1 NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION SAMPLE QUESTIONS The following questions are examples of types of questions likely

to appear on the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination. The answers and rationales are found on page 8. 1. Jennifer, 18 years old, presents for her continuing care appointment. Jennifer indicates, "Right after my last appointment, I got a big cold sore on my lower lip, and come to think of it, the same happened after my appointment before that." Jennifer asks, "Are these cold sores caused by something in this dental office?" How should the dental hygienist respond? a. Cold sores are unlikely to be connected to dental hygiene therapy visits. We sterilize our instruments and use standard precautions. b. Cold sores are caused by a virus that is dormant in many peoples bodies. Factors such as stress, sunlight, or slight irritation can reactivate it. c. Cold sores are an occasional occurrence after dental appointments. There are many theories explaining why this might happen, but none of them have been conclusively proven. d. Cold sores are caused by a virus. It is unlikely that it was reactivated during a visit to the office. 2. In which one of the following cases should a dental hygienist use ultrasonic instrumentation? a. Intrinsic stain on mandibular anterior teeth. b. Mature calculus on titanium implants. c. Interproximal overhanging amalgam restorations. d. Calculus on the occlusal surfaces of porcelain crowns. 3. Bill, 15 years old, arrives for his continuing care appointment. He presents with moderate calculus deposits, red gingiva and generalized 4 mm periodontal probing depths. Bill states that he flosses regularly and brushes often. Which one of the following actions by the dental hygienist is most appropriate? a. Refer Bill to a periodontist. b. Calculate Bills plaque score.

b. Use the Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI). c. Conduct a lactobacillus test. 4. Which chemotherapeutic agent for the control of bacterial plaque and gingivitis offers the greatest substantivity? a. Stannous fluoride. b. Chlorhexidine. c. Phenolic compounds. d. Oxygenating agents. 5. Mr. Foster, 80 years old, has severe Parkinsons disease. He presents at the dental office accompanied by his son. Periodontal assessment reveals moderate chronic periodontitis and a periodontal abscess on tooth 4.6. His son requests that all the rest of his fathers teeth be removed. Mr. Foster does not concur with this request and appears agitated. Which one of the following actions should the dental hygienist take? a. Refer Mr. Foster to a periodontist. b. Advise Mr. Foster and his son of all the options available. c. Reassure Mr. Foster that his son has his best interests in mind. d. Discuss the issue with Mr. Foster only. 6. Which one of the following oral health measures should be emphasized for a 15year-old client with controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus? a. Dental plaque control to prevent oral infections. b. Fluoride therapy for caries control. c. Reduction of sugar intake. d. Application of pit and fissure sealants. 7. Which one of the following statements best describes why the dental hygienist must be able to evaluate research findings and modify practice to reflect current knowledge? a. To promote effective client care. b. To prevent negligent practice. c. To validate personal preferences.

d. To eliminate practitioner bias. 8. When reviewing an article related to the efficacy of a desensitizing agent, the inclusion of which one of the following research variables would be most important in suggesting that the studys findings are valid? a. The sample size was larger than 50. b. A convenience sample was used. c. A control group was included. d. Informed consent was obtained. 2 9. Mr. Lang, 30 years old, contracted hepatitis B about one year ago. What should the dental hygienist be aware of regarding infection control for the office setting? a. Follow standard precautions for instruments and equipment before the next client is treated. b. Perform a double disinfection/sterilization before the next client is treated. c. Follow standard precautions for instruments, but leave the disinfectant on the equipment for a longer period of time. d. Perform a double disinfection/sterilization with double-gloves. 10. David, 13 years old, is a new client at the dental office. During the intra-oral assessment, the dental hygienist observes that he is still retaining all of his deciduous canines and molars. Which one of the following radiographic exposures should be taken? a. Cephalometric radiograph. b. A full mouth survey. c. A panoramic radiograph. d. Occlusal radiograph. 11. Mr. Peterson, 35 years old, has moderate asthma. He rushes into the office 20 minutes late for his appointment. Mr. Petersons vital signs are: BP 143/89 mmHg, HR 88 beats/min, RR 20 breaths/min and laboured. What should the dental hygienist do? a. Reschedule because he is 20 minutes late. b. Perform noninvasive assessment procedures and then recheck vital signs.

