National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

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Get ready for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) with our comprehensive quizzes. Study using multiple-choice questions that come with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your dental hygienist exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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Which instrument is primarily used for probing periodontal pockets?

Explorer
Probe
Scalpel
Curette

The correct answer is: Probe

The instrument primarily used for probing periodontal pockets is the probe. A periodontal probe is specifically designed to measure the depth of the pockets surrounding each tooth, allowing dental professionals to assess the health of the gingiva and the presence of periodontal disease. The probe is marked with calibrated measurements that enable precise depth readings, which are crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. An explorer, while helpful in assessing the texture and contour of the tooth surface, is not designed specifically for measuring pocket depths. A scalpel is utilized for surgical procedures and incisions in soft tissue, while a curette is primarily employed for scaling and root planing, not for measuring pocket depths. Understanding the proper use and purpose of these tools is essential for effective periodontal assessment and management.