HESI Dental Hygiene Exam 2026 | Latest Update | Questions
& Answers | Exam Prep PDF | Graded A+
1. What is the primary mode of transmission for tuberculosis?
Fomite transmission
Direct contact
Vector-borne
Airborne droplet nuclei
2. Describe the significance of the adoption stage in the learning-ladder
continuum for patient behavior change.
The adoption stage is the final step before relapse occurs.
The adoption stage is crucial as it indicates that the patient has
successfully integrated a new behavior into their routine.
The adoption stage involves the patient recognizing the need for
change.
The adoption stage is where patients first consider changing their
behavior.
3. What is the procedure used to definitively diagnose oral cancer?
CT scan
X-ray
Ultrasound
Biopsy
,4. Describe the role of a legal guardian in the context of dental treatment
consent for an incompetent adult.
A legal guardian is responsible for making healthcare decisions,
including giving consent for treatment, on behalf of an incompetent
adult.
A legal guardian must consult with the patient before giving consent.
A legal guardian can only provide consent for minor procedures.
A legal guardian has no authority in healthcare decisions.
5. In a clinical scenario, if a dental hygienist is working with a patient who has
just adopted a new oral hygiene routine, what strategies might the hygienist
use to reinforce this behavior?
Suggest the patient revert to their old habits.
Only provide information about potential consequences of poor
hygiene.
Ignore the new behavior and focus on other issues.
Provide positive reinforcement and follow-up education.
6. Why is it important to tailor oral hygiene education materials specifically for
elderly patients?
Elderly patients do not require any specific education materials.
Elderly patients may have unique dental needs and challenges that
require specialized education.
Elderly patients are less likely to follow oral hygiene instructions.
All patients require the same education materials regardless of age.
,7. In a clinical scenario, if a patient presents with symptoms of hand, foot, and
mouth disease, which virus would you suspect as the causative agent, and
why would you rule out influenza?
Coxsackievirus, because it is a common cause of respiratory
infections.
Neither, as both viruses can cause similar symptoms.
Coxsackievirus, because it is known to cause hand, foot, and mouth
disease, while influenza is a respiratory virus.
Influenza, because it can cause similar symptoms.
8. What is the primary method used to identify plaque biofilm on teeth?
X-rays
Dental floss
Disclosing solution
Saliva
9. Describe the impact of periodontitis on the alveolar bone in dental hygiene
practice.
Periodontitis has no effect on the alveolar bone, only affecting the
gums.
Periodontitis leads to the destruction of the alveolar bone, which
supports the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and potential loss.
Periodontitis strengthens the alveolar bone, improving tooth stability.
Periodontitis causes the alveolar bone to regenerate, enhancing
dental health.
, 10. The most effective way to provide oral hygiene instruction in a nursing home
is to:
Educate the nurses and other caregivers about proper oral hygiene
care
Discuss with the administrators the necessity of educating the staff in
oral care
Distribute oral hygiene pamphlets to all residents and staff
Teach nursing home residents the importance of brushing and
flossing
11. A patient presents with symptoms of weakness, nerve damage, and
cardiovascular issues. Considering these symptoms, which vitamin deficiency
should be investigated?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency
12. Which of the following is NOT a component of informed consent?
Voluntary choice
Patient capacity
Agreement to pay fees
Adequate information
13. What is the primary target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block in dental
procedures?
& Answers | Exam Prep PDF | Graded A+
1. What is the primary mode of transmission for tuberculosis?
Fomite transmission
Direct contact
Vector-borne
Airborne droplet nuclei
2. Describe the significance of the adoption stage in the learning-ladder
continuum for patient behavior change.
The adoption stage is the final step before relapse occurs.
The adoption stage is crucial as it indicates that the patient has
successfully integrated a new behavior into their routine.
The adoption stage involves the patient recognizing the need for
change.
The adoption stage is where patients first consider changing their
behavior.
3. What is the procedure used to definitively diagnose oral cancer?
CT scan
X-ray
Ultrasound
Biopsy
,4. Describe the role of a legal guardian in the context of dental treatment
consent for an incompetent adult.
A legal guardian is responsible for making healthcare decisions,
including giving consent for treatment, on behalf of an incompetent
adult.
A legal guardian must consult with the patient before giving consent.
A legal guardian can only provide consent for minor procedures.
A legal guardian has no authority in healthcare decisions.
5. In a clinical scenario, if a dental hygienist is working with a patient who has
just adopted a new oral hygiene routine, what strategies might the hygienist
use to reinforce this behavior?
Suggest the patient revert to their old habits.
Only provide information about potential consequences of poor
hygiene.
Ignore the new behavior and focus on other issues.
Provide positive reinforcement and follow-up education.
6. Why is it important to tailor oral hygiene education materials specifically for
elderly patients?
Elderly patients do not require any specific education materials.
Elderly patients may have unique dental needs and challenges that
require specialized education.
Elderly patients are less likely to follow oral hygiene instructions.
All patients require the same education materials regardless of age.
,7. In a clinical scenario, if a patient presents with symptoms of hand, foot, and
mouth disease, which virus would you suspect as the causative agent, and
why would you rule out influenza?
Coxsackievirus, because it is a common cause of respiratory
infections.
Neither, as both viruses can cause similar symptoms.
Coxsackievirus, because it is known to cause hand, foot, and mouth
disease, while influenza is a respiratory virus.
Influenza, because it can cause similar symptoms.
8. What is the primary method used to identify plaque biofilm on teeth?
X-rays
Dental floss
Disclosing solution
Saliva
9. Describe the impact of periodontitis on the alveolar bone in dental hygiene
practice.
Periodontitis has no effect on the alveolar bone, only affecting the
gums.
Periodontitis leads to the destruction of the alveolar bone, which
supports the teeth, resulting in tooth mobility and potential loss.
Periodontitis strengthens the alveolar bone, improving tooth stability.
Periodontitis causes the alveolar bone to regenerate, enhancing
dental health.
, 10. The most effective way to provide oral hygiene instruction in a nursing home
is to:
Educate the nurses and other caregivers about proper oral hygiene
care
Discuss with the administrators the necessity of educating the staff in
oral care
Distribute oral hygiene pamphlets to all residents and staff
Teach nursing home residents the importance of brushing and
flossing
11. A patient presents with symptoms of weakness, nerve damage, and
cardiovascular issues. Considering these symptoms, which vitamin deficiency
should be investigated?
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B1 deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin C deficiency
12. Which of the following is NOT a component of informed consent?
Voluntary choice
Patient capacity
Agreement to pay fees
Adequate information
13. What is the primary target area for the inferior alveolar nerve block in dental
procedures?
