Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Advice From Candidates
Many of the answers to questions commonly asked by Candidates can be found on this page. Please review the information provided prior to contacting the WREB office.
FAQs: ADMINISTRATIVE
Q: I am interested in a refresher course. Which schools should I contact?
A: WREB does not provide or approve refresher courses. You may wish to contact the post-graduate and/or the continuing education departments of accredited dental hygiene schools directly. Visit the ADA.org or ADHA.org websites for a list of accredited dental hygiene schools.
Q: Should I wait for my dean or program director to sign the Course Certification Form before I apply for an exam?
A: It is not necessary to wait for dean’s certification prior to registering for an exam. You may submit your application and send proof of qualification later. However, your proof of qualification must be received no less than three weeks prior to the first scheduled day of the exam, or you will be cancelled from the exam and no refund will be given. Bear in mind that exam schedules are sent only to those candidates whose files are complete.
Q: I want to take the exam held at Anywhere College, but the website shows unavailable. What does that mean?
A: It could mean one of two possibilities: 1) the Student Hold is in effect or 2) the exam is sold out in advance of the Application Deadline. WREB holds in reserve a finite number of spaces for graduating students of the exam site school’s 2012 dental hygiene program. Those students have until 11:59pm MST of the specified date to register. If they fail to register by that time, those seats previously held in reserve will become available to the general public on a first-come, first-served basis. Availability, if any, will be reflected almost immediately on the WREB Website.
Q: I am using a classmate as a patient for the Anesthesia Exam/ sharing a patient for the Hygiene Exam, does WREB need to know this information?
A: Yes, so that we may attempt to schedule you accordingly. Please understand that while we make every effort to accommodate Candidate scheduling requests, we cannot guarantee accommodation due to a number of extenuating factors (e.g. volume of accommodation requests, number of days per exam type, etc.). All requests must be in writing (an e-mail will suffice) and must be received prior to the exam’s Application Deadline in order to be considered.
Q: Can I change my assigned clinical examination time for the Anesthesia/Hygiene/Restorative exam?
A: No. Schedules are arranged in advance and in the best interest of all Candidates, taking into consideration space availability, supplies, and exam materials. Schedules are made to give Candidates the optimum open block time and to maintain patient flow in the grading area and CANNOT be changed.
Q: When will I receive my exam results?
A: WREB performs a thorough check and confirmation of the exam results prior to release. A definitive number of both the Local Anesthesia Written Exam and Dental Hygiene Process of Care results must be amassed in order to complete the necessary psychometric analysis. Earlier in the year, this compilation of data may take up to sixty (60) days to post. Later in the year results will be released more quickly, generally within thirty (30) days after exam completion. Once posted, candidates will receive an e-mail containing instructions on how to retrieve their exam results. Please DO NOT contact the WREB office in regard to results posting. Be advised that the Local Anesthesia Examination and the Dental Hygiene Examination are two-part exams which require successful completion of both the Written and Clinical portions in order to receive an overall passing score.
Q: The State in which I am seeking licensure requires a copy of my scores, how do I obtain that information?
A: If you are successful in your examination attempt, you will be able to print a Success Memo from the WREB website via your secure login. As of 2010, results are available for up to a year from your Clinical test date. WREB sends exam result reports to each of our Member State Boards. If a State Board requires additional information pertaining to your exam results, you may visit our Scoring Information and Reports page to order the documentation that the State Board is requesting. You will have the option on the form to request where you would like your exam information mailed.
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FAQs: LOCAL ANESTHESIA WRITTEN EXAM
Q: Can I schedule my Local Anesthesia Written Exam with Pearson VUE at the same time I register for the Local Anesthesia Clinical Exam?
A: No. An Eligibility Number is required to schedule your Local Anesthesia Written Exam which is not available until after you have been enrolled in the Clinical Exam by the WREB Staff. Once received, it is strongly recommended that you contact Pearson VUE to schedule your Local Anesthesia Written Exam as soon as possible.
