NBDHE Dental Hygiene Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21Review the details provided and identify the occlusal relationship noted when the maxillary canine is mesially positioned relative to the mandibular canine.
✓ Correct answer: D. Class II malocclusion
A Class II malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth or jaw are positioned significantly forward relative to the lower teeth or jaw, often noticeable when the maxillary canine is positioned mesially relative to the mandibular canine.
Q22The patient reports experiencing a metallic taste and increased oral acidity since using a new mouthwash. Which of the following is the likely cause?
✓ Correct answer: C. High acidity in the mouthwash
The metallic taste and increased oral acidity can be attributed to the high acidity level in the new mouthwash, which may alter taste perception and cause discomfort.
Q23During an oral examination, a patient's LR quadrant shows plaque deposits but no visible calculus. The periodontal pockets are all 2 mm or shallower, yet bleeding is observed at 3 sites. What PSR score should be assigned according to the details?
✓ Correct answer: B. 1
A PSR score of 1 is assigned because bleeding is present, but no calculus is detected and pockets do not exceed 2 mm. If there were no bleeding and no plaque, it would score a 0. The presence of calculus would result in a score of 2.
Q24Based on the details, at what age should the patient expect her daughter's first permanent molar to erupt?
✓ Correct answer: A. 6 years
The first permanent molars, also known as the 'six-year molars,' typically erupt around age 6. These teeth are often the first permanent teeth to appear and are crucial for the development of the bite.
Q25Based on the details, how should the dental hygienist perform an examination of the patient's gums?
✓ Correct answer: D. She will inspect the gums visually and probe gently
A proper examination of the gums involves a visual inspection and gentle probing to prevent discomfort and accurately assess gum health.
Q26Given the following details, what should the dental hygienist advise the patient to use for cleaning their dental prosthesis? Patient Age Prosthesis Type Oral Care Equipment Available 65 Removable denture Soft-bristled toothbrush, denture cleanser
✓ Correct answer: C. A soft-bristled toothbrush with denture cleanser
For cleaning a removable denture, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a denture cleanser. Regular toothpaste may be too abrasive and can damage the denture.
Q27Based on the details provided, what condition related to hormonal changes is likely responsible for the patient's recent tooth mobility?
✓ Correct answer: B. Pregnancy-related periodontal disease
Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy can lead to pregnancy-related periodontal disease, which may cause tooth mobility. This condition can occur due to increased inflammation in response to plaque.
Q28Based on the details provided, at what age should she expect her baby to begin crawling?
✓ Correct answer: A. 6-10 months
Most infants start crawling around 6-10 months of age. Although there's variability among children, this is a common time frame for babies to begin moving independently.
Q29Review the details provided about the mother's nutritional habits and determine what essential advice should be given regarding her own oral hygiene habits during breastfeeding.
✓ Correct answer: D. Maintaining oral health can prevent the transmission of oral bacteria to the infant
By maintaining good oral health, the mother can reduce the risk of transferring cariogenic bacteria to the infant through oral contact, decreasing the child's risk of early childhood caries.
Q30Using the details provided, the hygienist assigns the patient a gingival index score of 2. What does this score indicate?
✓ Correct answer: C. Moderate inflammation, bleeding on probing.
A gingival index score of 2 signifies moderate inflammation with bleeding upon probing, indicating some degree of gingival disease.
Use the free NBDHE Dental Hygiene Prep sample, download the PDF, then unlock web-based timed mock exams for a full exam rehearsal.
Theory