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!

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What type of probe is characterized by millimeters marked at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and deeper?

  1. Michigan probe

  2. Williams probe

  3. UNC probe

  4. CPITN probe

The correct answer is: Williams probe

The Williams probe is specifically designed with millimeter markings at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and deeper, making it ideal for assessing periodontal pockets. This characteristic allows dental professionals to measure clinical attachment levels accurately and helps in diagnosing periodontal conditions efficiently. The clear delineation at these intervals aids in ensuring consistent and standardized readings, which is critical for monitoring the progression of periodontal disease over time. Other probes have different marking systems or may serve various specific purposes. For instance, the Michigan probe usually features different spacing for its markings, while the UNC probe typically has markings at every millimeter, making it distinct from the Williams probe. The CPITN probe has a unique design intended for Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs assessments, which also differs from the focus on periodontal probing depth typically measured with the Williams probe. Understanding these nuances in probe design and purpose is essential for effective periodontal assessment and treatment planning.