Sample Questions and Answers for DHA Dental Exam Preparation
The DHA Dental Licensing Exam is a gateway for dentists aiming to practice in Dubai, testing a wide range of clinical and theoretical knowledge. One of the best ways to prepare is by familiarizing yourself with the types of questions you’ll encounter. In this post, we provide sample questions and detailed answers covering high-yield topics like restorative dentistry, oral pathology, and patient management. Use these to refine your skills and build confidence for the exam administered by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Why Sample Questions Matter
Practicing with sample questions isn’t just about testing knowledge—it’s about understanding how the DHA exam frames scenarios and expects you to apply concepts. According to educational research, practicing with relevant questions can improve exam performance by up to 40%. For an exam with competitive pass rates, every bit of preparation counts. Sample questions help you:
- Recognize patterns in question styles, often multiple-choice (MCQs).
- Apply clinical reasoning to patient-based scenarios.
- Identify areas needing deeper study, such as endodontics or periodontics.
Our platform offers thousands of such questions through Practice Tests—a must-have resource for DHA aspirants.
Sample Questions and Answers for DHA Dental Exam
Below are carefully curated sample questions reflecting the DHA exam’s focus areas, along with detailed explanations to enhance your understanding.
Question 1: Restorative Dentistry
A 35-year-old patient presents with a fractured amalgam restoration on the occlusal surface of tooth #36. There is no pulpal involvement, and the remaining tooth structure is adequate. What is the most appropriate treatment?
- A) Replace with a new amalgam restoration
- B) Place a composite resin restoration
- C) Recommend a full crown
- D) Perform a root canal therapy
Correct Answer: B) Place a composite resin restoration
Explanation: Given the absence of pulpal involvement and adequate remaining tooth structure, a direct restoration is sufficient. Composite resin is often preferred over amalgam in modern dentistry due to its aesthetic appeal and bonding properties, which conserve tooth structure. A full crown (option C) is over-treatment for a simple fracture, and root canal therapy (option D) is unnecessary without pulpal symptoms. This question tests your ability to choose minimally invasive, patient-centered treatments, a key focus of the DHA exam.
Question 2: Oral Pathology
A 50-year-old male patient presents with a painless, slow-growing swelling on the hard palate. Clinical examination reveals a firm, sessile mass. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A) Pleomorphic adenoma
- B) Mucocele
- C) Squamous cell carcinoma
- D) Fibroma
Correct Answer: A) Pleomorphic adenoma
Explanation: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland tumor and frequently occurs on the hard palate as a painless, firm, slow-growing mass. A mucocele (option B) is typically fluctuant and more common on the lower lip. Squamous cell carcinoma (option C) often presents with ulceration or rapid growth, not matching the description. Fibroma (option D) is less likely in this location. DHA questions often test differential diagnosis skills, requiring you to correlate clinical features with pathology.
Question 3: Patient Management and Ethics
A 28-year-old patient is anxious about an upcoming dental extraction and requests sedation. However, they have a history of uncontrolled hypertension. What is the most appropriate course of action?
- A) Proceed with sedation after obtaining consent
- B) Refer the patient to a physician for hypertension management first
- C) Perform the extraction without sedation
- D) Delay the procedure indefinitely
Correct Answer: B) Refer the patient to a physician for hypertension management first
Explanation: Uncontrolled hypertension is a contraindication for sedation due to the risk of cardiovascular complications. Referring the patient to a physician (option B) prioritizes patient safety, aligning with ethical standards often tested in the DHA exam. Proceeding with sedation (option A) is risky, while performing the extraction without addressing anxiety (option C) or delaying indefinitely (option D) does not balance patient care and safety appropriately.
Question 4: Periodontics
A 40-year-old patient presents with generalized gingival recession and probing depths of 5-6 mm. Radiographs show horizontal bone loss. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A) Gingivitis
- B) Chronic periodontitis
- C) Aggressive periodontitis
- D) Periodontal abscess
Correct Answer: B) Chronic periodontitis
Explanation: The clinical findings of gingival recession, probing depths of 5-6 mm, and horizontal bone loss are classic signs of chronic periodontitis, a common condition in adults. Gingivitis (option A) does not involve bone loss or deep pockets. Aggressive periodontitis (option C) typically shows vertical bone loss and affects younger patients. A periodontal abscess (option D) is localized, not generalized. This question tests your ability to diagnose based on clinical and radiographic evidence, a frequent DHA focus.
How to Use Sample Questions Effectively
Practice Regularly
Incorporate sample questions into your daily study routine. Aim for 50-100 questions per week, increasing as your exam date approaches. Use our Practice Tests for a vast question bank tailored to the DHA syllabus.
Review Explanations Thoroughly
Don’t just check the correct answer—understand the reasoning behind it. Each explanation on our platform highlights why an option is correct or incorrect, deepening your knowledge.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Take timed quizzes to mimic the DHA exam’s pace. Full-length tests via our Mock Exams are ideal for building endurance and reducing test-day stress.
Track Progress
Monitor your performance to identify weak areas. Are you consistently missing oral surgery questions? Focus there. Our Analytics Dashboard provides detailed insights to guide your study.
Final Thoughts: Build Confidence with Practice
Sample questions are a window into the DHA Dental Exam’s structure and content. By practicing regularly, analyzing answers, and addressing knowledge gaps, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the real test. Start with the questions above, then dive into our extensive resources to take your preparation to the next level.
Related Resources
- Access thousands of questions with Practice Tests.
- Simulate test day with Mock Exams.
- Track improvement using the Analytics Dashboard.
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