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NH Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study materials
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NH Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence practice questions

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Question 1Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Under New Hampshire dental hygiene law, which activity may a licensed dental hygienist perform only under direct supervision of a licensed dentist?

  1. Take a medical and dental history
  2. Perform supragingival scaling on an adult
  3. Administer local anesthesia by infiltration Correct answer.
  4. Apply a fluoride varnish after prophylaxis

Explanation

In New Hampshire, administration of local anesthesia by a hygienist requires the dentist to be physically present and to authorize the procedure in advance, which is the definition of direct supervision. History taking, supragingival scaling, and fluoride varnish are routine duties that may be performed under general supervision or, where authorized, in a public health setting.

Question 2Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dental hygienist in New Hampshire wishes to practice without the dentist being present in the office. Which term describes the level of supervision that permits this arrangement when the dentist has authorized the services in advance?

  1. Direct supervision
  2. Personal supervision
  3. Indirect supervision
  4. General supervision Correct answer.

Explanation

General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedures but is not required to be physically present in the office at the time services are delivered. Direct and personal supervision both require the dentist to be on the premises, and indirect supervision generally requires prior authorization with the dentist nearby.

Question 3Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which New Hampshire statute or rule is the primary source of the legal scope of practice for dental hygienists?

  1. The municipal health department ordinance
  2. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act
  3. The state nurse practice act
  4. The Dental Practice Act and rules adopted by the Board of Dental Examiners Correct answer.

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act, together with rules adopted by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners, defines licensed dental hygiene practice, supervision levels, and disciplinary authority. Federal OSHA and municipal ordinances may impose workplace conditions but do not define the hygiene scope of practice.

Question 4Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A patient asks a hygienist to explain the findings of a recent periodontal examination. Under New Hampshire practice standards, which response best fits the hygienist's role within the dental team?

  1. Provide a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan independently
  2. Provide the explanation and answer questions within the hygienist's scope, coordinating with the dentist Correct answer.
  3. Defer all discussion of findings to the dentist regardless of the hygienist's training
  4. Refer the patient to the practice's billing office for an explanation

Explanation

Dental hygienists are licensed to assess periodontal conditions and to educate patients, so explaining findings and answering questions about hygiene care are within scope when coordinated with the dentist's overall treatment plan. Diagnosis and prescription of a definitive treatment plan remain the dentist's responsibility.

Question 5Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which task is outside the lawful scope of practice for a New Hampshire dental hygienist?

  1. Performing a prophylaxis and applying sealants
  2. Fabricating and fitting a removable partial denture Correct answer.
  3. Exposing dental radiographs when properly certified
  4. Providing oral health instruction to a school class

Explanation

Fabricating and fitting a removable prosthesis is a prosthodontic procedure reserved for licensed dentists and, in the laboratory portion, licensed dental technicians working on a dentist's prescription. Prophylaxis, sealants, radiography, and oral health education are core hygiene services.

Question 6Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dental hygienist is employed in a New Hampshire public health clinic and wishes to provide services to underserved children without a dentist on site. What must generally be true for this to be lawful?

  1. The hygienist must have the dentist present for every child
  2. The hygienist must obtain a separate dental degree
  3. The clinic must be owned by a dentist who lives on site
  4. The hygienist must hold an expanded public health permit or meet the statutory public health supervision criteria Correct answer.

Explanation

New Hampshire law allows public health supervision arrangements, but the hygienist must meet the statutory criteria, which may include a public health permit and a written agreement with a supervising dentist. The dentist's physical presence is not required, and no additional dental degree is necessary.

Question 7Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following best describes the legal significance of a dental hygienist's license in New Hampshire?

  1. It is issued by the employing dentist and expires when employment ends
  2. It is a voluntary certification issued by a professional association
  3. It is a credential granted by the Board of Dental Examiners that authorizes practice and is subject to discipline Correct answer.
  4. It is a federal credential recognized in all states

Explanation

A New Hampshire dental hygiene license is a state credential issued by the Board of Dental Examiners that authorizes the holder to practice and exposes the holder to board discipline for violations. It is not a voluntary association certificate, an employer-issued document, or a federal credential.

