Page 1 of 147
DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM
TESTBANK|ACTUAL 400+ EXAM PREP
Qs&As| (A+GRADE| DENTAL HYGIENE
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS|NEW UPDATE
1. Which cranial nerve is responsible for motor innervation of
the muscles of mastication?
A) CN V (Trigeminal) – motor branch
B) CN VII (Facial)
C) CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D) CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
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Rationale: The trigeminal nerve (CN V) provides motor
innervation to the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid,
lateral pterygoid, mylohyoid, and anterior belly of
digastric. Sensory branches (ophthalmic, maxillary,
mandibular) supply the face and oral mucosa.
2. The hardest substance in the human body is:
A) Enamel
B) Dentin
C) Cementum
D) Bone
Answer: A
Rationale: Enamel is composed of 96% hydroxyapatite (by
weight), making it the most highly mineralized and hardest
tissue. It is acellular and cannot regenerate.
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3. Which of the following periodontal ligament fibers insert
into cementum and bone and are primarily responsible for
resisting vertical (axial) masticatory forces?
A) Alveolar crest fibers
B) Horizontal fibers
C) Oblique fibers
D) Apical fibers
Answer: C
Rationale: Oblique fibers are the most numerous and resist
vertical forces, preventing the tooth from being driven into
the socket. Horizontal fibers resist horizontal forces; alveolar
crest fibers resist extrusive forces.
4. The “lifeblood” of the tooth, containing nerves and blood
vessels, is the:
A) Enamel
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B) Dentin
C) Pulp
D) Cementum
Answer: C
Rationale: The dental pulp is the soft connective tissue within
the pulp chamber and root canals, providing sensory and
nutritive functions. Enamel and dentin are mineralized;
cementum covers the root.
5. Which of the following gingival fiber groups encircles the
tooth and connects the gingiva to cementum, providing
support against lateral forces?
A) Dentogingival fibers
B) Circular fibers
C) Transseptal fibers
D) Periosteogingival fibers
DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM
TESTBANK|ACTUAL 400+ EXAM PREP
Qs&As| (A+GRADE| DENTAL HYGIENE
EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS|NEW UPDATE
1. Which cranial nerve is responsible for motor innervation of
the muscles of mastication?
A) CN V (Trigeminal) – motor branch
B) CN VII (Facial)
C) CN IX (Glossopharyngeal)
D) CN XII (Hypoglossal)
Answer: A
,Page 2 of 147
Rationale: The trigeminal nerve (CN V) provides motor
innervation to the masseter, temporalis, medial pterygoid,
lateral pterygoid, mylohyoid, and anterior belly of
digastric. Sensory branches (ophthalmic, maxillary,
mandibular) supply the face and oral mucosa.
2. The hardest substance in the human body is:
A) Enamel
B) Dentin
C) Cementum
D) Bone
Answer: A
Rationale: Enamel is composed of 96% hydroxyapatite (by
weight), making it the most highly mineralized and hardest
tissue. It is acellular and cannot regenerate.
,Page 3 of 147
3. Which of the following periodontal ligament fibers insert
into cementum and bone and are primarily responsible for
resisting vertical (axial) masticatory forces?
A) Alveolar crest fibers
B) Horizontal fibers
C) Oblique fibers
D) Apical fibers
Answer: C
Rationale: Oblique fibers are the most numerous and resist
vertical forces, preventing the tooth from being driven into
the socket. Horizontal fibers resist horizontal forces; alveolar
crest fibers resist extrusive forces.
4. The “lifeblood” of the tooth, containing nerves and blood
vessels, is the:
A) Enamel
, Page 4 of 147
B) Dentin
C) Pulp
D) Cementum
Answer: C
Rationale: The dental pulp is the soft connective tissue within
the pulp chamber and root canals, providing sensory and
nutritive functions. Enamel and dentin are mineralized;
cementum covers the root.
5. Which of the following gingival fiber groups encircles the
tooth and connects the gingiva to cementum, providing
support against lateral forces?
A) Dentogingival fibers
B) Circular fibers
C) Transseptal fibers
D) Periosteogingival fibers
