Question 1

What is the penalty in California for practicing dental hygiene "without causing to be displayed in a conspicuous place in his or her office his or her license under this article to practice dental hygiene"?

Accepted Answer

In California, practicing dental hygiene without displaying the license in a conspicuous place in the office is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by either imprisonment or a monetary fine, not necessarily both. This is designed to ensure that practitioners are transparent about their qualifications and legal standing to practice.

Question 2

The practice of dental hygiene without a valid license is a

Accepted Answer

Practicing dental hygiene without a valid license is considered a criminal offense, and depending on the jurisdiction, it can be categorized as a felony. This is because it involves providing healthcare services without the necessary legal authorization, which can endanger public health and safety.

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a misdemeanor rather than a third-degree felony in the state of Florida?

Accepted Answer

Implying to be an actively licensed dental hygienist without an active license is considered a misdemeanor, while the other actions are considered felonies in Florida.

Question 4

Each of the following steps in the restoration of a carious lesion is permitted for a dental hygienist in at least one state EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Accepted Answer

Dental hygienists are generally not permitted to prepare teeth for restoration using rotary instruments such as burs in a handpiece. This step is typically reserved for dentists, as it involves altering the structure of the tooth to remove decay and shape the cavity for filling.

Question 5

Dental hygiene licenses expire and require renewal on a schedule prescribed by state law. It is critical not to let current licensure expire, because when a dental hygienist experiences even a limited lapse of licensure, the state requires retaking written and clinical board examinations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dental hygiene licenses expire and require renewal...

Question 6

A dental hygienist generally is required to display a current copy of which of the following at his or her place of practice?

Accepted Answer

State licenses to practice dental hygiene are typically required to be displayed at a practitioner's place of work. This serves as proof to patients and regulatory bodies that the hygienist is legally authorized to practice in that state.

Question 7

Each of the following types of dental hygiene licenses is granted on the basis of licensure in another jurisdiction EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Accepted Answer

A full license typically requires passing a board examination specific to the new jurisdiction, rather than being granted based on licensure in another jurisdiction. Faculty, volunteer, and temporary licenses may be exceptions, allowing professionals to practice based on their credentials from another state or country.

Question 8

All licenses issued to dentists and dental hygienists are automatically forfeited if the licensee ceases to practice his or her profession in the state of Arkansas for how long?

Accepted Answer

Licenses issued to dentists and dental hygienists in the state of Arkansas are automatically forfeited if the licensee ceases to practice his or her profession in the state for 2 years.

Question 9

When is a dental hygienist required to provide documentation or certification of compliance with continuing education requirements?

Accepted Answer

Dental hygienists are typically required to provide documentation of continuing education when renewing their current license to ensure they remain updated with the latest practices and standards in the field.

Question 10

"Dental hygienists who have graduated from a CODA accredited dental hygiene program, who are licensed in good standing in a state with similar or higher requirements for licensure, and who have practiced dental hygiene for a minimum prescribed period may have examination requirements waived on the basis of their credentials," according to which of the following principles?

Accepted Answer

Licensure by endorsement or reciprocity allows professionals licensed in one jurisdiction to be recognized and permitted to practice in another jurisdiction without undergoing the full licensing process again, based on their existing credentials and experience. This principle is applied in the scenario described for dental hygienists.

Question 11

The scope of dental hygiene practice is defined on a national basis. The practice of dental hygiene includes educational, assessment, preventive, clinical, and other therapeutic services.

Accepted Answer

The scope of dental hygiene practice is actually defined on a state-by-state basis in the United States, not on a national basis. However, the practice of dental hygiene does indeed include educational, assessment, preventive, clinical, and other therapeutic services.

Question 12

Which of the following types of dental hygiene license may be granted on the basis of examination or endorsement of credentials? Such a license permits unrestricted practice within the scope of the State Dental Practice Act.

Accepted Answer

A full license is typically granted on the basis of examination or endorsement of credentials, allowing unrestricted practice within the scope of the State Dental Practice Act.

Question 13

Dental hygienists who are not actively practicing dental hygiene and do not want to maintain a current license may be able to apply for which of the following types of licenses?

Accepted Answer

Inactive licenses are designed for professionals who wish to maintain their licensure status without actively practicing, allowing them to avoid completing continuing education or other requirements needed for an active license.

Question 14

Which of the following is considered to be an expanded function rather than a basic function for a dental hygienist?

Accepted Answer

Administration of an injectable local anesthetic is considered an expanded function for dental hygienists in many jurisdictions, requiring additional certification or training beyond the basic scope of practice, which typically includes tasks like exposing oral radiographs, applying topical fluoride, and applying pit and fissure sealants.

Question 15

Which of the following is true regarding administration of local anesthetics and nitrous oxide for a dental hygienist in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is true regarding...

Question 16

Some states provide for temporary or provisional licensure of dental hygienists who are licensed in other jurisdictions, are relocating to that state, and do have the option of licensure by credential available to them. A temporary or provisional license is valid for a prescribed period or purpose or until the next scheduled licensure examination.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Some states provide for temporary or provisional...

Question 17

Which of the following states provides for licensure of a dental hygienist if he or she is a "graduate of a school of dental hygiene which has been approved by the board, or in lieu thereof, shall have served as a dental assistant for a period of time established by board rule and shall have served at least 1 year as a dental hygienist trainee under a training permit issued by the board to a qualified dentist practicing in this state in accordance with the dental hygienist training program established by the board"?

Accepted Answer

This description matches the licensure requirements for dental hygienists in Alabama, where the state allows for an alternative path to licensure through experience as a dental assistant and additional training under a qualified dentist, as established by the state's dental board.

Question 18

Each of the following is true of an applicant for dental hygiene licensure in Idaho EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Accepted Answer

Explanation: The exception is the statement about earning continuing education credits through volunteer dental hygiene practice. While some jurisdictions may allow for this, it is not a universally accepted or mandated practice for dental hygienists to earn continuing education credits, and the specific policy can vary significantly by state or country. Therefore, without specific reference to Idaho's regulations allowing this practice, this option stands out as the exception.

Question 19

Dental hygienists are obligated to comply with the accepted standards of professional practice and conduct. These standards are specific to the practice of dental hygiene and are not intended to be more generally applicable to health care professionals.

Accepted Answer

The first statement is true because dental hygienists, like other healthcare professionals, must adhere to specific standards of practice and conduct that ensure patient safety and professional integrity. The second statement is false because the standards of professional practice and conduct for dental hygienists, while specific to their field, are part of broader ethical and professional guidelines that apply to all healthcare professionals, not just those in dental hygiene.

Question 20

Each of the following is grounds for suspension or revocation of a license to practice dental hygiene EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Accepted Answer

An accident requiring the dental hygienist to use a wheelchair is not a valid ground for suspension or revocation of a license to practice dental hygiene. The other options (unprofessional conduct, violation of laws and regulations, and clinical incompetence) directly relate to the professional capabilities and behavior expected in the field.

Quiz 7: Society and the State Dental Practice Act