National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

What palpation technique involves using the fingers and thumbs of both hands during an extraoral exam?

1. Digital palpation

2. Bilateral palpation

3. Bidigital palpation

4. Manual palpation

The correct answer is: Bidigital palpation

The bidigital palpation technique involves the use of fingers and thumbs from both hands to examine a specific area of the body. This method is particularly effective for assessing structures that are more superficial and require a combination of finger pressure to feel for abnormalities. In dental hygiene practice, bidigital palpation is commonly employed in extraoral examinations, especially when evaluating lymph nodes or the borders of the mandible. By utilizing both hands, the practitioner can apply pressure more accurately and evenly, allowing for better detection of any irregularities or changes in texture that could indicate pathology. This technique is essential for thorough examinations and enables clinicians to gather critical information about a patient’s health status beyond just the oral cavity.