Question 8Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist notices that a colleague is practicing with an expired license. What is the appropriate professional and legal response?

  1. Continue assisting the colleague until the license is renewed
  2. Cover for the colleague by signing the colleague's charts
  3. Ignore the situation because licensure is a personal matter
  4. Report the matter to the Board of Dental Examiners and refrain from assisting the unlicensed practice Correct answer.

Explanation

Practicing on an expired license is unlicensed practice, and hygienists have a professional and legal duty to report it to the Board rather than facilitate it. Assisting or documenting for an unlicensed practitioner can expose the reporting hygienist to discipline as well.

Question 9Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

In New Hampshire, a hygienist administers nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia. Which supervision requirement most accurately applies?

  1. It may be administered under direct supervision with the dentist present and prepared to manage emergencies Correct answer.
  2. It may be administered only by the patient at home
  3. It may be administered by a dental assistant without certification
  4. It may be administered under general supervision without any dentist involvement

Explanation

Nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia by a hygienist requires the dentist to be present and available to manage any adverse reaction, which is direct supervision. The procedure also requires appropriate training and certification, and it cannot be delegated to an uncertified assistant.

Question 10Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dentist asks a hygienist to place a temporary restoration in a patient's tooth while the dentist is out of the office. How should the hygienist respond?

  1. Decline, because placing restorations is outside the dental hygiene scope of practice Correct answer.
  2. Accept, provided the hygienist documents the procedure
  3. Accept, because general supervision authorizes any task the dentist delegates
  4. Decline, because the dentist must be in the building for all procedures

Explanation

Placing restorative material is a restorative dental procedure reserved for licensed dentists and cannot be delegated to a hygienist, regardless of supervision level. The correct response is to decline and explain the scope limitation to the dentist.

Question 11Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which statement best distinguishes direct supervision from general supervision in New Hampshire dental practice?

  1. General supervision requires the dentist to examine the patient immediately before the procedure
  2. Both require the dentist on site, but direct supervision requires a written order
  3. Direct supervision requires the dentist to be physically present; general supervision requires prior authorization but not presence Correct answer.
  4. Direct supervision requires prior written authorization; general supervision requires the dentist on site

Explanation

The defining difference is the dentist's physical presence: direct supervision requires the dentist to be on the premises and available, while general supervision requires prior authorization of the services but not presence. Written authorization alone does not convert general supervision into direct supervision.

Question 12Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist working under general supervision discovers a suspicious soft tissue lesion during an oral assessment. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Excise the lesion and send it for biopsy
  2. Document the finding, inform the patient, and arrange for the dentist to evaluate it promptly Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the lesion because the hygienist cannot diagnose pathology
  4. Prescribe an antibiotic and recheck in two weeks

Explanation

Hygienists are trained to recognize abnormal findings and must document them and facilitate dentist evaluation; recognizing and referring is not the same as diagnosing. Excision and prescribing are outside the hygiene scope of practice.

Question 13Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist plans to provide dental hygiene services in a skilled nursing facility under a collaborative agreement with a dentist. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The hygienist may perform any dental procedure the facility requests
  2. The dentist must be physically present in the facility during all services
  3. The arrangement must satisfy statutory public health supervision requirements, including any required agreement and permit Correct answer.
  4. No agreement is needed because nursing facilities are exempt from licensure laws

Explanation

Public health supervision in settings such as nursing facilities is authorized only when the statutory requirements, including a written agreement with a supervising dentist and any required permit, are met. The arrangement does not expand the hygienist's scope of practice, and the dentist need not be present.

Question 14Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following best explains why the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners may discipline a hygienist for conduct occurring outside the dental office?