Q: What should I do if I experience technical difficulties while taking the Local Anesthesia Written Exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center?
A: Pearson VUE is responsible for the technical administration of the Local Anesthesia Written Exam. If you experience technical difficulties, contact the designated Pearson VUE Administrator or Floor Technician right away.
Q: I ran out of time and did not answer all the questions remaining. Will I automatically fail the exam?
A: An attempt can result in success despite not having answered all of the questions. However, a score of 75 or higher is required for successful completion of the Local Anesthesia Written Exam.
Q: When will I receive my results for the Local Anesthesia Written Exam?
A: The Local Anesthesia Written Exam is graded independently of the Local Anesthesia Clinical Exam. However, successful completion of the Written Exam is required prior to attempting the Clinical Exam. An unsuccessful Written Exam attempt will result in a forfeiture of the Clinical Examination fees. WREB performs a thorough check and confirmation of the Written Exam results prior to release. A definitive number of exam results must be amassed in order to complete the necessary psychometric analysis. Be advised that earlier in the year, this compilation of data may take several weeks (up to 60 days) to post. Later in the year results will be released more quickly, generally within thirty (30) days after exam completion. Once posted, candidates will receive an e-mail containing instructions on how to retrieve their exam results. Please DO NOT contact the WREB office in regard to results posting.
Q: What are the requirements for Candidates who have made three (3) unsuccessful attempts of the Local Anesthesia Exam?
A: The Local Anesthesia Written Exam is graded independently of the Local Anesthesia Clinical Exam. However, successful completion of both exams is required in order to receive an overall passing score. Candidates who fail the examination three (3) times are required to obtain remediation in areas of failure prior to being allowed to take the examination a fourth (4) time. See Remediation Policy & Forms on the WREB Website for more information.
ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS CANDIDATES
who have taken the Local Anesthesia WRITTEN Exam
- Read and re-read the Candidate Guide and Policy Guide several times before the exam.
- Study the references; know dosages, medical history contraindications and complications, and anatomy.
- Notify the Pearson VUE Proctor or Floor Technician right away if you have computer difficulties.
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FAQs: LOCAL ANESTHESIA CLINICAL EXAM
Q: When should I tell my patient to arrive?
A: This is up to you and the patient. But as you are directed into the clinic 15-30 minutes before your assigned examination time in order to set up and prepare to perform the injections, it is helpful if the patient is told to be there at least an hour ahead of the scheduled time so that blood pressure and pulse can be taken and recorded and Medical History/Consent form can be completed.
Q: When can I take my patient's blood pressure?
A: Blood pressure is to be taken within an hour of the assigned clinical examination time. It does not have to be taken in the clinic. It can be taken in the patient waiting area or reception area or wherever your hearing is not impaired. It greatly aids exam flow if you take the BP before entering the clinic, so that examiners are not kept waiting.
Q: When can I apply topical?
A: Examiners will check the patient for sores/puncture marks, for maxillary second molars and a premolar in each mandibular quadrant, and review the patient's medical history. After the examiners have accepted the patient, you will be instructed to apply topical to both sites. (This is not an observed/graded procedure.)
Q: What do I do after “dropping a drop”?
A: Dropping a drop of anesthetic solution ahead of the needle as it is advanced is not part of PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS. If you have been taught this method to possibly increase patient comfort, you must use your own clinical judgment. In this instance, examiners do not tell you when to proceed or how many drops are enough. However, “Amount” is a graded criterion and if too much anesthetic is deposited prior to reaching the target site and aspirating, you will fail the exam. (See page 15 of the 2012 WREB Local Anesthesia Candidate Guide.)
Q: When is it OK to withdraw? What counts as an attempt?
A: If bone is prematurely contacted so that the needle does not reach the appropriate depth, you must use your own clinical judgment and either reposition or withdraw the syringe and re-penetrate (making an adjustment in the insertion site). You have three attempts to penetrate, before you are stopped and failed. An attempt occurs each time the syringe/needle is withdrawn from tissue and reinserted.
