100+ Free CRDTS Dental Hygiene Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

Which chemical indicator class provides the strongest in-pack evidence (short of biological indicators) that sterilization parameters were met?

Air exhaust noise

Type 1 process indicator tape

Class 5 integrating indicator that responds to time, temperature, and steam (ISO 11140)

Visual pack appearance

to track

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CRDTS Dental Hygiene Exam

CRDTS Dental Hygiene is a clinical licensure exam administered by an independent regional testing agency. $1,175 fee, criterion-based scoring (100 possible points, recommended cut score of 75), three calibrated examiners per procedure (two must confirm an error). Accepted by over 40 state boards. Two formats: Simulated Patient (manikin) and Patient-Based (live). CRDTS remained independent of the 2025 ADEX merger that formed ABDE.

Sample CRDTS Dental Hygiene Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CRDTS Dental Hygiene exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination is reported as one comprehensive total score from how many possible points?

A.50

B.75

C.100

D.200

Explanation: CRDTS reports one comprehensive total score for the Dental Hygiene Examination, drawn from a maximum of 100 points. Points are deducted from the 100 for each scorable item confirmed as an error by at least two of three independent examiners.

2CRDTS provides which suggested minimum total score to state boards as representing acceptable demonstration of competence on the Dental Hygiene Examination?

A.60

B.70

C.75

D.85

Explanation: CRDTS communicates that a score of 75 (out of 100) may represent acceptable demonstration of competence; each state board sets its own licensure standard. The criterion-based grading system relies on three examiners with two needed to confirm each scored error.

3The 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination is available in which two formats?

A.Patient-based and live-surgery

B.Simulated Patient (typodont/manikin) and Patient-Based (live)

C.Computer-only and oral viva

D.Group OSCE and team simulation

Explanation: Per the 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene structure, two formats are offered: Simulated Patient (typodont/manikin) and Patient-Based (live). Both include extra/intra oral assessment, scaling/subgingival calculus removal, periodontal probing, and calculus detection or supragingival removal per the specific manual. Candidates should verify state acceptance of the simulated format because not all boards accept manikin-only results.

4Per the 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene fee schedule, what is the published examination fee?

A.$575

B.$895

C.$1,175

D.$1,800

Explanation: The 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination fee is $1,175. Same-weekend on-site retakes are at no additional charge; future retakes carry the full $1,175 fee. Site fees and consumables are billed separately by the testing site.

5On the 2026 CRDTS Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Exam, how much time is allotted for the written Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE section?

A.5 minutes

B.10 minutes

C.15 minutes

D.45 minutes

Explanation: Candidates have 15 minutes to complete the written Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE section. The clinical calculus detection, scaling, and subgingival components are allotted 2 hours. Total scoring combines both portions into a comprehensive total.

6Which is a documented critical error on the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Simulated Patient Exam?

A.Removing 100% of supragingival calculus from the assigned quadrant

B.Damage to 3 or more areas of simulated gingival tissue/shroud, lacerations >=3 mm, amputated/separated papilla, or unreported broken instrument tip retained in the typodont sulcus

C.Using a Gracey 11/12 on a posterior mesial surface

D.Using ultrasonic on a posterior tooth

Explanation: Critical errors result in a non-passing Dental Hygiene Examination score even if other criteria are acceptable. Documented examples include damage to >=3 areas of simulated gingival tissue/shroud, lacerations >=3 mm, amputated/separated papilla, and unreported broken instrument tips retained in the typodont sulcus. A critical lack of knowledge, skills, abilities, and judgment also disqualifies.

7How many states accept CRDTS Dental Hygiene examination results for initial licensure?

A.About 5

B.About 15

C.Over 40 (CRDTS publishes 'over 40 state boards nationwide')

D.All 50 plus territories

Explanation: CRDTS publishes that over 40 state boards nationwide recognize CRDTS Dental Hygiene examination results for initial licensure. California and Hawaii accept the CRDTS Dental Hygiene exam but not the CRDTS Dental Examination. Candidates must verify acceptance with the specific licensing state.

8Which independent regulatory framework is the foundational federal infection control standard cited in CRDTS Dental Hygiene materials?

