ADEX Dental Hygiene Patient Assessment and Diagnosis Questions and Answers

Question 1

A new patient presents with a chief complaint of 'a sore on the side of my tongue.' During the extraoral and intraoral examination, which of the following is the MOST critical first step in the diagnostic process?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a detailed medical, dental, and social history, including tobacco and alcohol use.

Answer

Palpating the regional lymph nodes for any signs of tenderness or enlargement.

Answer

Taking a full mouth series of radiographs to identify any underlying pathology.

Answer

Immediately performing a biopsy of the lesion to send for pathological analysis.

Question 2

A 58-year-old male patient has a medical history of a heart attack six months ago, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, and stable angina. According to the ASA Physical Status Classification System, how would this patient MOST likely be classified?

Accepted Answer

ASA III

Answer

ASA I

Answer

ASA II

Answer

ASA IV

Question 3

During a periodontal assessment, a dental hygienist records a 6mm probing depth, 2mm of gingival recession, and class II furcation involvement on the facial aspect of tooth #30. What is the Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) for this site?

Accepted Answer

8 mm

Answer

4 mm

Answer

6 mm

Answer

2 mm

Question 4

Which of the following is considered the STRONGEST single predictor for future caries development in a patient?

Accepted Answer

Past caries experience.

Answer

High frequency of sugar consumption.

Answer

Poor oral hygiene with visible plaque.

Answer

Socioeconomic status.

Question 5

A patient is in your chair for a routine prophylaxis. You review their health history and note they are a smoker and a social alcohol drinker, but have otherwise well-controlled prehypertension. All vital signs are within normal limits. Based on the ASA Physical Status Classification System, this patient represents a:

Accepted Answer

Yellow flag, proceed with caution (ASA II)

Answer

Green flag for treatment (ASA I)

Answer

Red flag, requiring immediate medical consult (ASA IV)

Answer

Yellow flag, but requires significant treatment modification (ASA III)

Question 6

The comprehensive patient assessment performed by a dental hygienist includes an extraoral examination. The primary purpose of palpating the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is to detect:

Accepted Answer

Deviations, clicking, popping, or tenderness.

Answer

Salivary gland blockages.

Answer

Signs of bruxism or clenching.

Answer

Enlarged or tender lymph nodes.