The NBDHE, or National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, consists of 350 multiple choice questions. These questions can be categorized into two main types: discipline-based questions and case-based questions.
1. Discipline-based questions: These questions assess the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of various dental hygiene disciplines. They cover a wide range of topics related to dental hygiene theory, principles, and practice. Some examples of discipline-based questions on the NBDHE may include:
– Anatomy and physiology of the head and neck
– Dental materials and equipment
– Oral pathology and radiology
– Periodontics
– Dental hygiene ethics and professional responsibilities
– Community oral health and dental hygiene education
These questions typically require a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles within each discipline. They often test the candidate’s ability to recall information, apply concepts to different scenarios, and make appropriate clinical judgments.
2. Case-based questions: These questions present a clinical scenario or patient case and require the candidate to analyze and apply their dental hygiene knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. These questions are designed to assess the candidate’s ability to think critically, make sound clinical decisions, and demonstrate their understanding of evidence-based practice. Examples of case-based questions may include:
– A patient presents with periodontal disease. What would be the most appropriate treatment plan?
– A patient reports sensitivity in their teeth. What would be the best course of action to address this issue?
– A patient is taking medications that may cause xerostomia. How would you address the potential oral health implications?
Case-based questions often require the candidate to consider multiple factors such as patient history, clinical findings, and treatment options. They may also involve prioritization, risk assessment, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients.
In addition to these two main types of questions, the NBDHE may also include questions that assess the candidate’s knowledge of dental hygiene laws and regulations, infection control protocols, and dental office management principles.
It is important to note that the NBDHE questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s overall dental hygiene knowledge and clinical reasoning abilities. Therefore, it is essential for candidates to have a strong foundation in dental hygiene theory, as well as practical experience in clinical settings.
As a dental hygienist myself, I have personally experienced the challenge of preparing for and taking the NBDHE. It requires a comprehensive understanding of various dental hygiene disciplines and the ability to apply that knowledge in different clinical scenarios. Through focused studying, practice exams, and hands-on experience, I was able to successfully navigate the different types of questions on the NBDHE and pass the exam.