A.AAP 2017 Periodontal Classification

B.CDC 'Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003,' with 2016 Summary Update, supplemented by OSAP and OSHA

C.ADA Caries Risk Assessment 2009

D.ISO 14001 Environmental

Explanation: The CDC 2003 Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings (updated by the CDC 2016 Summary) are the foundational infection prevention reference, with OSAP providing operational checklists and OSHA setting bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication standards. Candidates are expected to apply these standards during the examination.

9Per CDC dental infection control guidance, hand hygiene with soap and water (not alcohol-based hand rub) is required in which situation?

A.Before donning gloves on a routine patient

B.When hands are visibly soiled, after restroom use, after exposure to C. difficile or norovirus

C.After every patient regardless of soiling

D.Only at the start and end of day

Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is preferred for routine hand hygiene because it is faster, more effective against most pathogens, and less irritating. Soap-and-water is required when hands are visibly soiled, after restroom use, and after care of patients with spore-forming organisms (C. difficile) or norovirus where alcohol is less reliably sporicidal/virucidal.

10Which Spaulding classification applies to a periodontal scaler, and what reprocessing does it require?

A.Non-critical; intermediate-level disinfection

B.Semi-critical; high-level disinfection only

C.Critical; heat sterilization (steam autoclave, dry heat, or unsaturated chemical vapor) with packaging and biological monitoring

D.Critical; cold sterilization only

Explanation: Periodontal scalers penetrate sulcular tissue and are critical instruments per the Spaulding classification. They must be heat-sterilized, packaged, and monitored periodically with biological indicators. Cold (liquid) sterilization is reserved for heat-sensitive critical or semi-critical instruments because verification is operationally limited.

About the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Exam

The CRDTS Dental Hygiene Clinical Examination is a clinical/practical licensure exam accepted by over 40 US state boards. It is offered in two formats: Simulated Patient (typodont/manikin with shroud and simulated gingival tissue) and Patient-Based (live patient). Both formats include an Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE, scaling/subgingival calculus removal, periodontal probing, and calculus detection (with supragingival deposit removal added in the Patient-Based format). Our 100-question practice bank covers the knowledge underlying the practical performance: instrumentation, scoring criteria, critical errors, patient selection, infection control, periodontology, ethics, and jurisprudence.

Questions

1 scored questions

Time Limit

Simulated Patient: 15 minutes for written Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE plus 2 hours for calculus detection, scaling, and subgingival components. Patient-Based: per candidate manual.

Passing Score

Criterion-based, 100 possible points. CRDTS communicates 75 to state boards as a recommended demonstration of competence; each state board sets its own standard.

Exam Fee

$1,175 examination fee. Same-weekend on-site retakes at no additional charge; future retakes are the full $1,175. (Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS) - an independent regional testing agency separate from the 2025 ADEX/CDCA-WREB-CITA merger that formed the American Board of Dental Examiners (ABDE).)

CRDTS Dental Hygiene Exam Content Outline

Written, 15 minutes

Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE

Computer/paper-based OSCE testing extra-oral and intra-oral findings, oral pathology screening (oral cancer, leukoplakia, erythroplakia), treatment planning, and case-based reasoning.

Clinical, 2 hours

Calculus Detection, Scaling, and Subgingival Components

Adaptation, fulcrum, working angulation (70-80 degrees), use of area-specific Graceys and universal curettes, ultrasonic instrumentation, and root surface preservation.

Clinical

Periodontal Probing

Six sites per tooth, 10-20 g probing force, CAL calculation, AAP 2017 staging (I-IV) and grading (A-C, with risk-factor escalation by smoking >=10/day and HbA1c >=7%).

Clinical

Patient Selection and Acceptability (Patient-Based format)

Verifying qualifying subgingival calculus quantity and distribution in the assigned quadrant, medical clearance, and informed consent prior to procedure start.

Cross-cutting

Infection Control

CDC 2003 (2016 update), OSAP, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030, hand hygiene (ABHR preferred unless soiled), PPE doffing (gloves, eyewear, gown, mask), Spaulding classification (scalers = critical), weekly biological monitoring, dental unit water <=500 CFU/mL.

Cross-cutting

Ethics, Jurisprudence, and Communication

ADHA/ADA codes of ethics, informed consent, HIPAA, scope-of-practice variation (especially local anesthesia administration), shared decision-making, tobacco cessation 5 As, BLS/CPR, medical-emergency response.

