NBDHE Practice Exam Questions and
Answers 100% Pass
What is the recommended method for a dental hygienist to assess periodontal pocket depth?
✔✔Use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth.
How can a dental hygienist assist a patient with orthodontic appliances in maintaining oral
hygiene?
✔✔Provide specific brushing and flossing techniques to effectively clean around brackets and
wires, and recommend orthodontic cleaning aids.
What should a dental hygienist do if a patient presents with signs of an oral infection?
✔✔Refer the patient to a dentist for further evaluation and potential treatment of the infection.
How does smoking impact oral health, according to dental hygiene practice?
1
,✔✔Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and can affect the healing of
oral tissues.
What is the purpose of administering a local anesthetic during a dental procedure?
✔✔To numb the area around the tooth to minimize pain and discomfort for the patient.
How can a dental hygienist help in managing patients with gingivitis?
✔✔Provide thorough cleanings, offer education on proper brushing and flossing, and advise on
reducing plaque buildup.
What is the benefit of using sealants in pediatric dentistry?
✔✔Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities by forming a barrier against
plaque and food particles.
What should be included in the patient’s medical history to ensure safe dental treatment?
2
,✔✔Include any current medications, allergies, past medical conditions, and previous dental
treatments to avoid adverse reactions.
What is the role of a dental hygienist in managing a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
disorders?
✔✔Assess and document symptoms, educate on jaw exercises, and recommend consulting with
a specialist if necessary.
How should a dental hygienist address a patient who is concerned about bad breath?
✔✔Evaluate for potential causes such as periodontal disease or diet, and provide
recommendations for improving oral hygiene and diet adjustments.
What is the importance of taking a comprehensive dental radiograph?
✔✔To identify hidden dental issues, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss, that are not
visible during a visual examination.
3
, How can a dental hygienist assist patients in understanding the link between diet and oral health?
✔✔Educate on the effects of sugary and acidic foods on dental health and suggest healthier
dietary choices to reduce the risk of dental problems.
What is the best practice for managing a patient with a history of allergic reactions to dental
materials?
✔✔Document the allergy, avoid the use of known allergens, and discuss alternative materials
with the patient.
How does fluoride work to prevent dental caries?
✔✔Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque
bacteria and sugary foods.
What approach should be taken if a dental hygienist suspects a patient has a systemic condition
impacting oral health?
4
Answers 100% Pass
What is the recommended method for a dental hygienist to assess periodontal pocket depth?
✔✔Use a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth.
How can a dental hygienist assist a patient with orthodontic appliances in maintaining oral
hygiene?
✔✔Provide specific brushing and flossing techniques to effectively clean around brackets and
wires, and recommend orthodontic cleaning aids.
What should a dental hygienist do if a patient presents with signs of an oral infection?
✔✔Refer the patient to a dentist for further evaluation and potential treatment of the infection.
How does smoking impact oral health, according to dental hygiene practice?
1
,✔✔Smoking increases the risk of periodontal disease, oral cancer, and can affect the healing of
oral tissues.
What is the purpose of administering a local anesthetic during a dental procedure?
✔✔To numb the area around the tooth to minimize pain and discomfort for the patient.
How can a dental hygienist help in managing patients with gingivitis?
✔✔Provide thorough cleanings, offer education on proper brushing and flossing, and advise on
reducing plaque buildup.
What is the benefit of using sealants in pediatric dentistry?
✔✔Sealants protect the chewing surfaces of back teeth from cavities by forming a barrier against
plaque and food particles.
What should be included in the patient’s medical history to ensure safe dental treatment?
2
,✔✔Include any current medications, allergies, past medical conditions, and previous dental
treatments to avoid adverse reactions.
What is the role of a dental hygienist in managing a patient with temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
disorders?
✔✔Assess and document symptoms, educate on jaw exercises, and recommend consulting with
a specialist if necessary.
How should a dental hygienist address a patient who is concerned about bad breath?
✔✔Evaluate for potential causes such as periodontal disease or diet, and provide
recommendations for improving oral hygiene and diet adjustments.
What is the importance of taking a comprehensive dental radiograph?
✔✔To identify hidden dental issues, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss, that are not
visible during a visual examination.
3
, How can a dental hygienist assist patients in understanding the link between diet and oral health?
✔✔Educate on the effects of sugary and acidic foods on dental health and suggest healthier
dietary choices to reduce the risk of dental problems.
What is the best practice for managing a patient with a history of allergic reactions to dental
materials?
✔✔Document the allergy, avoid the use of known allergens, and discuss alternative materials
with the patient.
How does fluoride work to prevent dental caries?
✔✔Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque
bacteria and sugary foods.
What approach should be taken if a dental hygienist suspects a patient has a systemic condition
impacting oral health?
4
