DENTAL HYGIENE BOARD REVIEW EXAM 4 |
DENTAL HYGIENIST| DENTAL HYGIENIST |
LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION WEST COAST
UNIVERSITY
1. Question
A 62-year-old patient presents with Stage IV periodontitis, uncontrolled
Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 10.2%), and generalized suppuration. What is
the MOST appropriate initial approach?
A. Immediate full-mouth extraction
B. Medical stabilization and phased periodontal therapy
C. Cosmetic whitening first
D. No treatment due to poor prognosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Systemic control must precede invasive periodontal
intervention.
2. Question
Which clinical finding MOST strongly indicates systemic inflammatory
burden from periodontitis?
A. Localized plaque only
B. Elevated CRP and bleeding on probing
C. Tooth color change
D. Enamel thickening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CRP elevation reflects systemic inflammation linked to
periodontitis.
3. Question
A patient presents with rapidly progressing periodontal destruction and
necrotic interdental papillae. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
,A. Chronic periodontitis
B. Necrotizing periodontitis
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Dental caries
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Necrosis + rapid destruction indicates necrotizing periodontal
disease.
4. Question
What is the MOST critical risk factor for periodontal surgical failure in
medically complex patients?
A. Eye color
B. Poor systemic disease control
C. Tooth shade
D. Age alone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uncontrolled systemic disease compromises healing.
5. Question
A patient develops hypotension and dizziness during periodontal
treatment. What is the FIRST action?
A. Continue scaling
B. Stop procedure and position patient supine with legs elevated
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Proceed to surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is consistent with vasovagal syncope.
6. Question
Which pharmacologic interaction is MOST dangerous in periodontal
surgical patients?
, A. Ibuprofen + paracetamol
B. Warfarin + NSAIDs
C. Fluoride + calcium
D. Vitamin C + iron
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Combined effect significantly increases bleeding risk.
7. Question
A patient presents with deep periodontal pockets and vertical bone loss.
Which radiographic pattern is MOST likely?
A. Uniform enamel thickening
B. Angular (vertical) bone defects
C. Increased pulp size
D. Hypercementosis only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vertical defects are typical in advanced periodontitis.
8. Question
Which systemic condition MOST impairs periodontal wound healing?
A. Asthma
B. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
C. Migraine
D. Myopia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperglycemia delays tissue repair and immune response.
9. Question
A patient presents with fever, swelling, and trismus following periodontal
infection. What is the MOST likely complication?
DENTAL HYGIENIST| DENTAL HYGIENIST |
LATEST 2025-2026 QUESTION AND CORRECT
ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION WEST COAST
UNIVERSITY
1. Question
A 62-year-old patient presents with Stage IV periodontitis, uncontrolled
Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c 10.2%), and generalized suppuration. What is
the MOST appropriate initial approach?
A. Immediate full-mouth extraction
B. Medical stabilization and phased periodontal therapy
C. Cosmetic whitening first
D. No treatment due to poor prognosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Systemic control must precede invasive periodontal
intervention.
2. Question
Which clinical finding MOST strongly indicates systemic inflammatory
burden from periodontitis?
A. Localized plaque only
B. Elevated CRP and bleeding on probing
C. Tooth color change
D. Enamel thickening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CRP elevation reflects systemic inflammation linked to
periodontitis.
3. Question
A patient presents with rapidly progressing periodontal destruction and
necrotic interdental papillae. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
,A. Chronic periodontitis
B. Necrotizing periodontitis
C. Gingival hyperplasia
D. Dental caries
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Necrosis + rapid destruction indicates necrotizing periodontal
disease.
4. Question
What is the MOST critical risk factor for periodontal surgical failure in
medically complex patients?
A. Eye color
B. Poor systemic disease control
C. Tooth shade
D. Age alone
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Uncontrolled systemic disease compromises healing.
5. Question
A patient develops hypotension and dizziness during periodontal
treatment. What is the FIRST action?
A. Continue scaling
B. Stop procedure and position patient supine with legs elevated
C. Administer antibiotics
D. Proceed to surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This is consistent with vasovagal syncope.
6. Question
Which pharmacologic interaction is MOST dangerous in periodontal
surgical patients?
, A. Ibuprofen + paracetamol
B. Warfarin + NSAIDs
C. Fluoride + calcium
D. Vitamin C + iron
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Combined effect significantly increases bleeding risk.
7. Question
A patient presents with deep periodontal pockets and vertical bone loss.
Which radiographic pattern is MOST likely?
A. Uniform enamel thickening
B. Angular (vertical) bone defects
C. Increased pulp size
D. Hypercementosis only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vertical defects are typical in advanced periodontitis.
8. Question
Which systemic condition MOST impairs periodontal wound healing?
A. Asthma
B. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
C. Migraine
D. Myopia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperglycemia delays tissue repair and immune response.
9. Question
A patient presents with fever, swelling, and trismus following periodontal
infection. What is the MOST likely complication?
