PERIODONTOLOGY EXAM 1 | DENTAL
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A patient presents with bleeding on probing, erythematous gingiva, and
no attachment loss. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Chronic periodontitis
B. Gingivitis
C. Aggressive periodontitis
D. Periodontal abscess
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation without
attachment loss.
2. Which of the following is the PRIMARY etiologic factor in
periodontal disease?
A. Trauma
B. Dental plaque biofilm
C. Genetic mutation
D. Fluoride deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque biofilm is the main cause of periodontal disease.
3. A patient has 4 mm probing depths with bleeding on probing and slight
bone loss. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Gingivitis
B. Mild periodontitis
C. Severe periodontitis
D. Abscess
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early attachment loss with shallow pockets indicates mild
periodontitis.
,4. Which clinical sign is MOST indicative of active periodontal
inflammation?
A. Tooth color change
B. Bleeding on probing
C. Enamel erosion
D. Sensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bleeding indicates inflamed periodontal tissues.
5. What is the PRIMARY role of calculus in periodontal disease?
A. Direct tissue destruction
B. Plaque retention
C. Bone resorption
D. Saliva reduction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calculus provides a surface for plaque accumulation.
6. Which cell type is MOST associated with acute periodontal
inflammation?
A. Osteoblasts
B. Neutrophils
C. Fibroblasts
D. Osteoclasts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neutrophils are the first responders in inflammation.
7. A patient presents with generalized 6 mm pockets and bone loss. What
is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Gingivitis
B. Moderate periodontitis
, C. Severe periodontitis
D. Localized abscess
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Deep pockets and bone loss indicate severe disease.
8. Which risk factor MOST strongly contributes to periodontal disease
progression?
A. Age
B. Smoking
C. Tooth alignment
D. Saliva flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoking significantly increases disease severity.
9. What is clinical attachment loss (CAL)?
A. Pocket depth only
B. Distance from CEJ to base of pocket
C. Gingival margin only
D. Bone level only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CAL measures true periodontal destruction.
10. A patient with diabetes has worsening periodontal disease. Why?
A. Increased enamel strength
B. Impaired immune response
C. Increased saliva
D. Reduced plaque
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes compromises immune defense and healing.
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A patient presents with bleeding on probing, erythematous gingiva, and
no attachment loss. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Chronic periodontitis
B. Gingivitis
C. Aggressive periodontitis
D. Periodontal abscess
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation without
attachment loss.
2. Which of the following is the PRIMARY etiologic factor in
periodontal disease?
A. Trauma
B. Dental plaque biofilm
C. Genetic mutation
D. Fluoride deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Plaque biofilm is the main cause of periodontal disease.
3. A patient has 4 mm probing depths with bleeding on probing and slight
bone loss. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Gingivitis
B. Mild periodontitis
C. Severe periodontitis
D. Abscess
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early attachment loss with shallow pockets indicates mild
periodontitis.
,4. Which clinical sign is MOST indicative of active periodontal
inflammation?
A. Tooth color change
B. Bleeding on probing
C. Enamel erosion
D. Sensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bleeding indicates inflamed periodontal tissues.
5. What is the PRIMARY role of calculus in periodontal disease?
A. Direct tissue destruction
B. Plaque retention
C. Bone resorption
D. Saliva reduction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Calculus provides a surface for plaque accumulation.
6. Which cell type is MOST associated with acute periodontal
inflammation?
A. Osteoblasts
B. Neutrophils
C. Fibroblasts
D. Osteoclasts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neutrophils are the first responders in inflammation.
7. A patient presents with generalized 6 mm pockets and bone loss. What
is the MOST likely diagnosis?
A. Gingivitis
B. Moderate periodontitis
, C. Severe periodontitis
D. Localized abscess
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Deep pockets and bone loss indicate severe disease.
8. Which risk factor MOST strongly contributes to periodontal disease
progression?
A. Age
B. Smoking
C. Tooth alignment
D. Saliva flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Smoking significantly increases disease severity.
9. What is clinical attachment loss (CAL)?
A. Pocket depth only
B. Distance from CEJ to base of pocket
C. Gingival margin only
D. Bone level only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CAL measures true periodontal destruction.
10. A patient with diabetes has worsening periodontal disease. Why?
A. Increased enamel strength
B. Impaired immune response
C. Increased saliva
D. Reduced plaque
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diabetes compromises immune defense and healing.
