DPH Final
Questions 1–10
1. For an individual with poor oral care, what must be changed in order for him or her to adopt a healthy behavior such as daily brushing?
A. Life force
B. Instinct
C. Behavior
D. Values
E. None of these
2. When using the five-dimensional health model, a patient’s trust in a dental hygienist would be a positive input to which dimension?
A. Mental
B. Physical
C. Psychological
D. Spiritual
E. Emotional
3. The teaching of health behaviors that bring an individual to a state of health awareness is termed health ________.
A. Instruction
B. Assessment
C. Education
D. Promotion
E. None of these
4. What is a scale that pinpoints a patient’s physical condition on a continuum from death through varying degrees of illness to completely healthy functioning?
A. Wellness scale
B. Healthy living measurement
C. Quality scale
D. Assessment scale
E. None of these
5. Formulating a dental hygiene diagnosis for a group presentation occurs before which stage?
A. Needs activity
B. Qualitative assessment
C. Planning
D. Assessment
E. None of these
6. Which of the following is categorized as a learning domain?
A. Knowledge
B. Application
C. Affective
D. Problem solving
E. None of these
7. Which domain includes the description of actions?
A. Affective
B. Psychomotor
C. Cognitive
D. Reflective
E. None of these
8. During the assessment phase, the target population’s needs, interests, and which of the following should be defined?
A. Resources
B. Supplies
C. Demands
D. All of these
E. None of these
9. A two-year-old child with severe stages of early childhood caries who has Medicaid insurance may face which barriers to care?
A. Severity of the dental disease
B. Age
C. Lack of qualified practitioners accepting Medicaid insurance
D. All of these
10. Barriers to dental hygiene care can be defined as ________.
A. Issues pertaining to the individual’s needs
B. Needs assessment
C. Treatment planning
D. A limitation to receiving dental hygiene services
E. None of these
Questions 11–20
11. Empowerment models that focus on patient autonomy and collaborative relationships are paternalist regimens. These regimens are led by patients whose knowledge of health and disease increases the likelihood that healthy behaviors are attained.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
B. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.
12. Which of the following aspects is part of the multidimensional model of health?
A. Spirituality
B. Knowledge
C. Behavior
D. Values
13. The local dental hygiene association worked on policy change that banned sugary beverages from school vending machines. This is an example of:
A. Healthy behavior
B. Health action
C. Health education
D. Health promotion
14. For behavior change to occur, an individual must reach what milestone?
A. Value the change
B. Understand the healthy behavior
C. Understand unhealthy behavior
D. Understand why a behavior was chosen
15. A patient who receives praise for having healthy gums during two routine dental hygiene appointments will be more likely to maintain good home care to ensure that the praise will continue at subsequent appointments. This theory is called:
A. Classical conditioning
B. Operant conditioning
C. Modeling
D. Empowerment
16. The best way to ensure an effective presentation is to:
A. Decrease the number of participants
B. Utilize audiovisual aids
C. Have at least ten objectives for each presentation
D. Be prepared
17. “Following the presentation, the audience will be able to compare ten healthy and unhealthy snack choices” is an example of a(n):
A. Goal
B. Lesson plan
C. Objective
D. Healthy behavior
18. Lecturing is always an effective way to teach dental health education. Lecture always includes the problem-based method of learning.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
B. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.
19. Which verb pertains to the psychomotor domain?
A. Demonstrating
B. Comparing
C. Advocating
D. Defending
20. When used as an objective, the verb understand:
A. Is easily measured
B. Is open to misinterpretation
C. Always requires skill
D. Is frequently used
Questions 21–30
21. A group from a local church youth group could be considered a:
A. Target population
B. Target population profile
C. Faith-based initiative
D. Community agency
22. It is important not to frighten child patients. It is better not to tell the truth if a procedure could involve some discomfort.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
B. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.
23. Faith-based initiatives funded by the federal government do not generally include health care.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
B. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.
24. Social workers and dental hygienists can work together during programs for target populations:
A. To provide dental hygiene care
B. To assess dental health
C. To ensure social services for the population
D. To implement periodontal treatment
25. Inconvenient office hours of a dental practice can become a:
A. Target population profile technique
B. Faith-based issue
C. Barrier to care
D. Long-term strategic plan
26. During which stage does the dental hygienist prioritize needs?
A. Evaluation
B. Assessment
C. Implementation
D. Dental hygiene diagnosis
E. Both Evaluation and Assessment
27. During which stage does the dental hygienist develop a blueprint?
A. Planning
B. Dental hygiene diagnosis
C. Implementation
D. Evaluation
E. Assessment
28. During which stage are possible constraints and alternatives addressed?
A. Assessment
B. Dental hygiene diagnosis
C. Evaluation
D. Implementation
E. Planning
29. Dental hygienists working to instill a ban on soda machines in the local schools is an example of which type of program?
