Chapter 07: Society and the State Dental Practice Act

Which of the following forms of government has the authority and responsibility to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the state's citizens?

a.

The federal government

b.

State government

c.

County government

d.

City or township government

b.

State government

Each of the following is protected for citizens of a state EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

a.

Health

b.

Finances

c.

Safety

d.

Welfare

b.

Finances

Which of the following branches of state government is authorized to enact laws or statutes that prescribe or prohibit activities within the state?

a.

Legislative branch

b.

Executive branch

c.

Judicial branch

d.

Municipal

a.

Legislative branch

Which of the following is the function of the judicial branch of state government?

a.

Enact statutes that prescribe or prohibit activities within the state

b.

Implementation of prescriptions and prohibitions enacted into law

c.

Final arbiter regarding the rights and responsibilities of individuals subject to the laws of the state

d.

Regulate trade across state lines

c.

Final arbiter regarding the rights and responsibilities of individuals subject to the laws of the state

The practice of dental hygiene is regulated through which of the following branches of state government?

a.

Legislative, executive, and judicial

b.

Legislative and executive, but not judicial

c.

Legislative and judicial, but not executive

d.

Executive and judicial, but not legislative

e.

Legislative only

a.

Legislative, executive, and judicial

Which of the following government regulations most specifically controls the practice of dental hygiene?

a.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

b.

Equal Pay Act of 1963

c.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

d.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

e.

State Dental Practice Act

e.

State Dental Practice Act

Which of the following branches of government is responsible for enactment of the State Dental Practice Act?

a.

The federal legislative branch in all cases

b.

The federal judicial branch in all cases

c.

The state legislative branch in all cases

d.

The state legislative branch in most cases

e.

The state judicial branch in all cases

d.

The state legislative branch in most cases

Which of the following states enacted Initiative Measure No. 607 in 1994, which made it legal for a denturist to practice in that state?

a.

Washington

b.

Rhode Island

c.

California

d.

New Jersey

e.

Missouri

a.

Washington

Dental hygienists must be familiar with the laws that deal specifically with dental hygiene as well as the general laws that protect the well-being of the state's citizens because the statutes that regulate the health professions are not all encompassing.

Both the statement and reason are correct and related.

Each of the following is an example of an issue that may be regulated by state laws but may not be specifically incorporated into the State Dental Practice Act EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

a.

False health care claims

b.

Consent to treatment and informed consent

c.

Continuing education requirements

d.

Biomedical wastes and hazards management

e.

Mandatory malpractice insurance

c.

Continuing education requirements

Which of the following is most likely found in state statutory law for the practice of dental hygiene?

a.

Licensure examination requirements

b.

Abuse reporting requirements

c.

Business operation practices

d.

Public health reporting requirements

e.

Patient confidentiality

a.

Licensure examination requirements

Which of the following branches of state government implements administrative procedures and requirements for the practice of dental hygiene in that state?

a.

Legislative branch

b.

Executive branch

c.

Judicial branch

b.

Executive branch

The legislative branch of government is responsible for implementing the statutory law and providing more specific guidance and regulation regarding the practice of dental hygiene. The development of more specific requirements for implementing statutory law is accomplished through a process known as interrogatories.

Both statements are false.

Depending upon the state, the regulation of the practice of dental hygiene may be facilitated by

a.

an appointed board or elected regulatory body.

b.

the administrators of the professional schools in the state.

c.

the governor of the state.

d.

the mayor of the city where the state capitol is located.

a.

an appointed board or elected regulatory body.

Each of the following is a term that may be used to refer specifically to the body regulating dental hygienists in a state EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

a.

Dental Quality Assurance Commission

b.

Board of Dental Health Care

c.

Board of Dentistry

d.

Department of Health

e.

Board of Dental Examiners

d.

Department of Health

The functions of the regulatory body for dental hygiene may include each of the following EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

Inspection of a dental office for compliance with infection control procedures

b.

Examination of a candidate for licensure as a dental hygienist

c.

Renewal of a dental hygiene license

d.

Investigation of disciplinary charges against a dental hygienist

e.

Adoption of rules and regulations regarding the practice of dental hygiene

Inspection of a dental office for compliance with infection control procedures

The practice of dental hygiene is different in each state, because it is not nationally regulated

Both the statement and reason are correct and related.

How often should a dental hygienist review the applicable State Dental Practice Act?

a.

