Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Practice Test

National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Practice Test

Preparing for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) can be a challenging yet rewarding journey.

This practice test is designed to help you assess your knowledge and understanding of key topics that are essential for success on the exam.

With a focus on real-world scenarios and foundational principles, these 50 multiple-choice questions will cover areas such as oral health, preventive care, pathology, and clinical practices.

Use this test to identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and to build confidence as you get closer to achieving your certification.

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National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Practice Test

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Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
Which type of bacteria is primarily responsible for dental caries?
A
Streptococcus mutans
B
Lactobacillus
C
Actinomyces
D
Porphyromonas gingivalis
Question 2
What is the normal pH of saliva?
A
4.0–5.0
B
5.5–6.5
C
6.7–7.3
D
8.0–8.5
Question 3
Fluoride prevents dental caries primarily by:
A
Strengthening enamel
B
Reducing bacterial colonization
C
Enhancing saliva production
D
Inhibiting demineralization and enhancing remineralization
Question 4
Which dental instrument is best suited for detecting subgingival calculus?
A
Periodontal probe
B
Explorer
C
Scaler
D
Curette
Question 5
Gingival inflammation without loss of attachment is termed:
A
Gingivitis
B
Periodontitis
C
Pericoronitis
D
Alveolitis
Question 6
Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy?
A
Vitamin A
B
Vitamin C
C
Vitamin D
D
Vitamin E
Question 7
What is the active ingredient in most desensitizing toothpastes?
A
Sodium fluoride
B
Potassium nitrate
C
Calcium carbonate
D
Hydrogen peroxide
Question 8
What is the primary function of saliva in oral health?
A
Enhancing taste sensation
B
Neutralizing acids and protecting enamel
C
Lubricating oral tissues
D
Delivering nutrients to teeth
Question 9
A sealant is applied to which part of the tooth?
A
Enamel
B
Dentin
C
Cementum
D
Pulp
Question 10
The main cause of halitosis is:
A
Poor oral hygiene
B
Dry mouth
C
Specific foods
D
Volatile sulfur compounds
Question 11
What is the primary goal of scaling and root planing?
A
Remove plaque and tartar above the gumline
B
Eliminate bacterial biofilm and calculus subgingivally
C
Whiten teeth
D
Restore enamel thickness
Question 12
Which condition is characterized by white patches in the oral cavity that cannot be wiped off?
A
Candidiasis
B
Leukoplakia
C
Lichen planus
D
Erythroplakia
Question 13
The hardest tissue in the human body is:
A
Bone
B
Dentin
C
Enamel
D
Cementum
Question 14
The most common site for oral cancer is:
A
Dorsum of the tongue
B
Buccal mucosa
C
Lateral border of the tongue
D
Palate
Question 15
Which of the following is considered a reversible condition?
A
Periodontitis
B
Gingivitis
C
Pulp necrosis
D
Root caries
Question 16
What is the most effective way to remove plaque biofilm?
A
Mouthwash
B
Dental floss
C
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste
D
Professional cleaning
Question 17
How often should a patient replace their toothbrush?
A
Every month
B
Every 3 months
C
Every 6 months
D
Once a year
Question 18
What is the primary sign of gingivitis?
A
Bleeding gums
B
Tooth mobility
C
Bone loss
D
Recession
Question 19
Which cranial nerve is responsible for facial sensation and mastication?
A
Facial nerve (VII)
B
Trigeminal nerve (V)
C
Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
D
Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
Question 20
Xerostomia refers to:
A
Bad breath
B
Dry mouth
C
Excessive saliva
D
Painful swallowing
Question 21
What is the main component of dental plaque?
A
Food debris
B
Bacteria and extracellular matrix
C
Saliva
D
Calculus
Question 22
Which fluoride application method is most effective for high caries risk patients?
A
Fluoride toothpaste
B
Professional gel application
C
Fluoride varnish
D
Dietary fluoride supplements
Question 23
Which periodontal ligament fiber group resists horizontal forces?
