NDHCE STUDY GUIDE 2026 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS RATED A+
✔✔A dental hygienist has been asked to provide information to client about a new tooth
whitening procedure. The dental hygienist did not study this procedure at school. Which
one of the following sources of information should the dental hygienist consult before
providing information to clients about this procedure?
A. The employer regarding the new technique.
B. Reports of randomized controlled clinical trials.
C. Colleagues regarding technique and efficacy.
D. Dental supply companies regarding available products. - ✔✔B
✔✔The initial assessment of Mr. Parker, 40 years old, reveals tenderness in the
temporomandibular joint area, bilateral lymphadenopathy, white folded plaques on the
lateral borders of the tongue, linear gingival erythema, and generalized 7-9mm
periodontal probing depths. Which on of the following referrals would be most important
for Mr. Parker?
A. Counselor for a tobacco use cessation intervention.
B. Radiologist for temporomandibular joint pain.
C. Physician for the health assessment.
D. Periodontist for the periodontal condition. - ✔✔C
✔✔What type of technique error can be seen near the maxillary third molars on the
following panoramic radiograph?
A. Ghost image
B. Herringtonbone pattern
C. Reticulation
D. Film fog - ✔✔A
✔✔Mrs. Guay, 73 years old, presents to her continuing care appointment with a recently
placed mandibular canine-to-canine periodontal splint. During the assessment, the
dental hygienist notices changes in her periodontium arising from ineffective dental
biofilm control methods. What should the dental hygienist expect to observe?
A. Narrower embrasures preventing dental biofilm removal.
B. A wider periodontal ligament space.
C. Radiographic evidence of bone loss.
,D. Increased bleeding on probing. - ✔✔D
✔✔Mrs. Sandhu, 58 years old, is a recent immigrant. She does not speak English or
French; however, she is accompnied by an interpreter for assessment and treatment
planning. At the follow-up appointment, Mrs. Sandhu arrives alone. During periodontal
debridement, the dental hygienist determines Mrs. Sandhu needs local anesthetic. What
should the dental hygienist do next?
A. Explain the action of local anesthetic using gestures.
B. Have the interpreter explain the procedure by telephone.
C. Use pictures to explain the need for the procedure.
D. Proceed with the treatment without the local anesthetic. - ✔✔B
✔✔After consultation between a group of dental hygienists and public health nurses, a
kit for new parents was created to reduce the incidence of early childhood caries. The
nurses will use the kit in their prenatal classes. This is an example of which one of the
following health promotion strategies?
A. Collaboration.
B. Health education.
C. Community organization.
D. Advocacy - ✔✔A
✔✔Shortly after administering a posterior superior alveolar injection for subgingival
periodontal debridement of sextant 3, the dental hygienist notices a hematoma
developing extraorally on the anesthetized side. What should the dental hygienist do?
A. Massage the area of the injection site to alleviate any pain.
B. Apply heat immediately to the area for up to 4 hours.
C. Advise the client that the hematoma will likely disappear in 2-3 days.
D. Place an ice pack on the area to minimize the size of the hematoma. - ✔✔D
✔✔Following a client's appointment, the dental hygienist is preparing the operatory for
the next client. What is the recommended minimum time that water should be run
through the water lines before the next appointment?
A. 20 seconds
B. 60 seconds
C. 90 seconds
D. 120 seconds - ✔✔A
✔✔The air-powder abrasive system is contraindicated for clients with which of the
following conditions?
, A. Mild gingivitis
B. Asthma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hypoglycemia - ✔✔B
✔✔Mr. Kehoe, 24 years old, informs the dental hygienist that the reason he missed his
previous periodontal debridement appointment was due to a fear of being hurt. Today,
appears anxious. Clinic findings show dental biofilm-induced gingivitis localized to the
papillae with light interproximal calculus. What is the best action for the dental hygienist
to take next?
A. Encourage Mr. Kehoe to express his concerns regarding today's appointment.
B. Complete Mr. Kehoe's periodontal debridement during one session.
C. Suggest that Mr. Kehoe consider using an anti-anxiety medication.
D. Advise Mr. Kehoe that some discomfort is possible and topical anesthetic can be
used if necessary. - ✔✔A
✔✔During periodontal debridment for Ms. Romani, 34 years old, the dental hyygienist
experience lower back discomfort from balancing on the edge of the clinician's stool to
obtain optimal visibility. Ms. Romani is 1.52 m tall and of average weight. What initial
adjustment should the dental hygienist make to avoid lower back strain?
A. Ensure Ms. Romani's head is positioned straight ahead.
B. Position the dental hygienist's elbows above waist level and away from the body.
C. Position Ms. Romani so her head is even with the upper edge of the headrest.
D. Obtain a clinician's stool that provides effective lumbar support. - ✔✔C
✔✔Mr. Cook, 82 years old, presents for periodontal therapy. The dental hygiene care
plan includes periodontal debridement with local anesthesia. Mr. Cook says "I really
don't know why it is so important to have this treatment". The client record indicates that
he has consented to having the periodontal debridement. Before proceeding with
treatment what action would be most appropriate for the dental hygienist to take?
A. Review all treatment options with the client and document the discussion in his dental
chart.
B. Reassure the client that this treatment is beneficial and necessary if he wants to save
his teeth.
C. Contact the client's children to determine if they understand the need for the
periodontal treatment.
