Dental Hygiene MCQs for NHPC Nepal – PCL in Dental Hygiene License Exam

Here are 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) for the PCL in Dental Hygiene License Examination. These questions cover various topics in dental hygiene, including oral health, dental anatomy, preventive care, and patient management. The answer key is provided at the end.

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Dental Hygiene MCQs for NHPC Nepal – PCL in Dental Hygiene License Exam

1. The primary role of a dental hygienist is to:

a) Diagnose dental diseases
b) Perform dental surgeries
c) Provide preventive dental care
d) Administer anesthesia

2. The most common cause of dental caries (cavities) is:

a) Bacterial infection
b) Trauma
c) Excessive fluoride
d) Poor nutrition

3. Which of the following instruments is commonly used for scaling and removing plaque from teeth?

a) Explorer
b) Scaler
c) Curet
d) Probe

4. The primary purpose of fluoride treatment is to:

a) Whiten teeth
b) Prevent gum disease
c) Prevent dental caries
d) Relieve tooth pain

5. The condition in which gums become swollen, red, and bleed easily is called:

a) Gingivitis
b) Periodontitis
c) Pulpitis
d) Halitosis

6. Which of the following is a common risk factor for periodontal disease?

a) Regular tooth brushing
b) Smoking
c) Frequent water intake
d) Drinking milk

7. The process of removing plaque and tartar from teeth using specialized instruments is called:

a) Scaling
b) Polishing
c) Bleaching
d) Restoration

8. Which part of the tooth contains the nerves and blood vessels?

a) Enamel
b) Dentin
c) Pulp
d) Cementum

9. The term “prophylaxis” in dental hygiene refers to:

a) Diagnosis of dental conditions
b) Tooth cleaning and preventive care
c) Tooth restoration
d) Surgical treatment of periodontal disease

10. The surface of a tooth that faces the cheek is called the:

a) Lingual surface
b) Buccal surface
c) Occlusal surface
d) Mesial surface

11. The American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth for at least:

a) 1 minute
b) 2 minutes
c) 3 minutes
d) 5 minutes

12. The use of dental sealants helps in preventing:

a) Gingivitis
b) Tooth fractures
c) Dental caries
d) Malocclusion

13. Which of the following is NOT a sign of gum disease?

a) Bleeding gums
b) Bad breath
c) Loose teeth
d) Tooth sensitivity to cold

14. Which of the following is used to detect cavities during a dental examination?

a) Dental explorer
b) Mouth mirror
c) X-ray
d) All of the above

15. The recommended amount of fluoride toothpaste for children under 3 years old is:

a) A pea-sized amount
b) A grain of rice-sized amount
c) Half a tube
d) One full brush length

16. The main purpose of a mouthguard is to:

a) Protect teeth from grinding
b) Prevent cavities
c) Make teeth whiter
d) Prevent bad breath

17. What is the name of the condition in which teeth are worn down by grinding?

a) Bruxism
b) Malocclusion
c) Gingivitis
d) Attrition

18. Periodontitis is a more advanced form of which condition?

a) Dental caries
b) Gingivitis
c) Halitosis
d) Pulpitis

19. The first set of teeth in a child is known as:

a) Permanent teeth
b) Deciduous teeth
c) Wisdom teeth
d) Molars

20. The tooth structure that helps in chewing is called the:

a) Crown
b) Root
c) Enamel
d) Pulp

21. Which of the following is the primary function of saliva?

a) To keep the mouth dry
b) To neutralize acids and begin the digestion of carbohydrates
c) To whiten teeth
d) To remove plaque

22. Which of the following is an indication for a dental hygienist to refer a patient to a dentist?

a) Mild tooth sensitivity
b) A cavity that requires filling
c) Plaque buildup
d) A minor gingival bleed

23. The dental instrument that is used to remove calculus from the subgingival area is called:

a) Scaling handpiece
b) Ultrasonic scaler
c) Dental curette
d) Periodontal probe

24. The most common oral cancer is:

a) Salivary gland cancer
b) Lip cancer
c) Tongue cancer
d) Pharyngeal cancer

25. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the:

a) Teeth to the gums
b) Lower jaw to the upper jaw
c) Jaw to the skull
d) Upper jaw to the skull