c. Refer him to his physician for a consultation before performing any services. d. Document vital signs and proceed with periodontal debridement. 12. Mr. Gagnons dental hygiene care plan includes four appointments for periodontal debridement and oral self-care counselling. On his second visit, Mr. Gagnon presents with herpetic stomatitis. What should the dental hygienist do? a. Implement periodontal debridement in the area with the least number of lesions. b. Have Mr. Gagnon rinse with chlorhexidine prior to therapy. c. Defer therapy until the condition is resolved. d. Refer Mr. Gagnon to a physician for a smear test. 13. During the process of a chart audit review an omission in documentation is noted. What should the dental hygienist do? a. Leave the chart as it is. b. Amend the chart after the last entry. c. Insert the omission at the point of occurrence. d. Add a separate page explaining the omission. 14. Which of the following actions should the dental hygienist take to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health education? a. Start with a practice session related to brushing. b. Test clients knowledge with a written quiz. c. Summarize the important points from the previous session. d. Ask the clients how many times they flossed during the last week. 15. Mr. Ajwan, 70 years old, presents with an ill-fitting maxillary denture. He is experiencing increased difficulty chewing. Mr. Ajwan may be more prone to which one of the following conditions? a. Lichen planus. b. Candidiasis. c. Pemphigus. d. Herpetic ulcerations. 16. Which one of the following factors would result in dark radiographs?

a. Films used were beyond the expiration date. b. Developing solutions were too cold. c. Developing time was not long enough. d. Exposure time was too long. 17. Which one of the following statements is the best example of a client-centered, measurable goal? a. The client will reduce by 50%, the number of bleeding sites when flossing. b. The client reports less bleeding when flossing, at the next dental hygiene appointment. c. The client will floss more often. d. By the clients next dental hygiene appointment, no bleeding will be noted. 18. Robert, 13 years old, presents with newly-erupted second molars and restored occlusal surfaces of the first molars. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate? a. Apply pit and fissure sealants on occlusal surfaces of all second molars. b. Apply chlorhexidine on all occlusal surfaces. c. Recommend home application of fluoride using the tray technique. d. Recommend dietary fluoride supplements. 3 19. A dental hygienist has been asked to present an oral self-care seminar to the grade 3 class in a remote rural community. The dental hygienist learns that not all the children have toothbrushes. Which of the following actions would be most effective? a. Provide toothbrushes and instruction for a classroom brushing program. b. Teach that rinsing after meals helps remove bacteria. c. Give the teacher literature on oral diseases and brushing techniques. d. Show a movie on oral self-care instruction and leave it with the teacher. 20. What is the most effective quality assessment mechanism for the dental hygienist interested in self-evaluation? a. Responding to client surveys and client concerns.

b. Attending regular continuing education courses. c. Being credentialled by a professional authority. d. Self-assessing using tools found on the Internet. 21. Manufacturers instructions for the application of pit and fissure sealants indicate that the tooth surface must be thoroughly washed and dried after preconditioning with phosphoric acid. Which situation could result from failing to do this? a. Sealant retention will be compromised. b. Autopolymerization or amine acceleration will not take place. c. Defective areas will be difficult to detect with an explorer. d. Compressive strength will be compromised. 22. Which one of the following client conditions could CONTRAINDICATE the use of home-administered oral irrigation? a. Susceptibility to bacteremia. b. Candidiasis. c. Viral pneumonia. d. Oral psoriasis. 23. Which one of the following manifestations is a potential side effect of whitening agents? a. Demineralization. b. Dentin hypersensitivity. c. Leukoplakia. d. Gingival recession. 24. Where should a line be drawn on the study model to be used as a guide for cutting and trimming the polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene in the fabrication of a mouth protector? a. 1-1.5 mm beyond the tuberosities. b. 1-1.5 mm away from the frenum attachments. c. 3.5 mm apical to the gingival margin. d. 2.5 mm beyond the hard palate.

