GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Question Stem
A 62-year-old patient has a persistent ulcer on the lateral
tongue for 6 weeks. As a dental hygienist performing an initial
assessment, which action best reflects the role of oral and
maxillofacial pathology in this case?
Options
A. Reassure the patient that most ulcers are traumatic and
schedule routine cleaning.
B. Document features, perform a focused exam, and refer for
biopsy if healing does not occur.
C. Prescribe topical corticosteroids without further evaluation.
,D. Immediately perform an incisional biopsy in the hygiene
clinic.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Oral and maxillofacial pathology emphasizes
identification, documentation, and timely referral for
definitive diagnosis (biopsy) when lesions persist beyond
expected healing.
• A: Reassurance alone risks missing potentially serious
pathology; persistent ulcers need further evaluation.
• C: Empiric corticosteroids without proper assessment may
mask important signs and delay diagnosis.
• D: Incisional biopsy requires appropriate surgical setting,
consent, and training—routine hygiene clinics usually refer
rather than perform this procedure.
Teaching Point
Persistent oral ulcers require documentation and timely referral
for definitive diagnosis.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL
AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY.
,2️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
During an oral cancer screening, a dental hygienist detects a
firm, non-tender mass in the posterior mandible of a 55-year-
old. Which next step best aligns with the practice of oral and
maxillofacial pathology?
Options
A. Apply pressure to see if the mass fluctuates and then
discharge the patient if unchanged.
B. Record lesion characteristics, take periapical and panoramic
radiographs, and refer to an oral pathologist.
C. Start systemic antibiotics for suspected infection and reassess
after one week.
D. Schedule the patient for a routine prophylaxis and re-
evaluate in six months.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Best practice includes thorough
documentation, appropriate imaging to assess osseous
involvement, and referral for definitive diagnosis.
• A: Pressing the lesion is unhelpful and discharging risks
missing malignancy.
, • C: Empiric antibiotics are inappropriate for a firm, non-
tender mass without signs of infection.
• D: Delaying evaluation for six months may allow
progression of a serious lesion.
Teaching Point
Document lesions and obtain imaging; refer suspicious masses
promptly.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral
and Maxillofacial Pathology.
3️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
A 30-year-old presents with a dome-shaped, translucent lesion
on the lower lip that fluctuates in size and is history-consistent
with minor salivary gland origin. Which clinical feature during
assessment most supports a mucous retention cyst rather than
a neoplasm?
Options
A. Rapid invasion into adjacent tissues.
B. History of fluctuant size following salivary flow and a bluish,
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY
Question Stem
A 62-year-old patient has a persistent ulcer on the lateral
tongue for 6 weeks. As a dental hygienist performing an initial
assessment, which action best reflects the role of oral and
maxillofacial pathology in this case?
Options
A. Reassure the patient that most ulcers are traumatic and
schedule routine cleaning.
B. Document features, perform a focused exam, and refer for
biopsy if healing does not occur.
C. Prescribe topical corticosteroids without further evaluation.
,D. Immediately perform an incisional biopsy in the hygiene
clinic.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Oral and maxillofacial pathology emphasizes
identification, documentation, and timely referral for
definitive diagnosis (biopsy) when lesions persist beyond
expected healing.
• A: Reassurance alone risks missing potentially serious
pathology; persistent ulcers need further evaluation.
• C: Empiric corticosteroids without proper assessment may
mask important signs and delay diagnosis.
• D: Incisional biopsy requires appropriate surgical setting,
consent, and training—routine hygiene clinics usually refer
rather than perform this procedure.
Teaching Point
Persistent oral ulcers require documentation and timely referral
for definitive diagnosis.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1 — OVERVIEW OF ORAL
AND MAXILLOFACIAL PATHOLOGY.
,2️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
During an oral cancer screening, a dental hygienist detects a
firm, non-tender mass in the posterior mandible of a 55-year-
old. Which next step best aligns with the practice of oral and
maxillofacial pathology?
Options
A. Apply pressure to see if the mass fluctuates and then
discharge the patient if unchanged.
B. Record lesion characteristics, take periapical and panoramic
radiographs, and refer to an oral pathologist.
C. Start systemic antibiotics for suspected infection and reassess
after one week.
D. Schedule the patient for a routine prophylaxis and re-
evaluate in six months.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Best practice includes thorough
documentation, appropriate imaging to assess osseous
involvement, and referral for definitive diagnosis.
• A: Pressing the lesion is unhelpful and discharging risks
missing malignancy.
, • C: Empiric antibiotics are inappropriate for a firm, non-
tender mass without signs of infection.
• D: Delaying evaluation for six months may allow
progression of a serious lesion.
Teaching Point
Document lesions and obtain imaging; refer suspicious masses
promptly.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral
and Maxillofacial Pathology.
3️⃣
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
A 30-year-old presents with a dome-shaped, translucent lesion
on the lower lip that fluctuates in size and is history-consistent
with minor salivary gland origin. Which clinical feature during
assessment most supports a mucous retention cyst rather than
a neoplasm?
Options
A. Rapid invasion into adjacent tissues.
B. History of fluctuant size following salivary flow and a bluish,
