PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE MATERIALS
NBDHE Dental Hygiene
National Board Actual Exam
2026
940+ (2026) Verified Exam Q&A with Rationales | A+ Pack
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 944 Questions
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document, "NBDHE Dental Hygiene National Board Actual Exam 2026", covers
topics in dental anatomy, physiology, and clinical procedures, including muscle
anatomy, bone and connective tissue, nerve conduction, spinal vertebrae, and dental
examination methods. It provides 944 questions with correct answers and detailed
explanations, as well as images and diagrams, allowing students to review and
understand key concepts for the NBDHE exam. By utilizing this document, students can
study and review material to reinforce their understanding of dental hygiene principles
and prepare for the exam.
EXAM QUESTIONS
Q1. Which paired muscle covers most of the lateral aspect of the ramus of the
mandible?
, CORRECT ANSWER
Masseter
RATIONALE
The Masseter muscle is a key player in mastication, and its location on the lateral
aspect of the ramus of the mandible allows it to effectively transmit forces during
jaw closure. Its paired nature means that it covers most of the ramus of the mandible
on both sides, making it the primary muscle to do so.
Q2. The fibrous connective tissue membrane covering the outside of bone is called
the
CORRECT ANSWER
periosteum
RATIONALE
The periosteum is the correct answer because it is a specialized layer of fibrous
connective tissue that directly adheres to and surrounds the outside of bones,
serving as a protective covering. This function allows it to facilitate bone growth,
repair, and nourishment by allowing blood vessels to penetrate and deliver essential
nutrients and oxygen to the bone.
Q3. What is the purpose of the synovial membrane in a synovial joint?
CORRECT ANSWER
Secrete fluid into the joint cavity
, RATIONALE
The synovial membrane's purpose is to secrete fluid into the joint cavity because it
lines the joint space and produces synovial fluid, a lubricating substance that
reduces friction between the cartilage and bone surfaces, allowing for smooth
movement. This secreted fluid also helps to nourish the cartilage and maintain joint
health by providing essential nutrients and removing waste products.
Q4. Which component of a nerve conducts impulses
CORRECT ANSWER
Dendrite
RATIONALE
Dendrites play a crucial role in receiving and processing signals from other neurons
by collecting neurotransmitters released from adjacent neurons, allowing them to
initiate or modify electrical impulses in the neuron. This function is essential for the
transmission of nerve impulses, making dendrites a critical component in the neural
pathway.
Q5. Which spinal vertebrae fuse together form triangular mass?
CORRECT ANSWER
Sacral
RATIONALE
The sacral vertebrae fuse together in the human body during embryonic
development to form a triangular mass due to the formation of the sacral canal and
, the fusion of the five sacral vertebrae. This process typically occurs around the 25th
week of gestation, resulting in a single, fused structure known as the sacrum.
Q6. T/F The ophthalmic nerve is the first division of the fifth cranial nerve (V), the
trigeminal nerve. The maxillary nerve is the second division of the trigeminal
nerve.
CORRECT ANSWER
Both statements are true
RATIONALE
The ophthalmic nerve is indeed the first division of the fifth cranial nerve, the
trigeminal nerve, as it arises from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. The
maxillary nerve, being the second division, also originates from the trigeminal nerve,
thus both statements are true because they both describe divisions of the same
cranial nerve.
Q7. Which injections technique would be used to achieve anesthesia of teeth # 15
and # 16?
CORRECT ANSWER
Posterosuperior alveolar block
RATIONALE
The "posterosuperior alveolar block" is used to achieve anesthesia of teeth #15 and
#16 because it targets the posterior superior alveolar nerve, which supplies the
NBDHE Dental Hygiene
National Board Actual Exam
2026
940+ (2026) Verified Exam Q&A with Rationales | A+ Pack
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales 944 Questions
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document, "NBDHE Dental Hygiene National Board Actual Exam 2026", covers
topics in dental anatomy, physiology, and clinical procedures, including muscle
anatomy, bone and connective tissue, nerve conduction, spinal vertebrae, and dental
examination methods. It provides 944 questions with correct answers and detailed
explanations, as well as images and diagrams, allowing students to review and
understand key concepts for the NBDHE exam. By utilizing this document, students can
study and review material to reinforce their understanding of dental hygiene principles
and prepare for the exam.
EXAM QUESTIONS
Q1. Which paired muscle covers most of the lateral aspect of the ramus of the
mandible?
, CORRECT ANSWER
Masseter
RATIONALE
The Masseter muscle is a key player in mastication, and its location on the lateral
aspect of the ramus of the mandible allows it to effectively transmit forces during
jaw closure. Its paired nature means that it covers most of the ramus of the mandible
on both sides, making it the primary muscle to do so.
Q2. The fibrous connective tissue membrane covering the outside of bone is called
the
CORRECT ANSWER
periosteum
RATIONALE
The periosteum is the correct answer because it is a specialized layer of fibrous
connective tissue that directly adheres to and surrounds the outside of bones,
serving as a protective covering. This function allows it to facilitate bone growth,
repair, and nourishment by allowing blood vessels to penetrate and deliver essential
nutrients and oxygen to the bone.
Q3. What is the purpose of the synovial membrane in a synovial joint?
CORRECT ANSWER
Secrete fluid into the joint cavity
, RATIONALE
The synovial membrane's purpose is to secrete fluid into the joint cavity because it
lines the joint space and produces synovial fluid, a lubricating substance that
reduces friction between the cartilage and bone surfaces, allowing for smooth
movement. This secreted fluid also helps to nourish the cartilage and maintain joint
health by providing essential nutrients and removing waste products.
Q4. Which component of a nerve conducts impulses
CORRECT ANSWER
Dendrite
RATIONALE
Dendrites play a crucial role in receiving and processing signals from other neurons
by collecting neurotransmitters released from adjacent neurons, allowing them to
initiate or modify electrical impulses in the neuron. This function is essential for the
transmission of nerve impulses, making dendrites a critical component in the neural
pathway.
Q5. Which spinal vertebrae fuse together form triangular mass?
CORRECT ANSWER
Sacral
RATIONALE
The sacral vertebrae fuse together in the human body during embryonic
development to form a triangular mass due to the formation of the sacral canal and
, the fusion of the five sacral vertebrae. This process typically occurs around the 25th
week of gestation, resulting in a single, fused structure known as the sacrum.
Q6. T/F The ophthalmic nerve is the first division of the fifth cranial nerve (V), the
trigeminal nerve. The maxillary nerve is the second division of the trigeminal
nerve.
CORRECT ANSWER
Both statements are true
RATIONALE
The ophthalmic nerve is indeed the first division of the fifth cranial nerve, the
trigeminal nerve, as it arises from the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve. The
maxillary nerve, being the second division, also originates from the trigeminal nerve,
thus both statements are true because they both describe divisions of the same
cranial nerve.
Q7. Which injections technique would be used to achieve anesthesia of teeth # 15
and # 16?
CORRECT ANSWER
Posterosuperior alveolar block
RATIONALE
The "posterosuperior alveolar block" is used to achieve anesthesia of teeth #15 and
#16 because it targets the posterior superior alveolar nerve, which supplies the
