AZ Dental Jurisprudence flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Arizona dental statute

The Dental Practice Act in Arizona Revised Statutes Title 32, Chapter 11, establishing licensure, scope, and Board authority over dentists, hygienists, and assistants.

General supervision defined

A dentist authorizes the procedure but need not be physically present in the office while a hygienist or assistant performs it within lawful scope.

Direct supervision defined

The dentist is physically present on the premises, has examined the patient, and remains available while a delegated procedure is performed by an authorized person.

Unlicensed practice

Performing dentistry or dental hygiene without a current Arizona license. It is unlawful and subjects the person to criminal and civil penalties.

Board rule location

Arizona dental regulations appear in the Arizona Administrative Code, Title 4, Chapter 11, and implement the Dental Practice Act with binding effect.

Board disciplinary powers

The Board may revoke, suspend, or restrict a license, impose probation or censure, order civil penalties, and require remedial education or treatment.

Administrative hearing right

A licensee facing adverse Board action may request a hearing before an administrative law judge under the Administrative Procedure Act before sanctions become final.

Address change duty

A licensee must notify the Board of a change of practice or mailing address within the period set by rule so official notices reach the licensee.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices applied to every patient regardless of known infection status, treating all blood, saliva, and body fluids as potentially infectious.

Hand hygiene timing

Hands are washed or rubbed with alcohol-based product before and after patient contact, after glove removal, and whenever contamination is possible.

Sterilization of critical items

Instruments contacting bone or penetrating tissue must be cleaned and sterilized by a validated method such as steam autoclave before reuse on any patient.

Biological indicator testing

Spore tests verify sterilizer function at the interval required by rule; results are logged and retained as part of the office infection control record.

Sharps disposal

Needles and blades are placed immediately into puncture-resistant, closable sharps containers without recapping by hand, then disposed of per medical waste law.

Record content minimum

A dental record documents patient identity, history, diagnosis, treatment provided, dates, provider identity, and any medications or referrals given.

Record correction method

Errors are corrected by a dated, signed addendum that preserves the original entry; obliterating or deleting prior entries is improper.

Informed consent elements

Consent requires disclosure of diagnosis, proposed treatment, material risks, reasonable alternatives, and consequences of refusal, documented before treatment begins.

Confidentiality exception

Patient information may be disclosed without authorization for treatment, payment, health care operations, or when specifically required or permitted by law.

Records retention

Records must be kept for the period set by statute and Board rule, and retention continues after the patient transfers or the practice closes.

PMP query requirement

Arizona prescribers must check the Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program before prescribing opioids and other specified controlled substances.

DEA registration

A current federal DEA registration tied to the practice address is required before a dentist may prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances.

Moderate sedation permit

Moderate sedation requires a Board permit, documented training, vital sign and oxygenation monitoring, and emergency drugs and equipment available on site.

Deep sedation requirements

Deep sedation or general anesthesia requires a separate permit, advanced training, continuous monitoring, and qualified personnel dedicated to patient monitoring.

Sedation consent

Before sedation, the patient or representative receives and documents consent covering sedation risks, benefits, alternatives, and required fasting instructions.

Inappropriate prescribing

Prescribing controlled substances to self, family, or staff without legitimate dental indication, or in excessive amounts, constitutes unprofessional conduct.

Unprofessional conduct scope

Enumerated misconduct includes fraud, negligence, incompetence, impairment, confidentiality breaches, recordkeeping failures, and patient abandonment without proper notice.

Duty to report impaired licensee

A licensee who knows another licensee is impaired or dangerous to patients must report that person to the Board.

Summary suspension

The Board may summarily suspend a license without a prior hearing when continued practice poses an immediate danger to public health and safety.

Practicing during suspension

Performing dental procedures while a license is suspended or revoked is a separate violation and exposes the person to further discipline and criminal liability.

Renewal cycle

Arizona dental licenses renew biennially upon application, fee payment, current CPR certification, and attestation of completed continuing education hours.

CE documentation duty

Licensees retain continuing education certificates for the period set by rule and must produce them if the Board audits the renewal attestation.

CPR requirement

Current CPR certification at the healthcare provider level is required for active licensure and must be maintained at each renewal cycle.

False CE attestation

Reporting continuing education hours not actually completed is unprofessional conduct and grounds for Board discipline, including fines or license restriction.