ATDH - Admission Test for Dental Hygiene Language and Grammar Rules Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the following sentence: 'Each of the dental hygiene students are required to bring their own set of instruments.' Which of the following revisions corrects the grammatical error in the sentence?
- Each of the dental hygiene students are required to bring his or her own set of instruments.
- Each of the dental hygiene students is required to bring their own set of instruments.
- Each of the dental hygiene students is required to bring his or her own set of instruments. (Correct answer)
- No correction is needed.
Correct answer: Each of the dental hygiene students is required to bring his or her own set of instruments.
The subject of the sentence is 'Each,' which is singular. Therefore, the verb must also be singular ('is required'). Additionally, the pronoun must agree with the singular subject; 'his or her' is the grammatically correct singular pronoun to use in this formal context. 'Their' is a plural pronoun.
Question 2: A dental hygienist is writing a patient education brochure and wants to ensure the tone is professional and clear. Which of the following sentences is most appropriate for this purpose?
- You've gotta brush your teeth better or you'll get nasty cavities.
- Failing to floss daily is a really bad idea for your gums.
- It's super important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing.
- Consistent daily brushing and flossing are essential for preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Consistent daily brushing and flossing are essential for preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay.
This sentence uses formal language ('consistent,' 'essential,' 'preventing periodontal disease'), maintains an objective and professional tone, and clearly communicates the necessary information without using slang or overly casual phrasing. The other options are too informal or subjective for a professional document.
Question 3: Which of the following sentences contains a punctuation error?
- The patient's chart, which was updated yesterday, indicates a new allergy.
- Dr. Miller's office is located at 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA.
- After sterilizing the instruments the hygienist prepared the treatment room. (Correct answer)
- The clinic offers several services: cleanings, X-rays, and fluoride treatments.
Correct answer: After sterilizing the instruments the hygienist prepared the treatment room.
The sentence 'After sterilizing the instruments the hygienist prepared the treatment room' has an introductory adverbial phrase ('After sterilizing the instruments'). According to standard punctuation rules, such introductory phrases should be set off from the main clause with a comma. The correct punctuation is: 'After sterilizing the instruments, the hygienist prepared the treatment room.'
Question 4: Identify the sentence that is grammatically correct and uses parallel structure.
- The dental assistant was responsible for scheduling appointments, patient intake, and to order supplies.
- Her duties included taking X-rays, updating patient charts, and the sterilization of instruments.
- To ensure patient comfort, the hygienist will adjust the chair, offer a blanket, and be explaining the procedure.
- Proper oral hygiene involves brushing thoroughly, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Proper oral hygiene involves brushing thoroughly, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.
This sentence correctly uses parallel structure by listing three gerund phrases ('brushing thoroughly,' 'flossing daily,' 'rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash'). The other options mix different grammatical forms (gerunds, infinitives, and nouns) within their lists, violating the rule of parallelism.
Question 5: Choose the word that correctly completes the following sentence: 'The dental hygienist gave the patient expert _______ on how to improve their brushing technique.'
- advise
- advice (Correct answer)
- device
- devise
Correct answer: advice
'Advice' is a noun meaning 'guidance or recommendations.' 'Advise' is a verb meaning 'to offer suggestions.' In this sentence, the hygienist is giving something (a noun) to the patient. Therefore, 'advice' is the correct choice.
Question 6: Which of the following sentences is a run-on sentence?
- Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good home care, but periodontitis involves bone loss and is not reversible.
- The patient was anxious about the procedure he had never had a deep cleaning before. (Correct answer)
- Although the child was nervous at first, the dental hygienist quickly put him at ease.
- Fluoride helps prevent cavities; therefore, it is often included in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Correct answer: The patient was anxious about the procedure he had never had a deep cleaning before.
This is a run-on sentence, specifically a comma splice error. It incorrectly joins two independent clauses ('The patient was anxious about the procedure' and 'he had never had a deep cleaning before') with only a space. These clauses should be joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (e.g., ', for'), a semicolon (';'), or be made into two separate sentences.