25. A community health project is being created for people who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol on a regular basis. Which one of the following topics would be most appropriate for an oral health presentation to this particular group? a. The benefits of stain-free dentition. b. How to perform an intraoral self-examination. c. The detriments of smoking as the primary risk factor in periodontitis. d. The health risks of drinking. 26. A new client states, Tell me what I should do to look after my teeth and Ill do it. What theory of human motivation does this statement most likely reflect? a. Self-Efficacy Theory. b. Locus of Control Theory. c. Maslows Theory. d. Attribution Theory. 27. How should the dental hygienist modify periodontal debridement procedures for a 14-year-old client with cerebral palsy in the spasticity group? a. Use only powered scalers. b. Establish extraoral fulcrums. c. Use a rubber biteblock. d. Treat with general anaesthesia. 28. Which one of the following preprocedural oral rinses would best decrease the clients oral microbial count? a. Chlorhexidine solution. b. Sodium chloride solution. c. Phenolic compound. d. Hydrogen peroxide. 29. Which of the following aspects of oral health information should be emphasized with a class of kindergarten children? a. Use of the modified Stillman toothbrushing technique. b. The importance of using tartar control dentifrice.

c. Tooth safety at drinking fountains. d. Instruction on the use of dental floss. 30. Kelly notices that a dental hygiene colleague may be compromising client care by not thoroughly assessing clients. Which one of the following actions would be most appropriate for Kelly to take first? a. Report the activity to the employer. b. Draw the dilemma to the attention of the professional association. c. Inform the clients. d. Discuss the standards of practice with the colleague. 4 31. After completing the dental hygiene assessment, the dental hygienist determines that Sandra, 14 years old, will require instruction over a series of appointments to improve her flossing technique. What should the dental hygienist evaluate to determine Sandras progress? a. Health of interproximal gingiva. b. Amount of dental plaque in interdental areas. c. Sandras flossing technique. d. Radiographic appearance of interproximal areas. 32. The dental hygienist is working with a community sports centre to promote oral health. The centre is located in an urban fluoridated community. Which topic would be most appropriate to discuss? a. Importance of mouthguards. b. Relationship between caries and snacks. c. Pit and fissure sealants. d. Effective brushing and flossing techniques. 33. Trevor, 12 years old, presents with bilateral linear discolouration on the facial surfaces of the maxillary central and lateral incisors. The health history indicates early childhood illness with frequent high fevers. What is the most likely cause of the discolouration? a. Interruption of the enamel calcification process.

b. Disturbance in the formation of the dentin matrix. c. Incomplete fusion of developmental lobes. d. Displacement of the striae of Retzius. 34. When should the dental hygienist implement a new intervention despite the fact that the first intervention was completed competently? a. If the client reports that he did not get his moneys worth. b. If the intervention does not help the client achieve the desired goal. c. If radiographs show no improvement. d. If the clients next continuing care appointment is more than 3 months away. 35. Mr. Gosling presents for the evaluation of sextant 6, an area that originally had 5 to 6 mm periodontal probing depths and extensive bleeding points. Today's findings include 3 to 4 mm periodontal probing depths on teeth 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6. Tooth 4.7 has a 5 mm periodontal pocket on the mesial lingual area that bleeds upon probing. The root surface associated with the periodontal pocket is smooth and the dental plaque deposit is light. What conclusion should the dental hygienist draw? a. Active periodontal disease exists in the 5 mm periodontal pocket of tooth 4.7. b. Aggressive root planing is required for tooth 4.7. c. Sextant 6 is stable and should be maintained with 3 to 4-month continuing care appointments. d. He requires selective polishing to complete the continuing care appointment for tooth 4.7. END OF INDEPENDENT QUESTIONS 5 CASE 1 Client Profile: Mrs. Henderson is 40 years old. Chief Concern: She states, My gums bleed a lot and I have a bad taste in my mouth. Dental Health History:

Mrs. Henderson has not had any dental care for 5 years. She reports that she does not perform any interdental cleaning. Intra Oral Assessment: There is generalized marginal redness, blunted papillae and rolled gingival margins. There is bleeding on periodontal probing; periodontal pocket depths of 5 to 7 mm at the inter-proximal sites of the molars. Purulent exudate is localized in the area of tooth 2.6. Questions 36 to 40 refer to this case. 36. What type of periodontal disease does Mrs. Hendersons oral health status indicate? a. Periodontal abscess. b. Desquamative gingivitis. c. Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. d. Chronic periodontitis 37. Which one of the following instruments should most accurately determine the location of subgingival calculus deposits in the area of the exudate? a. A double-ended curved explorer. b. A ball-tipped periodontal probe. c. A shepherds hook explorer. d. A universal curette. 38. When using curettes, how should the dental hygienist change the root debridement strokes as the root surfaces become smoother? a. Longer strokes with reduced pressure. b. Shorter strokes with reduced pressure. c. Longer strokes with no pressure change. d. Shorter strokes with no pressure change. 39. Which one of the following self-care therapies should the dental hygienist teach to Mrs. Henderson in order to reduce the inflammation in the area of tooth 2.6? a. Rubber tip stimulator with sodium bicarbonate paste.

