HESI Dental Hygiene Exit Exam Practice
Test | Questions And Answers Plus
Rationales | Instant Pdf Download 2026
Total Questions: 120
Format: Multiple Choice
Section 1: Head, Neck, and Oral Anatomy (1-15)
1. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the sensation of
touch, pain, and temperature to the face, as well as motor function
for mastication?
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
D. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Answer: C. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Explanation: The Trigeminal nerve (CN V) is the major sensory nerve of
the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication. CN VII is for
facial expression.
,2. The major blood supply to the maxillary teeth and surrounding
bone comes from which artery?
A. Facial artery
B. Lingual artery
C. Maxillary artery
D. Superficial temporal artery
Answer: C. Maxillary artery
Explanation: The maxillary artery, a terminal branch of the external
carotid, gives rise to the superior alveolar arteries (posterior, middle, and
anterior) which supply the maxilla.
3. The opening of Stensen’s duct (parotid duct) is located intraorally
on the:
A. Floor of the mouth near the lingual frenum
B. Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar
C. Hard palate near the midline
D. Retromolar pad area
Answer: B. Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar
Explanation: Stensen’s duct transports saliva from the parotid gland and
empties into the oral cavity via a small papilla adjacent to the maxillary
first or second molar.
4. The pterygomandibular raphe is a tendinous band that provides
attachment for which two muscles?
A. Masseter and temporalis
,B. Buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor
C. Genioglossus and hyoglossus
D. Digastric and mylohyoid
Answer: B. Buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor
Explanation: The pterygomandibular raphe serves as the posterior
attachment of the buccinator muscle and the anterior attachment of the
superior pharyngeal constrictor. It is a key landmark for the inferior
alveolar nerve block.
5. The "linea alba" is a normal finding commonly observed on the:
A. Dorsal surface of the tongue
B. Buccal mucosa along the occlusal plane
C. Attached gingiva
D. Soft palate
Answer: B. Buccal mucosa along the occlusal plane
Explanation: Linea alba appears as a white, horizontal line on the buccal
mucosa at the level of the occlusal plane. It is caused by frictional
irritation or suction and is benign.
6. The retromolar pad is a mass of soft tissue located:
A. Distal to the mandibular third molar
B. Mesial to the maxillary first molar
C. Lateral to the mental foramen
D. On the ventral surface of the tongue
, Answer: A. Distal to the mandibular third molar
Explanation: The retromolar pad is a dense, fibrous pad of tissue
located on the mandible behind the last molar. It is a crucial landmark
for denture retention.
7. A "diastema" is defined as:
A. An extra tooth (supernumerary)
B. A space between two adjacent teeth
C. A deep pit or fissure
D. An impacted tooth
Answer: B. A space between two adjacent teeth
Explanation: Diastema refers to a gap or space between two teeth. It is
most common between the maxillary central incisors.
8. The target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block is the:
A. Infraorbital foramen
B. Greater palatine foramen
C. Mandibular foramen
D. Incisive foramen
Answer: C. Mandibular foramen
Explanation: The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular foramen
on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus. Deposition of anesthetic
near this foramen anesthetizes the mandibular teeth.
Test | Questions And Answers Plus
Rationales | Instant Pdf Download 2026
Total Questions: 120
Format: Multiple Choice
Section 1: Head, Neck, and Oral Anatomy (1-15)
1. Which cranial nerve is primarily responsible for the sensation of
touch, pain, and temperature to the face, as well as motor function
for mastication?
A. Facial nerve (CN VII)
B. Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII)
C. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
D. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Answer: C. Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
Explanation: The Trigeminal nerve (CN V) is the major sensory nerve of
the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication. CN VII is for
facial expression.
,2. The major blood supply to the maxillary teeth and surrounding
bone comes from which artery?
A. Facial artery
B. Lingual artery
C. Maxillary artery
D. Superficial temporal artery
Answer: C. Maxillary artery
Explanation: The maxillary artery, a terminal branch of the external
carotid, gives rise to the superior alveolar arteries (posterior, middle, and
anterior) which supply the maxilla.
3. The opening of Stensen’s duct (parotid duct) is located intraorally
on the:
A. Floor of the mouth near the lingual frenum
B. Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar
C. Hard palate near the midline
D. Retromolar pad area
Answer: B. Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar
Explanation: Stensen’s duct transports saliva from the parotid gland and
empties into the oral cavity via a small papilla adjacent to the maxillary
first or second molar.
4. The pterygomandibular raphe is a tendinous band that provides
attachment for which two muscles?
A. Masseter and temporalis
,B. Buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor
C. Genioglossus and hyoglossus
D. Digastric and mylohyoid
Answer: B. Buccinator and superior pharyngeal constrictor
Explanation: The pterygomandibular raphe serves as the posterior
attachment of the buccinator muscle and the anterior attachment of the
superior pharyngeal constrictor. It is a key landmark for the inferior
alveolar nerve block.
5. The "linea alba" is a normal finding commonly observed on the:
A. Dorsal surface of the tongue
B. Buccal mucosa along the occlusal plane
C. Attached gingiva
D. Soft palate
Answer: B. Buccal mucosa along the occlusal plane
Explanation: Linea alba appears as a white, horizontal line on the buccal
mucosa at the level of the occlusal plane. It is caused by frictional
irritation or suction and is benign.
6. The retromolar pad is a mass of soft tissue located:
A. Distal to the mandibular third molar
B. Mesial to the maxillary first molar
C. Lateral to the mental foramen
D. On the ventral surface of the tongue
, Answer: A. Distal to the mandibular third molar
Explanation: The retromolar pad is a dense, fibrous pad of tissue
located on the mandible behind the last molar. It is a crucial landmark
for denture retention.
7. A "diastema" is defined as:
A. An extra tooth (supernumerary)
B. A space between two adjacent teeth
C. A deep pit or fissure
D. An impacted tooth
Answer: B. A space between two adjacent teeth
Explanation: Diastema refers to a gap or space between two teeth. It is
most common between the maxillary central incisors.
8. The target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block is the:
A. Infraorbital foramen
B. Greater palatine foramen
C. Mandibular foramen
D. Incisive foramen
Answer: C. Mandibular foramen
Explanation: The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular foramen
on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus. Deposition of anesthetic
near this foramen anesthetizes the mandibular teeth.