When first graduating from an accredited dental hygiene program.

b.

When first applying for a license in the state where he or she intends to practice dental hygiene.

c.

Once every 3 years.

d.

On a yearly basis.

e.

It is not necessary once a student has graduated from an accredited dental hygiene program.

d.

On a yearly basis.

An individual must have a dental hygiene license issued by which of the following types of governmental authority in order to practice dental hygiene?

a.

Federal government

b.

State government

c.

County government

d.

City or township government

b.

State government

A condition of dental hygiene licensure generally is graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by which of the following organizations?

a.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association

b.

The Food and Drug Administration

c.

The Federal Trade Commission

d.

The National Institutes of Health

a.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association

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"?

a.

Maine

b.

Illinois

c.

Alabama

d.

Mississippi

e.

Washington

ANS: C

c.

Alabama

"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?

a.

Licensure by endorsement or reciprocity

b.

Garnishment

c.

Quid pro quo

d.

Informed consent

a.

Licensure by endorsement or reciprocity

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.

.

The first statement is false, the second statement is true.

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.

a.

Full license

b.

Temporary license

c.

Volunteer license

d.

Faculty license

a.

Full license

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?

a.

Faculty license

b.

Volunteer license

c.

Full license

d.

Temporary license

c.

Full license

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

a.

Dental hygiene board examination results

b.

State license to practice dental hygiene

c.

Certificate or diploma from the school of graduation

d.

Dental hygiene course grades

b.

State license to practice dental hygiene

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.

The first statement is true, the second statement is false.

The practice of dental hygiene without a valid license is a

a.

criminal offense that may be categorized as a felony.

b.

criminal offense that may be categorized as a misdemeanor but not as a felony.

c.

civil offense that may be categorized as a felony.

d.

civil offense that may be categorized as a misdemeanor but not as a felony.

a.

criminal offense that may be categorized as a felony.

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"?

a.

A felony with imprisonment and a monetary fine

b.

A felony with imprisonment or a monetary fine

c.

A misdemeanor with imprisonment and a monetary fine

d.

A misdemeanor with imprisonment or a monetary fine

d.

A misdemeanor with imprisonment or a monetary fine

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

a.

Practicing dental hygiene without an appropriate, active license

b.

Using a dental hygiene license that has been suspended

c.

Using a dental hygiene license that has been revoked

d.

Implying to any patient or consumer that she or he is an actively licensed dental hygienist unless that person has an active dental hygienist's license

d.

Implying to any patient or consumer that she or he is an actively licensed dental hygienist unless that person has an active dental hygienist's license

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.

c.

The first statement is true, the second statement is false.

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

a.

Unprofessional conduct

b.

Violation of the laws and regulations governing the practice of dental hygiene

c.

An accident requiring the dental hygienist to use a wheelchair

d.

Clinical incompetence

c.

An accident requiring the dental hygienist to use a wheelchair

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

a.

All active dental hygienists must hold a current CPR card.

b.

All active dental hygienists shall acquire twenty-four (24) credits of verifiable continuing education in each biennial renewal period.

c.

A dental hygienist holding an active status license issued by the Board shall be allowed one (1) credit of continuing education for every (1) hour of verified volunteer dental hygiene practice performed during the biennial renewal period.

d.

Continuing education must be oral health/health-related education for the professional development of a dental hygienist.

c. A dental hygienist holding an active status license issued by the Board shall be allowed one (1) credit of continuing education for every (1) hour of verified volunteer dental hygiene practice performed during the biennial renewal period.

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

a.

When making an initial application for a license in a particular state following graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program in any state

b.

When relocating from one state to another while in practice

c.

When renewing a current license to practice as a dental hygienist

d.

Only when renewing a lapsed license to practice as a dental hygienist

c.

When renewing a current license to practice as a dental hygienist

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?

a.

Full license

b.

Temporary license

c.

Faculty license

d.

Inactive license

e.

Volunteer license

d.

Inactive license

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?

a.

1 year

b.

2 years

c.

5 years

d.

7 years

b.

2 years

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

.

Application of pit and fissure sealant

b.

Exposing oral radiographs

c.

Administration of an injectable local anesthetic

d.

Application of topical fluoride

c.

Administration of an injectable local anesthetic

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.

d.

The first statement is false, the second statement is true.

Which of the following is true regarding administration of local anesthetics and nitrous oxide

for a dental hygienist in Oregon?

a.