Q: What sterilization procedures should be followed?
A: Information on the school/test site's procedures and protocols are available on the WREB Website and should be viewed prior to the exam. Infection control is reviewed during the tour prior to the Candidate Orientation. The school guidelines are to be followed exactly. You should be sure to ask questions during the tour if you are unclear as to the requirements. See School Information for Dental Hygiene Candidates for more information.
Q: May I wrap the syringe thumb ring?
A: Yes.
Q: What if my patient has only one maxillary second molar?
A: The patient will be rejected, which constitutes failure of the exam. The examiners use landmark teeth to evaluate proper technique. “All landmark teeth must be present in the event that an injection needs to be repeated on the other side.” The requirement of maxillary second molars and a premolar in each mandibular quadrant for patient acceptability is not intended to limit the patient pool or in any way disadvantage you. Actually, having the ‘landmark' teeth present should help you perform passing injections.
Q: Will I fail the exam if I get a positive aspiration?
A: No, there is no penalty for positive aspiration. However, you will not pass the injection if you do not recognize and handle a positive aspiration properly. Refer to the WREB Anesthesia Candidate Guide for the proper procedure for handling positive aspirations. In the event of a second positive aspiration at the same injection site, you will be asked to withdraw the needle and the injection will be graded as performed.
Q: May I use the Minnesota Retractor during my anesthesia board?
A: Yes, but do not expect the examiners to hold it for you!
ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS CANDIDATES
who have taken the Local Anesthesia CLINICAL Exam
- Read and re-read the Candidate Guide and Policy Guide before several times before the exam.
- Study the references; know dosages, medical history contraindications and complications, and anatomy.
- Be a patient for a fellow Candidate; have a back-up patient.
- Have your patient arrive 45-60 minutes ahead of your scheduled clinical examination time.
- Attend the clinic tour and ask questions.
- Get a syringe that fits your hand; bring double of everything.
- Visualize your injections. Practice with three stopping points.
- Make sure that the large “window” is toward you and can be seen by the examiners.
- Relax. Try to stay calm. Think positive. Examiners know you are nervous.
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FAQs: Dental Hygiene PROCESS OF CARE (POC) EXAM
Q: Can I schedule my Process of Care Exam at the same time I register for the Hygiene Clinical Exam?
A: No. An Eligibility Number is required to schedule your Process of Care Exam which is not available until after you have been enrolled in the Clinical Exam by the WREB Staff. Once received, it is strongly recommended that you contact Pearson VUE to schedule your Process of Care Exam as soon as possible.
Q: What should I do if I experience technical difficulties while taking the Process of Care Exam at a Pearson VUE Testing Center?
A: Pearson VUE is responsible for the technical administration of the POC exam. If you experience technical difficulties, contact the designated Pearson VUE Administrator or Floor Technician right away.
Q: I ran out of time and did not answer all the questions remaining. Will I automatically fail the exam?
A: An attempt can result in success despite not having answered all of the questions. However, a score of 75 or higher is required for successful completion of the Process of Care Exam.
Q: When will I receive my results for the Process of Care Exam?
A: Successful completion of the WREB Dental Hygiene Examination requires passing scores in both the Process of Care Exam and the Dental Hygiene Clinical Exam. WREB performs a thorough check and confirmation of results prior to release. A definitive number of Process of Care Exam results must be amassed in order to complete the necessary psychometric analysis. Earlier in the year, this compilation of data may take several weeks (up to 60 days) to post. Later in the year results will be released more quickly, generally within thirty (30) days after exam completion. Once posted, candidates will receive an e-mail containing instructions on how to retrieve their exam results. Please DO NOT contact the WREB office in regard to results posting.
Q: If I fail the Process of Care Exam, but pass the Clinical Examination, will I have to retake both exams?