b. Soft toothbrush with fluoride dentifrice. c. Subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine mouth-rinse. d. Interdental brush soaked in hydrogen peroxide. 40. Mrs. Henderson has been scheduled for a post-initial therapy evaluation. Which one of the following clinical observations is the best indicator of improved periodontal health? 1. Reduction of exudate. 2. Absence of visible dental plaque. 3. Reduction of periodontal pocket depth. 4. Absence of bleeding on periodontal probing. END OF CASE 1 6 CASE 2 Client Profile: Mr. Bouzon, 42 years old, presents for his continuing care appointment. He lives in a group home and is on social assistance. Chief Concern: Mr. Bouzon presents for continuing care. Health History: His health history indicates a C-8 spinal cord injury. His left arm is flaccid at his side, but he is able to operate his motorized wheelchair with his right hand. Dental Health History: Mr Bouzon requires accommodations when performing his oral self-care. His oral health care is provided at a fully equipped hospital dental clinic. Intra Oral Assessment: The gingival margins appear red, with mild to moderate soft deposits on all teeth. There is bleeding on periodontal probing and periodontal probing depths of 3-4 mm at the interproximal sites of the maxillary molars. Questions 41 to 45 refer to this case.

41. What is the most important information for the dental hygienist to determine before initiating any action with Mr. Bouzon? a. The date of Mr. Bouzons spinal injury. b. Mr. Bouzons ability to perform oral self-care. c. Mr. Bouzons preferred method of communic-ation. d. Mr. Bouzons access to financial assistance. 42. Which one of the following approaches is the most appropriate when preparing Mr. Bouzon for dental hygiene therapy? a. Allow him to transfer to the dental chair, using a sliding board and the dental hygienists assistance. b. Transfer him to the dental chair. c. Allow him to remain in his wheelchair and support his head against the operators abdomen. d. Allow him to remain in his wheelchair and use a portable head rest. 43. Which one of the following adverse reactions would present the most serious consequence to Mr. Bouzon? a. The development of decubitus ulcers. b. Excessive salivation. c. A drop in body temperature. d. A sudden increase in blood pressure. 44. The dental hygienist plans to set up an oral health self-care regimen for Mr. Bouzon. Which one of the following approaches should best enable Mr. Bouzon to achieve his optimal oral health? a. Tell him which procedures should work best to achieve optimum health. b. Demonstrate in Mr. Bouzons mouth the appropriate disease prevention techniques. c. Assist him in determining his needs and agree on some mutual goals. d. Encourage him to acquire aids that can help him achieve optimal oral health.

45. Mr. Bouzon may be able to perform his oral self-care more effectively with an powered toothbrush. Which of the following actions should the dental hygienist take to promote the most effective intervention? a. Discuss Mr. Bouzons needs with his physician and explain the importance of an powered toothbrush. b. Collaborate with the group home caseworker to coordinate efforts in meeting Mr. Bouzons needs. c. Recommend to Mr. Bouzon that he submit a request for an powered toothbrush through his caseworker. d. Submit a written report to the group home caseworker and send a copy to Mr. Bouzons physiotherapist. END OF CASE 2 7 CASE 3 Client Profile: Mrs. Buhl, 70 years old, presents for initial dental hygiene care. She is accompanied by her daughter. Mrs. Buhl resides in a long-term care facility. Mrs. Buhls daughter is concerned about the status of her mothers oral health. Chief Concern: Mrs. Buhls is pleasant and cooperative, but anxious about dental care. Health History: Mrs. Buhl has atherosclerosis and moderate dementia. She has high cholesterol and a BP reading of 135/85 mmHg. She is currently taking a prescribed antidepressent and a cholesterol lowering medication. Dental Health History: Mrs. Buhl wears a complete maxillary denture that is ill fitting. Six months ago, she received a new partial lower denture for the molar areas. Intra Oral Assessment: There is generalized materia alba and plaque present on all teeth and dentures, with moderate, supragingival calculus on the mandibular anterior teeth. The gingival tissue is red, bulbous, bleeds on periodontal probing and there is generalized 2-3 mm