A. Promotion
B. Education
C. Assessment
D. None of these
30. During which stage does the hygienist employ revisions?
A. Dental hygiene diagnosis
B. Implementation
C. Planning
D. Assessment
Questions 31–40
31. The Treatment Priority Index assesses ________.
A. Malocclusion
B. Restorative marginations
C. Gingival marginations
D. Both Malocclusion and Restorative marginations
E. None of these
32. Quantitative evaluation generally refers to ________.
A. How well a program did
B. How much a program accomplished
C. How many personnel were used
D. Both How well a program did and How much a program accomplished
E. None of these
33. Which teeth are included in the “Ramfjord teeth”?
A. #1
B. #3
C. #12
D. Both #3 and #12
E. All of these
34. The Patient Hygiene Performance Index (PHP) assesses the extent of ________.
A. Plaque and debris
B. Gingival inflammation
C. Plaque
D. Gingival bleeding
E. All of these
35. A dental index should have which characteristic(s)?
A. Sensitivity
B. Quantifiability
C. Objectivity
D. Clarity
E. All of these
36. Which of the following is part of the planning phase of program planning?
A. Identify methods to measure goals
B. Assess the population’s dental needs
C. Begin program operation
D. Revise program as needed
37. Dr. Fones’s original paradigm for the school dental hygienist focused on:
A. Restoration
B. Utilization of a case manager
C. Prevention of disease
D. All of the above
38. Which school program is particularly advantageous for middle school athletes?
A. Sealant program
B. School fluoridation
C. Case management
D. Athletic mouth guard program
39. During which stage of the program paradigm planning should the target population’s needs be identified?
A. Assessment
B. Dental hygiene diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
40. A dental hygienist employed in a nursing home could provide routine preventive care. In addition, the dental hygienist could have a collaborative relationship with a dentist, so that restorative and urgent care is provided as needed.
A. The first statement is true; the second statement is false.
B. The first statement is false; the second statement is true.
C. Both statements are true.
D. Both statements are false.
Questions 41–50
41. Program goals should be evaluated based on:
A. Measurement tools
B. Baseline data
C. National guidelines
D. State surveillance records
42. During which phase of program planning should evaluation be started?
A. Assessment
B. Dental hygiene diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
43. Which type of evaluation refers to the internal evaluation of a program?
A. Formative
B. Summative
C. Quantitative
D. Qualitative
44. Which type of evaluation is a basic screening?
A. Nonclinical
B. Clinical
C. Provider driven
D. Educational
45. An index that measures a condition that will not change, such as dental caries, is termed a(n):
A. Clinical index
B. Nonclinical index
C. Irreversible index
D. Reversible index
46. Which position is responsible for the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps?
A. Surgeon General
B. Secretary of Health and Human Services
C. Admiral of Health
D. Secretary of Defense
E. None of these
47. International trends in dental hygiene suggest an increase in ________.
A. Supervision
B. Prerequisites
C. Fees
D. Autonomy
E. None of these
48. Landmark reports suggest that the current dental care system in the United States ________.
A. Does not ensure oral health for all
B. Is superior to other countries
C. Focuses too much on prevention
D. Both Does not ensure oral health for all and Is superior to other countries
E. All of these
49. The World Health Organization (WHO) is a self-governing, multilateral entity that developed the ________.
A. International Federation of Dental Hygienists
B. Shepherd’s Hook Explorer
C. Global Oral Data Bank
D. Federation Dentaire International
E. None of these
50. The government’s medical research organization is called ________.
A. Institute of Medicine
B. National Medical Care Health
C. National Institutes of Health
D. Health Care Financing and Research
E. Federation of Medical Investigation
Questions 51–55
51. The agency responsible for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs is the ________.
A. Children’s Health Insurance Programs
B. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
C. Administration for Children and Families
D. Administration on Aging
E. None of these
52. Which sectors are included in the dental care delivery system in the United States?
A. Private sector
B. Federal government
C. State government
D. All of these
E. None of these
53. The agency that is in charge of ensuring that medicine is safe and efficacious in the United States is the ________.
A. Safety and Toxicity Center
B. Drug Czar Agency
C. Food and Drug Administration
D. Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Agency
E. Drug Enforcement Agency
54. A term used to describe an individual assimilating to another culture by assuming its practices and beliefs is ________.
A. Ethnocentric
B. Acculturate
C. Cross-cultural
D. Cultural diversity
E. All of these
55. A person’s ethnicity refers to ________.
A. Cultural heritage
B. Physical characteristics
C. Hair color
D. European country of origin
E. All of these
CHAPTER 5 — FINANCING OF DENTAL CARE
Two-party system: Dental provider provides the service → patient pays the provider directly.
Three-party system: Dental provider provides the service → insurance company/employer (third party) pays.
Capitation plan: Provider receives a fixed amount per patient, regardless of whether the patient actually uses dental services.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): Provides comprehensive healthcare through participating providers; financed through fixed periodic payments and designed to help decrease healthcare costs.
Prepaid group practice: Large group of dental providers contracted to provide services to a group of patients.
Provider: Legally licensed dentist or dental hygienist practicing within their scope of practice.
Procedure number: Code assigned to identify a specific dental procedure.