26. A common complication of untreated periodontal disease is:

a) Tooth sensitivity
b) Tooth loss
c) Bad breath
d) Teeth whitening

27. The condition where teeth erupt out of alignment is called:

a) Malocclusion
b) Bruxism
c) Hyperdontia
d) Hypodontia

28. The type of X-ray that provides a comprehensive image of the entire mouth is called a:

a) Bitewing X-ray
b) Periapical X-ray
c) Panoramic X-ray
d) Cephalometric X-ray

29. The best method to reduce plaque buildup on teeth is:

a) Using a mouthwash
b) Brushing and flossing regularly
c) Using a tongue scraper
d) Eating sugary foods

30. Gingival recession can lead to:

a) Tooth staining
b) Increased risk of tooth decay
c) Increased tooth sensitivity
d) All of the above

31. The condition that refers to the abnormal eruption of teeth is known as:

a) Malocclusion
b) Hypodontia
c) Hyperdontia
d) Anodontia

32. The purpose of fluoride varnish is to:

a) Prevent cavities
b) Whiten teeth
c) Clean teeth
d) Treat gum disease

33. The surface of a tooth that is closest to the back of the mouth is called:

a) Mesial
b) Distal
c) Lingual
d) Occlusal

34. Which of the following is a recommended method for flossing teeth?

a) Snap the floss between teeth
b) Use a sawing motion to remove debris
c) Wrap the floss around the tooth in a C-shape
d) Floss only once a week

35. The number of permanent teeth in an adult mouth is:

a) 20
b) 28
c) 32
d) 36

36. What is the function of the dental probe in a dental hygiene examination?

a) To measure pocket depth in the gums
b) To detect cavities
c) To polish teeth
d) To clean dental instruments

37. In the dental profession, the term “scaling” refers to:

a) A process of teeth whitening
b) The removal of plaque and calculus from teeth
c) A diagnostic procedure
d) A procedure for treating cavities

38. The recommended toothbrush for a patient with sensitive gums should have:

a) Soft bristles
b) Hard bristles
c) Medium bristles
d) Electric bristles

39. Which of the following is a sign of oral candidiasis (thrush)?

a) White patches on the tongue and inner cheeks
b) Swollen gums
c) Yellowing of teeth
d) Dry mouth

40. The most common oral disease among young children is:

a) Oral cancer
b) Gingivitis
c) Dental caries
d) Periodontitis

41. An important function of the dental hygienist is to educate patients about:

a) Tooth restoration
b) Preventive oral health care
c) Surgical treatments
d) Dental implants

42. The most effective method for controlling plaque buildup is:

a) Using mouthwash only
b) Brushing and flossing regularly
c) Drinking water frequently
d) Chewing gum

43. The condition of dry mouth is known as:

a) Xerostomia
b) Halitosis
c) Gingivitis
d) Anodontia

44. The purpose of dental floss is to:

a) Remove plaque between teeth
b) Whiten teeth
c) Polish teeth
d) Prevent gum disease

45. The dental procedure that involves the removal of the tooth pulp is called:

a) Extraction
b) Root canal therapy
c) Scaling
d) Polishing

46. The dental material used to fill cavities is called:

a) Amalgam
b) Enamel
c) Composite
d) Cementum

47. Which of the following is the most common dental emergency?

a) Tooth abscess
b) Tooth fracture
c) Toothache
d) Lost filling

48. The first stage of gum disease is called:

a) Gingivitis
b) Periodontitis
c) Periodontal abscess
d) Dental plaque

49. The number of deciduous (baby) teeth is:

a) 16
b) 20
c) 24
d) 32

50. The best way to prevent halitosis (bad breath) is to:

a) Use mouthwash frequently
b) Brush and floss regularly
c) Drink a lot of water
d) Eat mints

Answer Key

These MCQs are designed to cover a wide range of dental hygiene topics and can help in preparing for the PCL in Dental Hygiene License Examination.