Dental Hygiene Exit HESI Scientific Basis Version 2 Practice
Questions 2026 | Most Frequently Tested Concepts | Graded
A+
1. If a neuron is damaged and the axon is severed, what impact would this have
on the neuron's ability to communicate?
The neuron would transmit impulses more rapidly.
The neuron would begin to regenerate its axon.
The neuron would communicate through dendrites instead.
The neuron would be unable to transmit impulses effectively.
2. If a dental hygienist is preparing for a root canal treatment on a maxillary
molar, what anatomical feature should they be particularly aware of?
The flat surface of the maxillary canine.
The fused roots of the mandibular molar.
The single root of the mandibular incisor.
The divergent roots of the maxillary molar.
3. The nurse is assessing the client's neck. Which finding is considered an
abnormality?
The thyroid has no palpable nodules.
The neck is symmetrical.
The tracheal cartilage does not move when the client swallows.
The client's carotid arteries are visibly pulsating.
4. What is the schedule of controlled substances that does not require a
prescription?
, Schedule III
Schedule V
Schedule I
Schedule II
5. When two teeth are joined on their root surfaces by cementum, it is known
as..?
fusion
Concrescence
Twinning
Dilaceration
6. If a child is 4 years old and has not yet completed root formation for their
permanent teeth, what implications might this have for their dental care?
Increased risk of dental issues
Immediate need for orthodontic intervention
Teeth will naturally fall out
No implications for dental care
7. In a situation where a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, which hormones
would be critical to administer and why?
Cortisol, to suppress the immune response.
Insulin, to manage blood sugar levels.
Epinephrine, because it counteracts the severe allergic reaction by
dilating airways and increasing blood pressure.
Norepinephrine, to reduce inflammation.
,8. Compared to permanent teeth, teeth in the primary dentition show which of
the following characteristics?
Smaller and more in number
Bigger and longer
Smaller and fewer in number
Longer and more in number
9. The source of inorganic constituents of supragingival plaque is:
No answer is correct
Gingival fluid
Bacteria products
Saliva
Materia alba
10. Which type of permanent tooth is commonly associated with a lingual pit?
Maxillary first molar
Mandibular first molar
Maxillary lateral incisor
Mandibular central incisor
11. Which root of the mandibular first molar is known for being the widest and
strongest?
Mesial root
Lingual root
Facial root
, Distal root
12. Preferred for acute management of angina
Propranolol
Minoxidil
Nitroglycerin
Hydralazine
Nitroprusside sodium
13. If a patient has a high level of Lactobacillus in their oral microbiome, what
dental condition might they be at increased risk for?
Advanced dental caries
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Oral cancer
14. All of the following are nutritive sweeteners except?
Xylitol
Aspartame
Fructose
Honey
15. Which of the following is an abnormal finding when examining a patient's
neck?
Edema of the neck
Questions 2026 | Most Frequently Tested Concepts | Graded
A+
1. If a neuron is damaged and the axon is severed, what impact would this have
on the neuron's ability to communicate?
The neuron would transmit impulses more rapidly.
The neuron would begin to regenerate its axon.
The neuron would communicate through dendrites instead.
The neuron would be unable to transmit impulses effectively.
2. If a dental hygienist is preparing for a root canal treatment on a maxillary
molar, what anatomical feature should they be particularly aware of?
The flat surface of the maxillary canine.
The fused roots of the mandibular molar.
The single root of the mandibular incisor.
The divergent roots of the maxillary molar.
3. The nurse is assessing the client's neck. Which finding is considered an
abnormality?
The thyroid has no palpable nodules.
The neck is symmetrical.
The tracheal cartilage does not move when the client swallows.
The client's carotid arteries are visibly pulsating.
4. What is the schedule of controlled substances that does not require a
prescription?
, Schedule III
Schedule V
Schedule I
Schedule II
5. When two teeth are joined on their root surfaces by cementum, it is known
as..?
fusion
Concrescence
Twinning
Dilaceration
6. If a child is 4 years old and has not yet completed root formation for their
permanent teeth, what implications might this have for their dental care?
Increased risk of dental issues
Immediate need for orthodontic intervention
Teeth will naturally fall out
No implications for dental care
7. In a situation where a patient is experiencing anaphylaxis, which hormones
would be critical to administer and why?
Cortisol, to suppress the immune response.
Insulin, to manage blood sugar levels.
Epinephrine, because it counteracts the severe allergic reaction by
dilating airways and increasing blood pressure.
Norepinephrine, to reduce inflammation.
,8. Compared to permanent teeth, teeth in the primary dentition show which of
the following characteristics?
Smaller and more in number
Bigger and longer
Smaller and fewer in number
Longer and more in number
9. The source of inorganic constituents of supragingival plaque is:
No answer is correct
Gingival fluid
Bacteria products
Saliva
Materia alba
10. Which type of permanent tooth is commonly associated with a lingual pit?
Maxillary first molar
Mandibular first molar
Maxillary lateral incisor
Mandibular central incisor
11. Which root of the mandibular first molar is known for being the widest and
strongest?
Mesial root
Lingual root
Facial root
, Distal root
12. Preferred for acute management of angina
Propranolol
Minoxidil
Nitroglycerin
Hydralazine
Nitroprusside sodium
13. If a patient has a high level of Lactobacillus in their oral microbiome, what
dental condition might they be at increased risk for?
Advanced dental caries
Gingivitis
Periodontal disease
Oral cancer
14. All of the following are nutritive sweeteners except?
Xylitol
Aspartame
Fructose
Honey
15. Which of the following is an abnormal finding when examining a patient's
neck?
Edema of the neck