TRICARE: Healthcare program for active-duty military, National Guard/Reserve, retirees, their families, survivors, and certain former spouses. nathe_ch05_lecture+2024+%281%29(2).pdf
REMEMBER:
2-party = PATIENT pays
3-party = THIRD PARTY pays
Capitation = FIXED payment per patient
⸻
CHAPTER 6 — FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATION
3 Major Areas of Public Health Law
Police power: Government agencies enforce laws/regulations; includes regulation of dental boards and emergency health operations.
Disease & injury prevention: Legal activities designed to prevent disease/injury; OSHA is an example.
Law of populations: Uses epidemiology to address population health issues, such as environmental law and community water. nathe_ch06_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29(2).pdf
3 Branches of Government
Legislative = CREATES laws
Executive = ENFORCES laws
Judicial = INTERPRETS laws nathe_ch06_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29(2).pdf
Federal: Congress → President → Federal Courts
State: State Legislature → Governor → State Courts nathe_ch06_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29(2).pdf
Dental hygiene laws vary by state. Statutory laws determine scope of practice, supervision requirements, licensure requirements, and suspension/revocation of licenses. nathe_ch06_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29(2).pdf
REMEMBER:
Legislative = MAKE
Executive = ENFORCE
Judicial = INTERPRET
⸻
CHAPTER 7 — ADVOCACY FOR DENTAL CARE
Change agent/social advocate: Someone who causes social, cultural, or behavioral change. They collaborate with others, empower people, understand available resources, and recognize opposing viewpoints. nathe_ch07_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29.pdf
4 Roles of a Dental Hygiene Change Agent
Catalyst
Solution giver
Resource linker
Process helper nathe_ch07_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29.pdf
Change Agents Work Through:
Policy making → Collaboration/Partnership → Coalition building → Grant writing nathe_ch07_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29.pdf
Advocacy: Works to change how dental care is delivered, who can receive care, and how programs remain sustainable.
Coalition: Individuals/organizations working together toward a common goal.
Grant: Money given to an agency or individual to address a community problem or need; funding must be requested/applied for. nathe_ch07_lecture+%282%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29(2).pdf
REMEMBER CHANGE AGENT:
Catalyst → Solution giver → Resource linker → Process helper
⸻
CHAPTER 21 — CAREERS IN DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH
Dental hygienists can work in federal, state, local, private, military, prison, VA, and international public-health settings.
Federal Opportunities
U.S. Public Health Service (PHS)
U.S. Civil Service nathe_ch21_lecture_Accessible(2).pdf
Government Agencies Employing Dental Professionals
HHS: Indian Health Service, CDC, FDA, HRSA, NIH
Department of Justice: Bureau of Prisons
Department of Defense: Military bases
Department of Veterans Affairs: VA hospitals nathe_ch21_lecture_Accessible.pdf
National Health Service Corps (NHSC): Focuses on underserved populations/communities and may provide loan repayment to dental hygienists.
Federal Prison DH: Provides preventive/therapeutic dental care to inmates and may plan/direct preventive dental-health programs.
Independent Contractor: Self-employed; can provide clinical, consulting, or educational services. Usually paid more but does not receive regular employee benefits.
COSTEP: Commissioned Officer Student Training and Extern Program — public-health opportunity for students. nathe_ch21_lecture_Accessible(2).pdf
REMEMBER:
NHSC = UNDERSERVED + loan repayment
COSTEP = STUDENTS
Independent contractor = SELF-EMPLOYED
⸻
CHAPTER 22 — CREATING DH POSITIONS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
Populations Needing Dental Hygiene Care
Homebound people
People living in institutions
People with disabilities
Rural populations
Prison inmates
People with financial barriers nathe_ch22_lecture_Accessible.pdf
Steps for Establishing a DH Position
Assessment → Dental Hygiene Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation → Documentation nathe_ch22_lecture_Accessible.pdf
Assessment: Determine needs of the population, facility, and funding. Consider age, medical needs, administrative support, reimbursement, and state laws/regulations.
Dental Hygiene Diagnosis: Develop a comprehensive diagnosis for the target population.
Planning: Prioritize goals/objectives, develop strategies, and create the program blueprint. Consider staff, space, reimbursement, patient management, and health promotion.
Implementation: Actually put the program into operation. Constant revisions may occur.
Evaluation: Determine whether the intended outcomes were achieved. Uses indices, records, and surveys and may lead to program revisions.
Documentation: Record/report what was done and the program outcomes. nathe_ch22_lecture_Accessible.pdf
⭐ ABSOLUTE MUST-KNOW
2-party = patient pays
3-party = third party pays
Capitation = fixed payment per patient regardless of use
Legislative = creates laws
Executive = enforces laws
Judicial = interprets laws
4 Change-Agent Roles:
Catalyst + Solution giver + Resource linker + Process helper
NHSC = underserved + loan repayment
COSTEP = students
Public Health/DH Position Process:
Assessment → Diagnosis → Planning → Implementation → Evaluation → Documentation