A: No, you need only retake the portion of the exam in which you were unsuccessful (see chart below). Unsuccessful Candidates have up to twelve (12) months from their scheduled Clinical Exam to retest. See Application Policies & Procedures on the WREB Website for more information.
Q: What are the requirements to RETAKE the Process of Care Exam?
A: Unsuccessful Candidates may register for the Process of Care portion of the exam via Online Application or Mail-In Application. The WREB retest fee for the POC exam is $75 US (cashier’s check or money order accepted with Mail-In Application ONLY). Once enrolled, Candidates will receive a new Eligibility Number via e-mail which is required to schedule the Process of Care examination. The POC exam must be scheduled through Pearson VUE Testing Center ($70) and completed during the Candidate’s designated testing time frame.
Q: What are the requirements for Candidates who have made three (3) unsuccessful attempts of the Process of Care Exam?
A: Candidates who fail the examination three (3) times are required to obtain remediation in areas of failure prior to being allowed to take the examination a fourth (4) time. See Remediation Policy & Forms on the WREB Website for more information.
Q: Do WREB-Member State Boards receive both the Process of Care and Clinical Examination results?
A: Yes, WREB-Member State Boards receive both the Process of Care and Clinical Examination results. A failure in either portion of the exam is displayed as an overall failure (see chart above). However, the WREB-Member State Boards will also receive the updated results once a Candidate has completed the retake exam.
ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS CANDIDATES
who have taken the Dental Hygiene PROCESS OF CARE (POC) Exam
- Candidate Guide: Read and review the Process of Care section.
- Screenshots: Note the layout of the tabs in POC screenshots.
- References: Utilize the web addresses included with references listed in the Candidate Guide.
- Tutorial: Be sure to view and utilize the POC Online Tutorial.
- Time Management: Manage your time efficiently.
- Technical Difficulties: Notify the Pearson VUE Proctor or Floor Technician right away if you have computer difficulties.
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FAQs: DENTAL HYGIENE CLINICAL EXAM
Q: I plan to submit a quadrant that has more than 12 heavy, subgingival calculus deposits with probing depths of 6 mm or less; but the quadrant also contains a localized area that has a definite 7mm pocket. I don't want to include that as one of the 12 qualifying surfaces. Will I be penalized even though I don't submit the 7mm pocket as one of my surfaces?
A: Only examiners can disqualify a surface. If there is a localized area(s) in the quadrant that has a pocket depth of >7mm, the examiners will disqualify that surface as a qualifying surface. If there are 12 qualifying surfaces elsewhere in the quadrant, that shouldn't be a problem. You are not penalized if there are pocket depths >6mm. The criteria for pocket depths only applies to qualifying surfaces.
Q: Is there a maximum number of qualifying surfaces on the MAXILLARY anterior teeth?
A: No. The limitation is only on the mandibular anterior teeth–a maximum of four qualifying surfaces may be from canine to canine or from canine to central incisor.
Q: If I use the same patient for my first submission and also as my alternate submission, and the first submission is rejected, will I be docked 4 points, even though it is the same patient?
A: Yes. If your first patient is rejected, you will incur a 4-point penalty.
Q: Can I use the Anesthesia Clinical Successful Memo I received at Phoenix in March to administer anesthesia to my patient at Portland in June?
A: No. The Clinical Success Memo is acceptable documentation only if the anesthesia exam is taken during the week of your dental hygiene exam. If you take the anesthesia exam prior to the week of your dental hygiene exam, you will receive an Official WREB Success Memo (memo posted online and accessed via secure login) to post at your operatory, which allows you to administer anesthesia at your exam.
Q: Can I allow my educator or dentist to look at my patient to see if he/she is qualified for the board exam?
A: This is not recommended. Patient qualification is your responsibility. Other professionals are not calibrated to WREB criteria.
Q: Do the radiographs need to be a full mouth (FMX) or just of the quad/teeth submitted?