  1. The Board has no authority over conduct outside the office
  2. Only criminal courts may address out-of-office conduct
  3. Discipline outside the office requires a patient complaint
  4. The Board's authority extends to unprofessional conduct and fitness to practice, not only to clinical errors Correct answer.

Explanation

Boards regulate professional conduct and fitness to practice, so conduct such as fraud, impairment, or practicing beyond scope can support discipline even when it occurs outside the clinical setting. A patient complaint is not a prerequisite for the Board to act.

Question 15Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist is asked to delegate supragingival scaling to an uncertified dental assistant. What is the correct response?

  1. Comply, if the assistant has worked in the office for over a year
  2. Comply, because the dentist authorized the delegation
  3. Refuse, because only the office manager can approve delegation
  4. Refuse, because scaling is a licensed dental hygiene function that cannot be delegated to an uncertified assistant Correct answer.

Explanation

Scaling is a licensed dental hygiene procedure and cannot be delegated to an uncertified dental assistant, even with dentist authorization. Delegation must stay within the statutory scope of the person performing the task.

Question 16Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following statements about a New Hampshire dental hygienist's ability to own a dental practice is most accurate?

  1. A hygienist may not own a dental practice that provides dental treatment requiring a dentist's license Correct answer.
  2. A hygienist may own and operate a full-service dental practice independently
  3. A hygienist may own a practice if a dental assistant agrees to supervise
  4. A hygienist may own a practice only if the hygienist also holds a dental license

Explanation

Because dental treatment must be provided by or under the authority of a licensed dentist, a hygienist cannot own and operate a practice that delivers dental treatment requiring a dental license. Ownership structures must respect the corporate practice and licensure requirements of the Dental Practice Act.

Question 17Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist has just moved from another state and holds a valid license there. What is required before the hygienist may practice clinically in New Hampshire?

  1. Obtain a New Hampshire license through the Board's licensure or licensure-by-credentials process Correct answer.
  2. Practice immediately because licensure is reciprocal nationwide
  3. Practice for 90 days while the application is pending
  4. Obtain a temporary permit from the employing dentist

Explanation

Practice in New Hampshire requires a New Hampshire license obtained through the Board's application or licensure-by-credentials pathway. There is no automatic nationwide reciprocity, and an employer cannot issue practice authority.

Question 18Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following tasks is most likely permitted for a New Hampshire dental hygienist under general supervision, assuming proper training and authorization?

  1. Administering an inferior alveolar nerve block
  2. Preparing a tooth for a crown
  3. Extracting a mobile primary tooth
  4. Performing root planing on a patient with moderate periodontitis Correct answer.

Explanation

Root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal therapy within the hygiene scope and may be performed under general supervision when the dentist has authorized care. Extractions, nerve blocks, and crown preparation are dentist-level procedures.

Question 19Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A patient refuses a recommended periodontal referral and asks the hygienist to continue treatment. Which action best reflects the hygienist's legal and ethical obligations?

  1. Document the refusal, explain the risks, continue within scope, and inform the dentist Correct answer.
  2. Discharge the patient immediately without explanation
  3. Perform the referral procedure independently to avoid delay
  4. Continue treatment without documenting the refusal

Explanation

Respecting patient autonomy requires documenting the informed refusal and communicating it to the dentist while continuing care within the hygienist's scope. The hygienist cannot perform dentist-level procedures to compensate for the refusal.

Question 20Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dentist instructs a hygienist to perform a procedure that the hygienist believes is outside the hygiene scope. What is the most appropriate course of action?

  1. Perform the procedure and note the concern in the chart
  2. Decline the procedure and clarify the scope limitation with the dentist before proceeding Correct answer.
  3. Ask a dental assistant to perform the procedure instead
  4. Perform the procedure because the dentist is legally responsible

Explanation

Each licensee is personally responsible for practicing within the statutory scope, and a dentist's instruction cannot authorize an out-of-scope act. The hygienist should decline and resolve the scope question before any care is delivered.

