Multiple Choice Questions, 3 Tips To Be Better!
You will only see multiple choice questions on the Dental Hygiene National and Regional Board Examinations (NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, ADEX, CRDTS, WREB). There is no fill in the blank or essay (thank goodness!), so mastering a multiple-choice question strategy is crucial to scoring higher. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Read the questions without looking at the answer choices
Why? Because we don’t want to be influenced by the answer choices.
Come up with an answer in your head, and then check to see if it’s one of the choices listed.
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2. Use a process of elimination
Why? This makes us read every single answer choice and force us to come up with a reasoning for every answer choice.
Example: What is the active ingredient of Arestin?
(A). Doxycycline Hyclate
(B). Chlorhexidine
(C). Minocycline
This thought process should happen in your head:
- Doxycycline Hyclate (a tetracycline antibiotic): Artidox
- Chlorhexidine: Periochip
Ok, so the answer left is Minocycline (a tetracycline antibiotic): Arestin
Answer: (C). Minocycline
NOTE: Let’s memorize "ARM" - "ARestin" is "Minocycline." Also see "DOX" in both AtriDOX and
DOXycycline.
3. Look for wordy answers
Why? The correct answer is often the choice with the most information. Examiners often have to put as much info down as possible to make sure the answer choice can’t be disputed.
Use these three simple steps to become more proficient at taking multiple choice questions, and go ROCK your dental hygiene exams! Email me anytime if you have any questions about studying for the dental hygiene boards or StudentRDH review packages. StudentRDH has over 2300 practice questions for the NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, ADEX, CRDTS, WREB. Click HERE to start studying like a pro and pass your exams!
Author: Claire J, BS, MS, RDH (Founder of StudentRDH)
National + Local Anesthesia + CSCE Dental Hygiene Boards Review by StudentRDH