A: The films are required for the quadrant/teeth you are submitting and may be diagnostic horizontal or vertical posterior bitewings WITH anterior AND posterior periapicals. (See Radiographic Criteria in the 2012 WREB Dental Hygiene Examination Candidate Guide for more information.)
Q: Can I use a 3rd molar as a proximal contact?
A: If the 3rd molar is fully-erupted or supra-erupted and does not have tissue covering the occlusal surface and is part of your submission, it may be used as a proximal contact.
Q: Where can I buy the required instruments or rent equipment?
A: WREB does not sell instruments nor rent equipment. However, as a courtesy to candidates participating in WREB exams, please see the Dental Supplies/Equipment link for a list of possible vendors. The inclusion of vendors does not constitute endorsement of a particular product or company. Also, see School Information for Dental Hygiene Candidates for equipment rental information as well as a list of materials provided at a specific exam site.
Q: Are there particular handles WREB requires for the explorer?
A: No. Any handle is acceptable as long as it isn’t plastic.
Q: Can the mirror be double-sided?
A: The mirror must be a #4 or #5 front-surface mirror. It could be double-sided.
Q: Can the probe be a double-ended with a shepherd's hook or does it have to be single-ended?
A: The probe must be a UNC 12, not a right-angled instrument. Whatever is on the other end is irrelevant.
Q: Our clinic uses a different explorer and I’m unsure how to read the measurements on the UNC12 probe required for this exam.
A: The UNC probe is divided into 1-12 increments. Begin by counting the increments on the probe. The bottom of the first heavier line is 4mm and the top of that line is 5mm. The next increment or line would be six. If you do this, you should end at 12, which is the top black line.
ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS CANDIDATES
who have taken the Dental Hygiene CLINICAL Exam
- READ, READ, MEMORIZE your Candidate Guide. This is your bible for the exam. You will be familiar with all paperwork, requirements, and feel more comfortable at this stressful time if you study it thoroughly.
- Attend the Orientation. This helps reinforce the Candidate Guide and shows you the clinic where you will be taking the exam. Questions are answered and you will feel more sure of yourself.
- Patient criteria. Make sure your patient has excessive SUBgingival calculus. It must be below gingival tissue to be considered sub; it must be heavy. A patient who has regular recall appointments will not qualify. Look for “boulders”!!
- Secure a board patient. Advise your patient to practice basic oral hygiene (i.e., brush and floss), so that gingival inflammation and bleeding are minimized during the exam. Profuse bleeding impairs instrumentation and visibility and increases risk of tissue damage which is an error you don't want to have. Remember: Calculus does not brush off!
- Bring a back-up patient. You may need them, or someone else may need them. Make sure all patients are dependable and will show up because they realize the importance of their commitment to you.
- Maintain contact with your Patient. Get a firm commitment from your patient(s) to be there at least 45 minutes before the exam time.
- Bring snacks, fruit, water, a blanket and anything else your patient may appreciate. The day is long, the clinics are cool (but stress and hard work can make the candidates and examiners warm).
- Bring Enrollment Packet(s) and all forms to the orientation(s).
- Organize your paperwork. Do as much paperwork as allowed prior to the exam. Make one file for check-in and one for check-out. Be familiar with the forms before orientation.
- Double-check x-rays.
- Prepare in advance the instruments and forms that your patient will be carrying. You will be glad you got that done because you can feel rushed.
- Re-anesthetize your patient. Consider re-anesthetizing your patient prior to checkout.
- Bring extra money to the site in case you need something unexpected.
- Time Management is your friend.
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FAQs: RESTORATIVE EXAM
Q: Can I bring my own triturator or amalgamator?
A: Yes. Also, see School Information for Dental Hygiene Candidates for a list of equipment and materials provided at the specific exam site.
Q: If I've previously taken this exam and have virgin dentoform teeth with red lines across them, can I use those teeth again?
