AZ Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence flashcards
AZ Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 11
- The Arizona Dental Practice Act, which governs the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, defines scope, licensure, and disciplinary grounds.
- Definition of dentistry
- Under A.R.S. § 32-1201, dentistry includes diagnosing, treating, operating, or prescribing for dental disease, lesions, deformities, or conditions of the oral cavity.
- Dental hygienist definition
- A person licensed under the Act to practice dental hygiene under the supervision of a dentist, providing educational, preventive, and therapeutic services.
- Direct supervision
- A supervision level where the dentist is physically present in the office and examines the patient before and after treatment performed by the hygienist.
- General supervision
- A supervision level where the dentist has authorized the procedure and treatment plan but is not required to be physically present during the procedure.
- Unlicensed practice penalty
- Practicing dentistry or dental hygiene without a license is a class 3 misdemeanor under Arizona law, unless a more specific penalty applies.
- Licensure age requirement
- Applicants for dental hygiene licensure must be at least 18 years old and of good moral character.
- Accredited program requirement
- Graduation from a dental hygiene program accredited by an agency recognized by the Board, such as the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation, is required.
- National Board requirement
- Passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) is required for licensure in Arizona.
- Clinical examination requirement
- Applicants must pass a clinical examination accepted by the Board, such as the ADEX examination, to demonstrate clinical competence.
- Jurisprudence examination
- Arizona requires applicants to pass an examination on the Dental Practice Act and Board rules before licensure.
- Licensure by credentials
- A process allowing licensed hygienists from other states with equivalent requirements and active practice to obtain an Arizona license without retaking examinations.
- Temporary license
- A license issued by the Board for a limited period and purpose, such as teaching or residency, with specific restrictions.
- Local anesthesia certification
- A separate certification requiring Board-approved training and examination, allowing hygienists to administer local anesthesia under direct supervision.
- Biennial renewal
- Dental hygiene licenses must be renewed every two years, with late renewal requiring a penalty fee and possible reinstatement if lapsed.
- Prophylaxis and scaling
- Dental hygienists may perform prophylaxis, scaling, and root planing to remove plaque and calculus above and below the gumline.
- Topical fluoride application
- Application of topical fluoride agents to prevent caries is within the dental hygiene scope of practice under appropriate supervision.
- Sealant application
- Dental hygienists may apply sealants to teeth under general or direct supervision as authorized by the dentist and Board rules.
- Public health supervision
- A supervision level allowing hygienists to practice in specified public health settings under a written protocol with a dentist, without the dentist present.
- Nitrous oxide certification
- Hygienists may administer nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation only with additional Board-approved training and certification, under direct supervision.
- Prohibited diagnosis
- Dental hygienists may not diagnose dental disease or prescribe treatment; diagnosis is reserved for licensed dentists.
- Board composition
- The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners includes dentist members, dental hygienist members, and public members appointed by the Governor.
- Board rulemaking authority
- The Board has authority to adopt rules to implement the Dental Practice Act, including standards of practice and licensure requirements.
- Complaint investigation
- The Board investigates complaints; if probable cause is found, it may hold a formal hearing and impose discipline.
- Disciplinary actions
- Board discipline includes reprimand, probation, suspension, revocation of license, and civil penalties.
- Appeal of Board decision
- A licensee may appeal a Board decision to the Arizona Superior Court under the Administrative Review Act, A.R.S. Title 12, Chapter 7.
- Subpoena power
- The Board may issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and compel testimony during investigations and hearings.
- Unprofessional conduct
- Includes fraud, deceit, incompetence, gross negligence, practicing beyond scope, and violation of Board rules or statutes.
- Mandatory reporting
- Licensees must report to the Board any known violation of the Dental Practice Act by another licensee.
- Felony conviction
- Conviction of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude may be grounds for disciplinary action by the Board.
- Patient record retention
- Patient records must be kept for at least 6 years after last treatment, or until age of majority plus 6 years for minors.
- Continuing education requirement
- Dental hygienists must complete 36 hours of CE every two years, including 2 hours of infection control and 2 hours of ethics.