PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY EXAM 4 | DENTAL
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 67-year-old patient with uncontrolled hypertension and xerostomia
presents with multiple cervical caries. What is the MOST appropriate
INITIAL management?
A. Immediate extraction of all affected teeth
B. High-fluoride toothpaste and risk stabilization
C. Cosmetic whitening
D. Ignore until pain develops
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Non-invasive risk control is essential before any restorative or
surgical intervention.
2. A patient presents with enamel erosion but denies dietary acid intake.
What is the MOST likely hidden cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Bruxism
D. Excess calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrinsic acid from reflux commonly causes unexplained
erosion.
3. A patient with poor manual dexterity due to arthritis struggles with
brushing. What is the BEST preventive recommendation?
A. Stop oral hygiene
B. Powered toothbrush
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash only
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Powered brushes compensate for limited dexterity.
4. A patient with high caries risk uses fluoride but continues developing
lesions. What is the MOST likely missing factor?
A. Genetics
B. Frequent sugar exposure
C. Excess saliva
D. High calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diet frequency is a major uncontrolled risk factor.
5. A child is diagnosed with early enamel demineralization. What is the
BEST intervention?
A. Extraction
B. Fluoride varnish application
C. Antibiotics
D. No treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lesions are reversible with fluoride therapy.
6. A patient has localized gingival inflammation near a crown. What
should be evaluated FIRST?
A. Tooth color
B. Crown margin integrity
C. Age
D. Fluoride intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Poor margins trap plaque.
, 7. A patient presents with halitosis despite good hygiene. What is the
MOST likely cause?
A. Enamel structure
B. Tongue biofilm
C. Fluoride deficiency
D. High calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tongue dorsum is the primary odor source.
8. A patient frequently consumes acidic drinks and brushes immediately
afterward. What is the MOST damaging effect?
A. Strengthened enamel
B. Enamel abrasion
C. Reduced caries
D. Increased saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid-softened enamel is easily worn away.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with tooth wear. What is the BEST
preventive device?
A. Mouthwash
B. Night guard
C. Whitening
D. Fluoride toothpaste only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Occlusal guards protect against mechanical damage.
10. A patient with diabetes shows delayed healing after cleaning. What is
the MOST important factor?
A. Tooth brushing
B. Glycemic control
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 67-year-old patient with uncontrolled hypertension and xerostomia
presents with multiple cervical caries. What is the MOST appropriate
INITIAL management?
A. Immediate extraction of all affected teeth
B. High-fluoride toothpaste and risk stabilization
C. Cosmetic whitening
D. Ignore until pain develops
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Non-invasive risk control is essential before any restorative or
surgical intervention.
2. A patient presents with enamel erosion but denies dietary acid intake.
What is the MOST likely hidden cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Bruxism
D. Excess calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Intrinsic acid from reflux commonly causes unexplained
erosion.
3. A patient with poor manual dexterity due to arthritis struggles with
brushing. What is the BEST preventive recommendation?
A. Stop oral hygiene
B. Powered toothbrush
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash only
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Powered brushes compensate for limited dexterity.
4. A patient with high caries risk uses fluoride but continues developing
lesions. What is the MOST likely missing factor?
A. Genetics
B. Frequent sugar exposure
C. Excess saliva
D. High calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diet frequency is a major uncontrolled risk factor.
5. A child is diagnosed with early enamel demineralization. What is the
BEST intervention?
A. Extraction
B. Fluoride varnish application
C. Antibiotics
D. No treatment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Early lesions are reversible with fluoride therapy.
6. A patient has localized gingival inflammation near a crown. What
should be evaluated FIRST?
A. Tooth color
B. Crown margin integrity
C. Age
D. Fluoride intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Poor margins trap plaque.
, 7. A patient presents with halitosis despite good hygiene. What is the
MOST likely cause?
A. Enamel structure
B. Tongue biofilm
C. Fluoride deficiency
D. High calcium intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tongue dorsum is the primary odor source.
8. A patient frequently consumes acidic drinks and brushes immediately
afterward. What is the MOST damaging effect?
A. Strengthened enamel
B. Enamel abrasion
C. Reduced caries
D. Increased saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid-softened enamel is easily worn away.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with tooth wear. What is the BEST
preventive device?
A. Mouthwash
B. Night guard
C. Whitening
D. Fluoride toothpaste only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Occlusal guards protect against mechanical damage.
10. A patient with diabetes shows delayed healing after cleaning. What is
the MOST important factor?
A. Tooth brushing
B. Glycemic control