A: Yes, simply use fingernail polish remover to remove the red lines.
Q: My dentoform has a minor cut/tear/scratch on the gingiva. Can I submit the dentoform as it is?
A: Examiners do not check the gingiva for lacerations at check-in so this would not be a rejection. However, it is in the best interest of the candidate to present a dentoform that is free of lacerations as tissue management is a part of the check-out process. See Dentoform Criteria in the 2012 WREB Restorative Examination Candidate Guide.
Q: What happens if I break a prep during the examination?
A: Inform the Chief Examiner immediately. The Chief will confer with the examining team and a new prep will be assigned.
Q: Can I leave the clinic if I am finished before the one and one-half hour deadline?
A: Yes, but you will not be allowed to re-enter until cleanup time is announced.
ADVICE FROM PREVIOUS CANDIDATES
who have taken the Restorative Exam
- Candidate Guide: Read and re-read the Candidate Guide and Policy Guide.
- Education: Take a much extended restorative course; not one that only lasts several hours.
- Skills: Practice carvings and also having to remove a carving.
- Preparedness: Know what to do if your marginal ridge breaks.
- Familiarize: Attend the Clinic Tour to familiarize yourself with the clinic layout, equipment, etc.
- Equipment: Bring your own triturator; it makes a difference.
- Dentoform Storage: Remember to bring a box or container for your dentoform.
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FAQs: TEST TAKING TIPS
- Be prepared. Make sure that you have familiarized yourself with the exact location of the school as well as the best route to take to get there. You may want to arrive 30 minutes early to find parking and to locate the examination room. You may also want to dress in layers so that your clothing can be adjusted, as necessary, to the environment. A cold or warm room could prove to be a distraction while taking the examination. You do not need any added distractions. Anticipate both scenarios and wear layers.
- Prepare your body as well as your mind. During the week of the examination, be sure to get plenty of rest, especially the night before. Last-minute “cramming” is usually not going to help at this point and may produce unnecessary stress. It is advisable to eat well the day of the exam, starting with a balanced breakfast and avoiding stimulants. Coffee or caffeinated sodas may make you feel energized for the moment, but the ultimate effect will be a sluggish performance when you least desire it.
- Breathe. Odds are you will grow increasingly nervous as the exam date draws near. This reaction is perfectly normal. Realizing that your preparation to take the exam is adequate and reassuring yourself of this fact is a comfort. Many experts believe that a little anxiety may actually improve performance in some individuals. So think of this extra nervous energy as an ally and use it to your advantage. If at any time during the exam an overwhelmed feeling or loss of concentration occurs because of increased nervousness, try closing your eyes and taking some slow deep breaths. Too much stress can create a condition of anoxia in vital organs of the body. Breathing correctly will not only help you to relax, but it will also help deliver oxygen to the brain, where it is needed the most. Above all, be confident in your level of preparation to take this examination.
- Review the Enrollment Packet and Candidate Guide(s) sent to you by WREB prior to the exam. Make sure you have filled out all the forms that need to be turned in at the exam and bring the entire packet with you to the school. Read the Candidate Guide and Policy Guide thoroughly as both clearly explain what is expected of you. On the WREB Website, download or print the School Information for Candidates for your specific exam site as it is required reading as well.
- Pace yourself. If you budget your time, you can work more efficiently through whatever series of tasks or questions are required in the time allotted. Avoid wasting time by looking frequently at the clock.
- Remember to bring the following to the exam site:
- Photo identification (ID)
- Cash for incidentals
- Enrollment Packet(s) and all forms to the orientation(s)
- Candidate Examination Schedule from the WREB Candidate Guide(s) to hang in your operatory as a checklist
As students, you have taken a number of examinations. This is one more. It may seem more fraught with consequences, but it is nothing more than proof positive that you have been a good student and are ready to move out into the world of dental hygiene.
WREB wishes all of you the best as you prepare for your chosen profession.
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