SOLUTIONS RATED A+
✔✔A dental hygienist has been asked to provide information to client about a new tooth
whitening procedure. The dental hygienist did not study this procedure at school. Which
one of the following sources of information should the dental hygienist consult before
providing information to clients about this procedure?
A. The employer regarding the new technique.
B. Reports of randomized controlled clinical trials.
C. Colleagues regarding technique and efficacy.
D. Dental supply companies regarding available products. - ✔✔B
✔✔The initial assessment of Mr. Parker, 40 years old, reveals tenderness in the
temporomandibular joint area, bilateral lymphadenopathy, white folded plaques on the
lateral borders of the tongue, linear gingival erythema, and generalized 7-9mm
periodontal probing depths. Which on of the following referrals would be most important
for Mr. Parker?
A. Counselor for a tobacco use cessation intervention.
B. Radiologist for temporomandibular joint pain.
C. Physician for the health assessment.
D. Periodontist for the periodontal condition. - ✔✔C
✔✔What type of technique error can be seen near the maxillary third molars on the
following panoramic radiograph?
A. Ghost image
B. Herringtonbone pattern
C. Reticulation
D. Film fog - ✔✔A
✔✔Mrs. Guay, 73 years old, presents to her continuing care appointment with a recently
placed mandibular canine-to-canine periodontal splint. During the assessment, the
dental hygienist notices changes in her periodontium arising from ineffective dental
biofilm control methods. What should the dental hygienist expect to observe?
A. Narrower embrasures preventing dental biofilm removal.
B. A wider periodontal ligament space.
C. Radiographic evidence of bone loss.
,D. Increased bleeding on probing. - ✔✔D
✔✔Mrs. Sandhu, 58 years old, is a recent immigrant. She does not speak English or
French; however, she is accompnied by an interpreter for assessment and treatment
planning. At the follow-up appointment, Mrs. Sandhu arrives alone. During periodontal
debridement, the dental hygienist determines Mrs. Sandhu needs local anesthetic. What
should the dental hygienist do next?
A. Explain the action of local anesthetic using gestures.
B. Have the interpreter explain the procedure by telephone.
C. Use pictures to explain the need for the procedure.
D. Proceed with the treatment without the local anesthetic. - ✔✔B
✔✔After consultation between a group of dental hygienists and public health nurses, a
kit for new parents was created to reduce the incidence of early childhood caries. The
nurses will use the kit in their prenatal classes. This is an example of which one of the
following health promotion strategies?
A. Collaboration.
B. Health education.
C. Community organization.
D. Advocacy - ✔✔A
✔✔Shortly after administering a posterior superior alveolar injection for subgingival
periodontal debridement of sextant 3, the dental hygienist notices a hematoma
developing extraorally on the anesthetized side. What should the dental hygienist do?
A. Massage the area of the injection site to alleviate any pain.
B. Apply heat immediately to the area for up to 4 hours.
C. Advise the client that the hematoma will likely disappear in 2-3 days.
D. Place an ice pack on the area to minimize the size of the hematoma. - ✔✔D
✔✔Following a client's appointment, the dental hygienist is preparing the operatory for
the next client. What is the recommended minimum time that water should be run
through the water lines before the next appointment?
A. 20 seconds
B. 60 seconds
C. 90 seconds
D. 120 seconds - ✔✔A
✔✔The air-powder abrasive system is contraindicated for clients with which of the
following conditions?
, A. Mild gingivitis
B. Asthma
C. Hypothyroidism
D. Hypoglycemia - ✔✔B
✔✔Mr. Kehoe, 24 years old, informs the dental hygienist that the reason he missed his
previous periodontal debridement appointment was due to a fear of being hurt. Today,
appears anxious. Clinic findings show dental biofilm-induced gingivitis localized to the
papillae with light interproximal calculus. What is the best action for the dental hygienist
to take next?
A. Encourage Mr. Kehoe to express his concerns regarding today's appointment.
B. Complete Mr. Kehoe's periodontal debridement during one session.
C. Suggest that Mr. Kehoe consider using an anti-anxiety medication.
D. Advise Mr. Kehoe that some discomfort is possible and topical anesthetic can be
used if necessary. - ✔✔A
✔✔During periodontal debridment for Ms. Romani, 34 years old, the dental hyygienist
experience lower back discomfort from balancing on the edge of the clinician's stool to
obtain optimal visibility. Ms. Romani is 1.52 m tall and of average weight. What initial
adjustment should the dental hygienist make to avoid lower back strain?
A. Ensure Ms. Romani's head is positioned straight ahead.
B. Position the dental hygienist's elbows above waist level and away from the body.
C. Position Ms. Romani so her head is even with the upper edge of the headrest.
D. Obtain a clinician's stool that provides effective lumbar support. - ✔✔C
✔✔Mr. Cook, 82 years old, presents for periodontal therapy. The dental hygiene care
plan includes periodontal debridement with local anesthesia. Mr. Cook says "I really
don't know why it is so important to have this treatment". The client record indicates that
he has consented to having the periodontal debridement. Before proceeding with
treatment what action would be most appropriate for the dental hygienist to take?
A. Review all treatment options with the client and document the discussion in his dental
chart.
B. Reassure the client that this treatment is beneficial and necessary if he wants to save
his teeth.
C. Contact the client's children to determine if they understand the need for the
periodontal treatment.