recession. The mid-palate has a 2 x 3 mm area that is red, raised, smooth and asymptomatic. Questions 46- 50 refer to this case 46. In assessing Mrs. Buhls oral health, which one of the following conclusions should the dental hygienist reach regarding the tissue condition in the palatal area? a. It is most likely associated with oral psoriasis. b. It is most likely due to a Vitamin B deficiency. c. It suggests the presence of blood dyscrasia. d. It suggests chronic atrophic candidiasis. 47. Mrs. Buhl would be at risk for which one of the following conditions? a. Cicatricial pemphigoid. b. Gingival hyperplasia. c. Gingival fibromatosis. d. Carious lesions. 48. At the initial appointment, Mrs. Buhl and her daughter agreed to the dental hygiene care plan. The dental hygienist is now going to provide periodontal debridement services. At the second appointment, which one of the following approaches is most important for the dental hygienist to take just before beginning therapy? a. Clearly describe the planned services to Mrs. Buhl. b. Consult with Mrs. Buhls physician to determine any changes in medication. c. Reconfirm the planned services with Mrs. Buhl and her daughter. d. Inform Mrs. Buhls daughter regarding the length of the appointment. 49. Which one of the following management strategies should the dental hygienist use when providing dental hygiene care for Mrs. Buhl? a. Ensure the provision of preappointment oral sedation. b. Use simple language and non-verbal communic-ation. c. Discuss the approach with Mrs. Buhls daughter. d. Ask Mrs. Buhls daughter to manage her mothers anxiety.

50. The dental hygienist has recommended that Mrs. Buhl remove her denture at night and brush it daily with a denture brush and dentifrice. Which one of the following approaches by the dental hygienist would best follow up on the recommendations? a. Tell Mrs. Buhls daughter to brush her mothers denture. b. Contact the caregivers at Mrs. Buhls facility to discuss denture care. c. Demonstrate to Mrs. Buhls daughter how to brush her mothers denture. d. Give Mrs. Buhl a pamphlet on denture care to take home. END OF CASE 3 8 Answer Key and Rationale (The correct answer is indicated in parenthesis) 1. (b) Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus. After primary contact with the virus, a latent infection is established and may be reactivated by factors such as stress, sunlight exposure, trauma, etc. Competency 03-26 2. (c) The ultrasonic machine is indicated for the removal of the margins of overhanging restorations. Competency 03-04 3. (c) Based on the principle that healthy tissue does not bleed, testing for bleeding has become a significant procedure for evaluation prior to and following therapy. Competency 01-15 4. (b) Second-generation agents have antibacterial activity plus proven substantivity. Competency 03-41 5. (b) As a client advocate the dental hygienist should assist clients in obtaining the best possible care in the situation, with informed consent and based on the knowledge of alternatives. Competency 03-12 6. (a) Increased susceptibility to infections related to diabetes makes effective oral hygiene practices essential to maintain oral health. Competency 03-17 7. (a) All professions are characterized by a body of knowledge that provides the foundation for practice. Research provides the scientific basis for this knowledge.

Practice based on research is necessary for sound judgment and to deliver the most effective current care possible. Competency 03-62 8. (c) For a clinical study on the efficacy of an agent, a control group would be important. Competency 01-23b 9. (a) Standard precautions should be used for all clients. Competency 03-03 10.(c) Panoramic radiographs are indicated for evaluating the growth and development of a client with mixed dentition. Competency 01-22 11.(b) The vital signs are slightly above normal which creates an increased risk of an asthma attack. Performing noninvasive assessment procedures and retaking the vitals allow some relaxing time. If the vitals do not change, the dental hygienist should consider postponing the appointment. Competency 03-01 12.(c) Due to the active and extensive infection, it would be most appropriate to change the care plan. Competency 03-02 13.(b) Amending the chart is appropriate both from a legal and a quality assurance standpoint. Competency 04-16 14.(b) By evaluating clients knowledge, the dental hygienist would gain a better understanding of what they know. Competency 04-07 15.(b) Irritated tissue associated with ill-fitting dentures is a predisposing factor to opportunistic Candida infections. Competency 01-34 16.(d) Overexposure to ionizing radiation will result in dark films. Competency 03-53 17.(a) This goal is specific, attainable and measurable by the client at home. Competency 02-09 18.(a) Overall caries susceptibility is an indication of use. Newly-erupted teeth in these cases should be sealed immediately. Competency 01-05 19.(a) This course of action recognizes the cultural, or socioeconomic diversity and the values associated with health and disease within a defined culture and subculture, (if resources arent available either modify program or provide resource). Competency 02-07