How to Pass the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-based, 100 possible points. CRDTS communicates 75 to state boards as a recommended demonstration of competence; each state board sets its own standard.
Exam length: 1 questions
Time limit: Simulated Patient: 15 minutes for written Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE plus 2 hours for calculus detection, scaling, and subgingival components. Patient-Based: per candidate manual.
Exam fee: $1,175 examination fee. Same-weekend on-site retakes at no additional charge; future retakes are the full $1,175.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CRDTS Dental Hygiene Study Tips from Top Performers

1Read the 2026 candidate manual for your format (Simulated Patient or Patient-Based) and the published score sheets - CRDTS publishes its grading criteria, critical errors, and patient acceptability criteria in advance.

2Practice on the same typodont/manikin system with shroud used at the exam site; rehearse calculus detection with overlapping vertical and oblique strokes using light pen grasp and fulcrum stability.

3For Patient-Based format, pre-screen multiple potential patients to verify qualifying subgingival calculus quantity and distribution in candidate quadrants; failure to qualify the patient forfeits the procedure.

4Master area-specific Graceys (1/2 anterior, 7/8 buccal/lingual of posteriors, 11/12 mesial of posteriors, 13/14 distal of posteriors) and the 70-80 degree working angulation.

5Review AAP 2017 periodontal classification (Stage I-IV, Grade A-C with smoking and HbA1c >=7% risk modifiers), AAP case definition of periodontitis, and CAL calculation (CAL = recession + PD).

6Drill CDC 2003 infection control (with 2016 update): hand hygiene rules, PPE doffing sequence, Spaulding classification (scalers are critical, heat-sterilize), weekly biological indicators, dental unit water <=500 CFU/mL, and post-exposure protocol.

7Review medical-emergency protocols (syncope, hypoglycemia rule of 15, chest pain, hypertensive urgency BP >=180/110), 2021 AHA antibiotic prophylaxis update (clindamycin removed), and BLS/CPR.

8If you plan to take the CRDTS Local Anesthesia exam, review state scope-of-practice rules for hygienist LA administration; this is a separate exam with its own candidate manual and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination a written or practical exam?

Primarily a clinical/practical exam. The 2026 Simulated Patient format adds a 15-minute written Extra/Intra Oral Assessment OSCE plus a 2-hour clinical component. Patient-Based timing follows the candidate manual. Our 100-question practice bank covers the knowledge underlying the practical performance.

Which states accept the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination?

Over 40 US state boards recognize CRDTS Dental Hygiene results for initial licensure. California and Hawaii accept the CRDTS hygiene exam but not the CRDTS dental exam. Always verify current acceptance and any state-specific format requirements (some boards accept only the Patient-Based format) with the licensing state board.

Did CRDTS get absorbed into the new ABDE after the CDCA-WREB-CITA/ADEX merger?

No. The August 2025 merger of CDCA-WREB-CITA and ADEX created the American Board of Dental Examiners (ABDE), but CRDTS was not part of that merger. CRDTS continues to operate as an independent regional testing agency in 2026.

How is the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination scored?

Criterion-based scoring out of 100 possible points. Three independent calibrated examiners grade each procedure; an error must be confirmed by at least two of the three to be scored. CRDTS communicates 75 to state boards as a recommended demonstration of competence; each state board sets its own standard.

What is the difference between Simulated Patient and Patient-Based formats?

Simulated Patient uses a typodont/manikin with shroud and simulated gingival tissue, allowing standardized scoring of calculus removal, probing, and tissue trauma. Patient-Based uses a live patient with qualifying subgingival calculus and periodontal probing. State acceptance varies: candidates must verify which format their licensing state accepts.

What does the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Examination cost in 2026?

$1,175 examination fee. Same-weekend on-site retakes are at no additional charge; future retakes carry the full $1,175 fee. Site fees and consumables are billed separately by the testing site.

What are the critical errors that fail the CRDTS Dental Hygiene Exam?

Critical errors result in a non-passing score regardless of other criteria. Documented examples include damage to 3 or more areas of simulated gingival tissue/shroud, lacerations of 3 mm or greater, amputated/separated papilla of simulated tissue, unreported broken instrument tip retained in the typodont sulcus, and a critical lack of knowledge/skills/abilities/judgment.

Does CRDTS grant a dental hygiene license?

No. CRDTS is a testing agency, not a licensure or regulatory board. Results are released after each hygiene testing group and reported to the candidate and designated state boards; the state board grants licensure based on CRDTS results plus its own statutory requirements (e.g., jurisprudence exam, background check, application fee).