GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
A 55-year-old patient presents with a well-demarcated, painless
white plaque on the lateral tongue discovered during a routine
hygiene visit. The patient has no systemic symptoms and no
history of recent trauma. As an oral health professional focused
on pathology practice, which immediate action best reflects
standard practice in oral and maxillofacial pathology?
Options
A. Diagnose as frictional keratosis and schedule routine recall.
B. Document the lesion and recommend topical antifungal
therapy.
,C. Record detailed findings and refer for biopsy or specialist
evaluation.
D. Prescribe topical corticosteroid and reevaluate in two weeks.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
Correct: The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology
emphasizes documenting findings and obtaining definitive
diagnosis through biopsy or specialist referral for unexplained
mucosal lesions. Biopsy confirms histopathology and guides
management.
A: Frictional keratosis is a clinical consideration but should not
be assumed without ruling out dysplasia or other pathoses.
B: Empiric antifungal therapy is inappropriate for an
unexplained white plaque without signs consistent with
candidiasis.
D: Topical corticosteroids could mask pathology and are not
appropriate before obtaining diagnosis.
Teaching Point
Unexplained persistent oral lesions require documentation and
timely diagnostic referral.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
During an intraoral exam you note a 0.5 cm raised, well-
circumscribed, yellowish-white lesion on the buccal mucosa
that blanches slightly with pressure. Which descriptive terms
best and concisely characterize this lesion for the chart?
Options
A. Macule; erythematous; flat.
B. Papule; vesicle; nonblanching.
C. Nodule; exophytic; keratotic.
D. Papule; slightly blanching; 0.5 cm, well-circumscribed.
Correct Answer
D
Rationales
Correct: A raised lesion <1 cm is a papule; documenting
blanching, size, and border gives a useful clinical description per
lesion-assessment terminology.
A: A macule is flat and would not be used for a raised 0.5 cm
lesion.
B: Vesicle implies fluid-filled and usually translucent;
"nonblanching" contradicts the finding.
C: Nodule typically refers to a lesion >1 cm or deeper;
"keratotic" is not supported by blanching.
, Teaching Point
Use precise lesion descriptors: size, morphology
(macule/papule/nodule), color, and blanching.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem
A 28-year-old woman presents with recurrent painful ulcers on
the buccal mucosa. Which historical detail is most important to
elicit to narrow the differential diagnosis?
Options
A. Frequency and pattern of ulcer occurrence and associated
triggers.
B. Favorite dietary preferences (e.g., spicy foods).
C. Toothbrushing technique and frequency.
D. Family history of periodontal disease.
Correct Answer
A
Rationales
Correct: Understanding frequency, pattern, and triggers is
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — The Practice of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Question Stem
A 55-year-old patient presents with a well-demarcated, painless
white plaque on the lateral tongue discovered during a routine
hygiene visit. The patient has no systemic symptoms and no
history of recent trauma. As an oral health professional focused
on pathology practice, which immediate action best reflects
standard practice in oral and maxillofacial pathology?
Options
A. Diagnose as frictional keratosis and schedule routine recall.
B. Document the lesion and recommend topical antifungal
therapy.
,C. Record detailed findings and refer for biopsy or specialist
evaluation.
D. Prescribe topical corticosteroid and reevaluate in two weeks.
Correct Answer
C
Rationales
Correct: The practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology
emphasizes documenting findings and obtaining definitive
diagnosis through biopsy or specialist referral for unexplained
mucosal lesions. Biopsy confirms histopathology and guides
management.
A: Frictional keratosis is a clinical consideration but should not
be assumed without ruling out dysplasia or other pathoses.
B: Empiric antifungal therapy is inappropriate for an
unexplained white plaque without signs consistent with
candidiasis.
D: Topical corticosteroids could mask pathology and are not
appropriate before obtaining diagnosis.
Teaching Point
Unexplained persistent oral lesions require documentation and
timely diagnostic referral.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
During an intraoral exam you note a 0.5 cm raised, well-
circumscribed, yellowish-white lesion on the buccal mucosa
that blanches slightly with pressure. Which descriptive terms
best and concisely characterize this lesion for the chart?
Options
A. Macule; erythematous; flat.
B. Papule; vesicle; nonblanching.
C. Nodule; exophytic; keratotic.
D. Papule; slightly blanching; 0.5 cm, well-circumscribed.
Correct Answer
D
Rationales
Correct: A raised lesion <1 cm is a papule; documenting
blanching, size, and border gives a useful clinical description per
lesion-assessment terminology.
A: A macule is flat and would not be used for a raised 0.5 cm
lesion.
B: Vesicle implies fluid-filled and usually translucent;
"nonblanching" contradicts the finding.
C: Nodule typically refers to a lesion >1 cm or deeper;
"keratotic" is not supported by blanching.
, Teaching Point
Use precise lesion descriptors: size, morphology
(macule/papule/nodule), color, and blanching.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem
A 28-year-old woman presents with recurrent painful ulcers on
the buccal mucosa. Which historical detail is most important to
elicit to narrow the differential diagnosis?
Options
A. Frequency and pattern of ulcer occurrence and associated
triggers.
B. Favorite dietary preferences (e.g., spicy foods).
C. Toothbrushing technique and frequency.
D. Family history of periodontal disease.
Correct Answer
A
Rationales
Correct: Understanding frequency, pattern, and triggers is