20.(a) Client questionnaires are an inexpensive way to assess quality and should be considered when designing a quality assurance program. Competency 02-16 21.(a) Rinsing of the phosphoric acid is important as residual acid interferes with the bonding of the sealant. Drying is critical because moisture interferes with retention of the sealant in the fissure. Competency 03-44 22.(a) Irrigation requires premedication in clients susceptible to the effects of bacteremia. Competency 03-01 23.(b) Side effects of whitening agents can include dentin hypersensitivity. Competency 01-11 24.(b) Cutting along the line ensures that the mouth protector does not impinge on the muscle attachments in the oral cavity. Competency 03-51 25.(b) Oral self examination must be taught to all clients who use tobacco. Competency 02-03 9 26.(b) Motivation can be defined as a stimulus to act. Many theories of motivation exist and may be applied to client health behaviour. Individuals who are externally controlled believe that luck or powerful others control their performance and that external forces determine their success or failure. Competency 02-02 27.(c) Clients with cerebral palsy in the spasticity group may involuntarily close their mouth during procedures and accidentally bite the operator. A mouth prop would prevent this. Competency 03-14 28.(a) A 0.12% chlorhexidine solution provides a lower bacterial count for 60 minutes. Competency 03-03 29.(c) Preventable injuries are a significant cause of tooth loss in this age group; this is the only information that the child alone can implement. Competency 02-06 30.(d) Talking with the dental hygienist while offering a solution is the best alternative and a good first step to a solution. Competency 01-35 31.(a) Gingival health, not dental plaque is the best indicator of adequate self-care procedures. Competency 01-20

32.(a) Injury prevention is an important self-care issue when considering the characteristics of the target population. Competency 02-06 33.(a) The enamel calcification process can be affected by systemic disturbances including high fevers. Competency 01-18 34.(b) A dental hygienist may perform an intervention competently, but if the action does not help the client achieve the desired goal, the action is ineffective and a new intervention must be implemented. Competency 02-15 35.(a) Bleeding on probing in deep periodontal pockets indicates inflammation within the connective tissue. Disease stability can be monitored during periodontal maintenance on the basis of bleeding on periodontal probing. Competency 04-05 36 (d) The age of this client and the presence of 5 to 7 mm periodontal pockets indicating bone loss are consistent with this diagnosis. Competency 01-16c 37.(a) Curved explorers have the preferred design to detect calculus in subgingival areas. Competency 01-17 38.(a) As the surface becomes smoother longer strokes and light pressure are used to remove root irregularities with minimal trauma. Competency 03-04 39.(c) Oral irrigation devices used with an antimicrobial agent like CHX (proven to be the most effective antiplaque agent) will penetrate subgingivally up to 3 to 6 mm to reduce the bacterial count. Competency 03-18 40.(d) In the state of periodontal health, there should not be any spontaneous bleeding on periodontal probing. Competency 01-09 41.(c) To show respect and to establish how to proceed, the method of communication must be established. Some compromised clients use spelling boards, computers and may communicate through writing, etc. Competency 01-30a 42.(d) There is too much risk for injury when transferring. Also, motorized wheelchairs cannot be placed in a mechanical lift because of the battery pack. Competency 03-14 43.(d) A sudden increase in blood pressure would signal autonomic dysreflexia which is life threatening, and can occur in people who have an injury above C-6. Competency 03-01

44.(c) Mutual participation involving the client setting realistic goals that suit the clients needs is the best way to ensure Mr. Bouzons optimal health. Competency 02-04 45.(b) Financial consideration requires the caseworker to assess the group home environment and residents needs. Competency 02-07 46.(d) The characteristics suggest a candida albicans infection which is often associated with ill-fitting, non-hygienic dentures. Competency 01-14 47.(d) The xerostomia associated with the anti-depressant medication places her at a greater risk for root caries. Competency 01-11 48.(c) Because the dental hygiene care plan was approved with the daughters input, informed consent needs to include this relative as well. Informed consent at each appointment is part of legal practice. Competency 02-11 49.(b) Simple language and non-verbal communication can facilitate client management for clients with diminished cognitive capacity. Competency 01-30a 50(b) Given that Mrs. Buhl lives in a resident care facility and is not able to care for her oral needs, it is important that the dental hygienist take a role in promoting Mrs. Buhls care within this facility. Competency 03-12