NZ Dental Hygiene REX study guide
NZ Dental Hygiene REX · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The New Zealand Dental Hygiene Registration Examination (REX) is the assessment route used by the Dental Council of New Zealand for dental hygienists who have qualified overseas or whose qualification is not otherwise recognised for registration here. Passing it demonstrates that your knowledge and clinical judgement meet the standard expected to practise safely and competently within the New Zealand scope of practice. The NZ Dental Hygiene REX study guide has 9 sections and about 2,050 words.
01Professional practice, ethics and legislation
This domain examines your ability to apply New Zealand law and professional standards in hygiene practice: scope, informed consent, privacy, and culturally safe care. The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 gives the Dental Council authority to set standards and issue annual practising certificates; working without an APC is an offence.
274 words, about 1 min02Infection prevention and control, and occupational health and safety
Infection prevention and occupational health and safety questions test standard precautions, reprocessing, and your legal duties to keep patients, whānau and the team safe. Standard precautions apply to every patient: hand hygiene at the WHO 5 moments, PPE, safe sharps handling, and clean-to-dirty workflow.
254 words, about 1 min03Oral and dental anatomy, histology, physiology and embryology
This domain covers tooth and periodontal anatomy, histology, physiology and embryology, and the language used to describe teeth accurately. FDI notation uses two digits: quadrant 1-4 and tooth 1-8.
250 words, about 1 min04Periodontology and the aetiology, assessment and management of periodontal diseases
Periodontology questions test your understanding of biofilm-driven disease, the 2017 classification, risk assessment, and non-surgical care. Gingivitis is reversible inflammation confined to the gingiva; periodontitis involves clinical attachment loss and bone loss.
229 words, about 1 min05Cariology, caries risk assessment and prevention
Cariology questions test the dynamic caries process, risk assessment, and evidence-based prevention using fluoride, diet and sealants. Caries is a biofilm-mediated, sugar-driven dynamic process; demineralisation and remineralisation occur continuously.
225 words, about 1 min06Oral medicine, oral pathology and recognition of abnormalities
Oral medicine and pathology questions test recognition of normal variation, common mucosal disease and red flags that require referral. Take a focused history: onset, duration, site, size, pain, change, habits, medications and systemic disease.
221 words, about 1 min07Dental hygiene assessment, treatment planning and instrumentation
This domain tests systematic assessment, treatment planning and safe instrumentation for scaling, root debridement and polishing. Assessment includes medical history, extraoral and intraoral examination, periodontal charting, plaque and bleeding scores, and caries risk.
203 words, about 1 min08Patient education, behaviour change, health promotion and community oral health
This domain tests patient education, behaviour change and community health promotion, including health literacy and equity. Use a patient-centred approach: ask, listen, reflect and summarise.
188 words, under 1 min09Radiography and imaging
Radiography questions test principles, safety and interpretation within your scope. Justify every exposure; use ALARA and optimise technique.
206 words, about 1 min