENARIO) A patient has xerostomia post-radiation for
nasopharyngeal cancer. Which salivary gland was
primarily in the radiation field?
, Page 4 of 206
A) Submandibular
B) Sublingual
C) Parotid
D) Minor labial glands
Answer: C
Rationale: The parotid glands lie superficially over the ramus
of the mandible and are frequently included in head/neck
radiation fields. Their serous acini are highly radiosensitive,
leading to severe, often permanent xerostomia.
5. The normal pH of stimulated whole saliva is
approximately:
A) 5.5
B) 6.2
C) 7.4
D) 8.0
