PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY EXAM 6 | DENTAL
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 78-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes, advanced xerostomia,
cognitive decline, and rampant root caries presents for care. What is the
MOST appropriate long-term strategy?
A. Full-mouth extraction immediately
B. Caregiver-assisted oral hygiene, high-fluoride therapy, and medical
coordination
C. Cosmetic rehabilitation only
D. No treatment due to age
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The only sustainable approach is risk control, systemic
coordination, and assisted prevention.
2. A patient presents with palatal enamel erosion, but denies dietary acid
exposure and brushing habits are normal. What is the MOST likely
underlying cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Amelogenesis imperfecta
D. Excess saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hidden intrinsic acid exposure is most consistent with GERD.
3. A chemotherapy patient presents with severe oral mucositis and
inability to tolerate brushing. What is the BEST preventive oral care
approach?
A. Alcohol-based rinses
B. Gentle, non-irritating rinses and pain management protocols
C. No oral hygiene until recovery
D. High-sugar diet for energy
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prevents infection while minimizing tissue trauma.
4. A patient continues developing caries despite fluoride, good brushing,
and regular dental visits. What is the MOST likely missing etiologic
factor?
A. Genetic resistance
B. Frequent fermentable carbohydrate exposure
C. Excess calcium intake
D. High salivary flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diet frequency is the dominant uncontrolled risk factor.
5. A patient with orthodontic appliances presents with multiple white spot
lesions. What is the BEST evidence-based intervention?
A. Remove braces immediately
B. Fluoride varnish + hygiene reinforcement + monitoring
C. Extraction
D. Antibiotics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Remineralization and behavior correction are key.
6. A localized gingival lesion is found adjacent to a crown with no other
periodontal involvement. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Systemic infection
B. Local plaque retention from restoration design
C. Viral disease
D. Fluoride deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Local irritants are the most common cause.
, 7. A patient reports chronic halitosis despite excellent oral hygiene. What
is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?
A. Tooth whitening
B. Evaluate tongue coating, periodontal pockets, and systemic causes
C. Increase fluoride
D. Stop brushing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Halitosis is multifactorial and requires full assessment.
8. A patient brushes immediately after acidic beverage intake. What is the
MOST harmful consequence?
A. Increased enamel strength
B. Accelerated enamel erosion and abrasion
C. Reduced sensitivity
D. Increased saliva buffering
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid-softened enamel is highly vulnerable to mechanical wear.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with severe attrition and muscle pain.
What is the BEST management strategy?
A. Fluoride only
B. Occlusal splint + stress management
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mechanical protection + behavioral control required.
10. A diabetic patient shows delayed healing after periodontal therapy.
What is the MOST important factor influencing outcome?
A. Brushing frequency
B. Glycemic control
HYGIENIST | LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND
CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION
WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 78-year-old patient with uncontrolled diabetes, advanced xerostomia,
cognitive decline, and rampant root caries presents for care. What is the
MOST appropriate long-term strategy?
A. Full-mouth extraction immediately
B. Caregiver-assisted oral hygiene, high-fluoride therapy, and medical
coordination
C. Cosmetic rehabilitation only
D. No treatment due to age
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The only sustainable approach is risk control, systemic
coordination, and assisted prevention.
2. A patient presents with palatal enamel erosion, but denies dietary acid
exposure and brushing habits are normal. What is the MOST likely
underlying cause?
A. Fluorosis
B. GERD
C. Amelogenesis imperfecta
D. Excess saliva
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hidden intrinsic acid exposure is most consistent with GERD.
3. A chemotherapy patient presents with severe oral mucositis and
inability to tolerate brushing. What is the BEST preventive oral care
approach?
A. Alcohol-based rinses
B. Gentle, non-irritating rinses and pain management protocols
C. No oral hygiene until recovery
D. High-sugar diet for energy
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prevents infection while minimizing tissue trauma.
4. A patient continues developing caries despite fluoride, good brushing,
and regular dental visits. What is the MOST likely missing etiologic
factor?
A. Genetic resistance
B. Frequent fermentable carbohydrate exposure
C. Excess calcium intake
D. High salivary flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diet frequency is the dominant uncontrolled risk factor.
5. A patient with orthodontic appliances presents with multiple white spot
lesions. What is the BEST evidence-based intervention?
A. Remove braces immediately
B. Fluoride varnish + hygiene reinforcement + monitoring
C. Extraction
D. Antibiotics
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Remineralization and behavior correction are key.
6. A localized gingival lesion is found adjacent to a crown with no other
periodontal involvement. What is the MOST likely cause?
A. Systemic infection
B. Local plaque retention from restoration design
C. Viral disease
D. Fluoride deficiency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Local irritants are the most common cause.
, 7. A patient reports chronic halitosis despite excellent oral hygiene. What
is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?
A. Tooth whitening
B. Evaluate tongue coating, periodontal pockets, and systemic causes
C. Increase fluoride
D. Stop brushing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Halitosis is multifactorial and requires full assessment.
8. A patient brushes immediately after acidic beverage intake. What is the
MOST harmful consequence?
A. Increased enamel strength
B. Accelerated enamel erosion and abrasion
C. Reduced sensitivity
D. Increased saliva buffering
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acid-softened enamel is highly vulnerable to mechanical wear.
9. A patient with bruxism presents with severe attrition and muscle pain.
What is the BEST management strategy?
A. Fluoride only
B. Occlusal splint + stress management
C. Extraction
D. Mouthwash therapy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mechanical protection + behavioral control required.
10. A diabetic patient shows delayed healing after periodontal therapy.
What is the MOST important factor influencing outcome?
A. Brushing frequency
B. Glycemic control