Administration of local anesthetic agents is permitted under the indirect supervision of a dentist.

b.

Administration of nitrous oxide is permitted under the indirect supervision of a dentist.

c.

Use of local anesthetic reversal agents is not permitted for a dental hygienist.

d.

Injected local anesthetic agents may only be administered to a patient who is over the age of 18.

b.

Administration of nitrous oxide is permitted under the indirect supervision of a dentist.

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?

a.

Expose radiographs of the area requiring restoration.

b.

Administer topical and injected local anesthetic.

c.

Prepare the tooth with a rotary instrumentation such as burs in a handpiece.

d.

Restore the tooth with silver dental amalgam.

c.

Prepare the tooth with a rotary instrumentation such as burs in a handpiece.

Dental hygienists have the obligation to limit their practice to the scope of functions permitted by law in the jurisdiction in which they are practicing. If asked by an employing dentist to perform services that are clearly outside the legal scope of practice, the dental hygienist should defer to his or her supervisor and perform those services.

The first statement is true, the second statement is false.

Which of the following forms of supervision requires the dentist's approval of the work prior to dismissal of the patient?

a.

Direct supervision

b.

Indirect supervision

c.

General supervision

a.

Direct supervision

Which of the following forms of supervision require the dentist to be present in the dental office during treatment by the dental hygienist?

a.

Direct supervision, indirect supervision, and general supervision

b.

Direct supervision and indirect supervision, but not general supervision

c.

Direct supervision and general supervision, but not indirect supervision

d.

Indirect supervision and general supervision, but not direct supervision

e.

Direct supervision, but not indirect supervision and general supervision

b.

Direct supervision and indirect supervision, but not general supervision

All of the following states permit the unsupervised practice of dental hygiene EXCEPT one. Which one is the EXCEPTION?

a.

Colorado

b.

Connecticut

c.

Michigan

d.

New Mexico

e.

Maine

c.

Michigan

Unsupervised dental hygiene may be performed by licensed dental hygienists without supervision of a licensed dentist in Colorado, because some states, including Colorado, Connecticut, New Mexico, Minnesota, and Maine, permit the unsupervised practice of dental hygiene.

.

Both the statement and reason are correct and related.

Which of the following statements is true regarding the reporting of child and elder abuse?

a.

All states have enacted laws that mandate the reporting of child abuse.

b.

All states have enacted laws that mandate reporting elder abuse.

c.

Dental hygienists have a personal responsibility to report abuse.

d.

Child abuse is concentrated in particular socioeconomic strata of society and knowledge of this fact helps predict when and where it will occur.

c.

Dental hygienists have a personal responsibility to report abuse.

Child abuse spans which of the following aspects of society?

a.

Socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic

b.

Socioeconomic and cultural, but not ethnic

c.

Socioeconomic and ethnic, but not cultural

d.

Cultural and ethnic, but not socioeconomic

a.

Socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic

Which of the following is true regarding the maintenance of patient health care records?

a.

Patient health care records are the property of the patient.

b.

Health care records are generally recognized to be confidential and protected against disclosure to unauthorized third parties.

c.

Health care records should be destroyed as soon as the person is no longer an active patient in the dental practice.

d.

There is no requirement regarding maintenance of a patient record.

b.

Health care records are generally recognized to be confidential and protected against disclosure to unauthorized third parties.

Dental hygienists in some states are mandated to maintain professional liability insurance or other indemnity against liability for professional malpractice. When mandated, the law may prescribe the level of insurance that must be maintained per incident as well as in the aggregate.

Both statements are true.

Some states have enacted legislation that mandates that dental professionals be currently certified

a.

in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

b.

in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

c.

as an emergency medical technician (EMT).

d.

as a pharmacy technician.

a.

in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

When a patient suggests that the dentist pay him $50 for every patient referred to the dental office, the dentist says no because it would be (a/an)

a.

insufficient amount for the value of a new patient.

b.

excessive amount for the value of a new patient.

c.

kickback.

d.

violation of patient confidentiality.

c.

kickback.

General due process provisions include notice and an opportunity to be heard. Notice generally includes a statement of the proposed action to be taken, the available evidence supporting the proposed action, and

a.

opportunity for a hearing.

b.

waiving of rights to a trial.

c.

discussion of Miranda rights.

d.

requirement to pay a fine.

a.

opportunity for a hearing.