A
Alveolar crest fibers
B
Horizontal fibers
C
Oblique fibers
D
Apical fibers
Question 24
Which of the following conditions is caused by Epstein-Barr virus?
A
Herpes labialis
B
Hairy leukoplakia
C
Kaposi’s sarcoma
D
Oral thrush
Question 25
Which type of fluoride is commonly found in drinking water?
A
Sodium fluoride
B
Stannous fluoride
C
Acidulated phosphate fluoride
D
Sodium monofluorophosphate
Question 26
The Bass method of toothbrushing emphasizes:
A
Circular brushing motions
B
Angling the bristles toward the gingival margin
C
Vertical brushing motions
D
Horizontal brushing motions
Question 27
What is the recommended concentration of fluoride in community water supplies?
A
0.2 ppm
B
0.7 ppm
C
1.5 ppm
D
2.0 ppm
Question 28
Which instrument is most effective for removing heavy supragingival calculus?
A
Ultrasonic scaler
B
Universal curette
C
Gracey curette
D
Explorer
Question 29
A furcation involvement that allows a probe to pass completely through the furcation is classified as:
A
Class I
B
Class II
C
Class III
D
Class IV
Question 30
The first clinical sign of dental caries is:
A
A cavity
B
A white spot lesion
C
Enamel discoloration
D
Tooth sensitivity
Question 31
Which condition is associated with the overuse of antibiotics?
A
Oral candidiasis
B
Leukoplakia
C
Periodontal abscess
D
Lichen planus
Question 32
What is the term for excessive grinding of teeth?
A
Attrition
B
Bruxism
C
Abrasion
D
Erosion
Question 33
Which oral structure is keratinized?
A
Buccal mucosa
B
Hard palate
C
Floor of the mouth
D
Ventral surface of the tongue
Question 34
What is the main cause of periodontitis?
A
Plaque biofilm
B
Genetic factors
C
Smoking
D
Malocclusion
Question 35
Which of the following is a contraindication for fluoride varnish?
A
Orthodontic treatment
B
Fluorosis
C
Dry mouth
D
Dentin hypersensitivity
Question 36
Which term refers to the movement of teeth due to periodontal disease?
A
Mobility
B
Migration
C
Attrition
D
Protrusion
Question 37
What is the purpose of interdental brushes?
A
Remove plaque from occlusal surfaces
B
Clean large interdental spaces
C
Replace dental floss
D
Apply fluoride
Question 38
Which bacteria are most associated with periodontal disease?
A
Streptococcus mutans
B
Porphyromonas gingivalis
C
Lactobacillus
D
Actinomyces
Question 39
What is the recommended angle for proper scaling with a hand instrument?
A
30-45 degrees
B
45-90 degrees
C
60-70 degrees
D
90 degrees
Question 40
Which condition is characterized by pain and clicking in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)?
A
TMJ dysfunction
B
Bruxism
C
Osteoarthritis
D
Myofascial pain syndrome
Question 41
What is the term for the protective protein layer that forms on enamel?
A
Acquired pellicle
B
Dental plaque
C
Calculus
D
Biofilm
Question 42
Which teeth are most commonly affected by early childhood caries?
A
Mandibular incisors
B
Maxillary incisors
C
Mandibular molars
D
Maxillary molars
Question 43
What is the purpose of periodontal pocket charting?
A
Measure tooth mobility
B
Assess bone loss
C
Determine pocket depth
D
Evaluate tooth sensitivity
Question 44
Which oral condition is associated with HIV/AIDS?
A
Leukoplakia
B
Hairy leukoplakia
C
Erythema multiforme
D
Aphthous ulcers
Question 45
What is the function of an air polisher?
A
Remove supragingival calculus
B
Remove stains and plaque biofilm
C
Polish restorative materials
D
Smooth enamel surfaces
Question 46
How is primary herpetic gingivostomatitis transmitted?
A
Airborne droplets
B
Saliva
C
Blood contact
D
Contaminated food
Question 47
Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is associated with latex allergies?
A
Type I
B
Type II
C
Type III
D
Type IV
Question 48
Which diagnostic tool is used to detect interproximal caries?
A
Bitewing radiographs
B
Periapical radiographs
C
Panoramic radiographs
D
Cone-beam CT
Question 49
Which mineral is essential for tooth remineralization?
A
Potassium
B
Calcium
C
Sodium
D
Phosphorus
Question 50
What is the primary purpose of chlorhexidine rinse?
A
Whiten teeth
B
Treat dry mouth
C
Reduce bacterial plaque
D
Strengthen enamel
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 50 questions to complete.

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