MI Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study guide
MI Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Michigan Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Examination is the law-and-ethics component that Michigan uses to confirm a licensed dental hygienist understands the rules that govern practice in the state. It is aimed at candidates seeking Michigan licensure by examination or by credentials, and at hygienists moving into Michigan from another jurisdiction. The MI Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study guide has 10 sections and about 2,887 words.
01Michigan Public Health Code and Dental Practice Act Structure
Michigan regulates dental hygiene through the Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978, Article 15 (Occupations), Part 166 (Dentistry). Part 166 creates the Board of Dentistry, defines the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, sets licensure and discipline grounds, and authorizes the Board to adopt administrative rules.
324 words, about 2 min02Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements
A person may not practice dental hygiene in Michigan without a license issued by the Board. The standard pathway is graduation from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)-accredited dental hygiene program, passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE), passing a Board-approved clinical examination, and passing the Michigan jurisprudence examination.
300 words, about 2 min03Scope of Practice for Dental Hygienists and Supervision Levels
Michigan defines dental hygiene as services performed under a dentist's supervision, including prophylactic removal of calculus and stains, scaling and root planing, fluoride application, sealants, radiographs, patient education, and, only with additional authority, local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. The hygienist may not diagnose, treatment plan, prescribe, or perform surgical procedures.
289 words, about 1 min04Delegation of Tasks and Supervision of Dental Assistants and Auxiliaries
The dentist may delegate tasks to dental assistants and auxiliaries, but the delegating dentist remains responsible for the patient and for the assistant's competence. Michigan limits delegation to tasks that are within the dentist's scope, are not reserved to another licensed profession, and can be safely performed by the assistant after appropriate training.
292 words, about 1 min05Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide Administration Authority
Michigan allows a licensed dental hygienist to apply to the Board for authority to administer local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. The hygienist must complete a Board-approved course with didactic and clinical components, hold a current license in good standing, and submit the required application and fee.
288 words, about 1 min06Infection Control, Sterilization, and Safety Standards
Michigan dental practice rules incorporate standard precautions: treat all blood and saliva as infectious. Use gloves, masks, eye protection, and gowns as indicated; perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact and after glove removal.
284 words, about 1 min07Patient Records, Informed Consent, and Confidentiality
Michigan requires dental practices to keep patient records that are accurate, complete, and legible. A record should include the health history, examination findings, diagnosis, treatment plan, informed consent, radiographs, medications, progress notes, and referral information.
321 words, about 2 min08Professional Conduct, Ethics, and Unprofessional Conduct
Michigan's Public Health Code lists grounds for disciplinary action, including fraud or deceit in obtaining a license, negligence, incompetence, practicing outside the scope of practice, failure to maintain adequate records, improper delegation, substance abuse, criminal conviction, and unprofessional conduct. The Board may also act on a violation of the dental practice rules, such as infection control failures.
268 words, about 1 min09Disciplinary Process, Complaints, and Sanctions
A complaint is filed with BPL. Staff screen and investigate; if the evidence supports probable cause, the department files an administrative complaint.
263 words, about 1 min10Continuing Education and License Maintenance
Michigan dental hygienists must complete continuing education each two-year renewal cycle. The standard requirement is 36 hours, including Board-specified topics such as infection control and pain management.
258 words, about 1 min