MD Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study guide
MD Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Maryland Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Examination is the law-and-ethics component that Maryland uses to confirm a dental hygienist understands the rules that govern practice in the state before licensure. It is aimed at hygiene graduates and out-of-state hygienists seeking Maryland licensure, and at licensees who want a refresher on current requirements. The MD Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study guide has 8 sections and about 2,269 words.
01Maryland Dental Practice Act and statutory framework
Maryland dental hygiene jurisprudence tests how well you can locate and apply the state's dental practice law. The primary statute is the Dental Practice Act in the Health Occupations Article, Title 4, Annotated Code of Maryland.
299 words, about 1 min02Scope of practice and supervision levels for dental hygienists
Maryland law defines dental hygiene broadly: assessment, prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, polishing, fluoride application, sealants, radiographs when authorized, and patient education. The hygienist must work within the current scope and supervision list in the Dental Practice Act and COMAR 10.44.
321 words, about 2 min03Licensure, renewal, and continuing education requirements
Maryland dental hygiene licensure generally requires graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, passing the Maryland jurisprudence examination, current CPR certification, a criminal background check, and a completed application with fees. The Board issues the license and may deny it for fraud, unprofessional conduct, or failure to meet qualifications.
281 words, about 1 min04Infection control, safety, and occupational health regulations
Maryland dental infection-control rules follow current CDC guidance and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen requirements. Treat all blood and saliva as potentially infectious.
264 words, about 1 min05Ethics, professional conduct, and patient rights
Maryland expects competence, honesty, confidentiality, and respect for patient autonomy. Obtain informed consent before treatment: explain the condition, options, risks, benefits, and consequences of refusal in terms the patient can understand.
257 words, about 1 min06Delegation, collaboration, and referral responsibilities
The dentist is responsible for the overall treatment plan and for delegating only tasks that the Dental Practice Act and COMAR permit. A hygienist may perform dental hygiene services within scope and supervision, but may not delegate those services to an unlicensed person or to an assistant who lacks the required certification.
287 words, about 1 min07Recordkeeping, documentation, and confidentiality
Maryland dental records should be accurate, legible, contemporaneous, and complete. Document the date, patient identity, clinical findings, services performed, anesthesia or medication, supervision level when relevant, patient education, informed consent, referrals, and any refusal of care.
266 words, about 1 min08Disciplinary process, violations, and penalties
The Board receives complaints, investigates, and may issue charges. The licensee is entitled to notice and an opportunity to respond or have a hearing.
294 words, about 1 min