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

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Prepare for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination with engaging quizzes. Access a variety of multiple-choice questions, each with detailed explanations and study tips, to confidently pass your NBDHE!

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!

Practice this question and more.

Light curing typically occurs within ________.

15-seconds
20-30 seconds
45-60 seconds
90-seconds

The correct answer is: 20-30 seconds

Light curing in dental hygiene, particularly for materials like composite resins and adhesive bonding agents, is typically performed in the range of 20-30 seconds. This duration is optimal to ensure proper polymerization of the material, which is crucial for achieving the desired strength, durability, and esthetic outcomes in restorative procedures. When light curing, it is essential to use a curing light that delivers the correct wavelength (usually around 400-500 nm) for effective activation of the photoinitiators in the material. If the curing time is too short, the material may not polymerize adequately, leading to compromised structural integrity and potential failure of the restoration. Conversely, curing for too long does not generally improve the outcome and may cause unwanted thermal effects or damage to the surrounding tissues. This time frame aligns with standard protocols in dental practices and ensures that clinicians achieve the best results for their patients while maintaining efficiency in treatment.