Question 21Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which statement accurately describes the continuing education requirement for New Hampshire dental hygienists?

  1. Continuing education is required only after a disciplinary action
  2. Continuing education is optional and has no effect on renewal
  3. License renewal requires completion of board-approved continuing education, including any mandated subject areas Correct answer.
  4. Continuing education credits may be earned solely by reading journal advertisements

Explanation

New Hampshire requires board-approved continuing education for license renewal, and the Board specifies the number of hours and any mandated topics. Noncompliance can affect renewal, and credits must come from approved sources.

Question 22Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist employed in a New Hampshire school-based program provides sealants without a dentist on site. Which condition is essential to lawful practice?

  1. A dentist must be in the building for each sealant
  2. Compliance with the public health supervision statute, including parental consent and a supervising dentist agreement Correct answer.
  3. The hygienist must hold a dental degree
  4. The school nurse must supervise the procedure

Explanation

School-based sealant programs operate under public health supervision, which requires statutory compliance such as a written agreement with a supervising dentist and appropriate consent. The dentist's presence and a dental degree are not required, and a school nurse cannot supervise clinical dental procedures.

Question 23Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following best describes the legal effect of a dentist's standing order authorizing hygiene services in a public health setting?

  1. It provides prior authorization for specified services but does not expand the hygienist's statutory scope Correct answer.
  2. It authorizes the hygienist to diagnose and prescribe
  3. It converts the hygienist into an independent dental practitioner
  4. It eliminates the need for a New Hampshire hygiene license

Explanation

A standing order or written agreement supplies the prior authorization needed for general or public health supervision, but it cannot enlarge the scope of practice defined by statute. The hygienist remains licensed and limited to hygiene services.

Question 24Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist suspects that a dentist is practicing while impaired. Which action best reflects the hygienist's professional obligation?

  1. Report the concern to the Board or the appropriate impaired-practitioner program to protect patients Correct answer.
  2. Continue assisting the dentist until a patient is harmed
  3. Ignore the concern to avoid workplace conflict
  4. Confront the dentist publicly in front of patients

Explanation

Hygienists share a duty to protect the public, and suspected impairment should be reported through the Board or a designated impaired-practitioner program. Waiting for harm or handling the matter publicly in front of patients is inappropriate.

Question 25Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist wants to perform a procedure that is permitted in another state but not expressly listed in New Hampshire's hygiene statute. What is the most defensible interpretation?

  1. The procedure is not authorized unless the statute or Board rule permits it, because scope is defined by affirmative authorization Correct answer.
  2. The procedure is authorized because another state permits it
  3. The procedure is authorized because the dentist is willing to supervise
  4. The procedure is authorized if the patient signs a consent form

Explanation

Scope of practice is defined by affirmative statutory and regulatory authorization, not by the laws of other states or by patient consent. When a procedure is not authorized, the hygienist should not perform it without clarification from the Board.

Question 26Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Under New Hampshire dental hygiene rules, which individual is legally authorized to provide direct supervision of a dental hygienist's patient care?

  1. The practice's office manager when the dentist is reachable by telephone
  2. A licensed dentist who is physically present in the office and available to the patient Correct answer.
  3. A certified dental assistant who has completed an expanded-functions course
  4. A licensed dental hygienist with at least five years of clinical experience

Explanation

Direct supervision in New Hampshire requires a licensed dentist to be physically present in the treatment facility and available to the patient during the procedure. Supervision authority rests with the dentist's license, not with hygienists, assistants, or administrative staff. Delegating that oversight to non-dentists would exceed the legal scope of their credentials.

Question 27Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist is scheduled to see a patient while the supervising dentist is away attending a conference but can be reached by phone. Which statement best characterizes the level of supervision that would permit the hygienist to proceed?

  1. Indirect supervision, a distinct third category recognized for hygiene services
  2. No supervision is required because the patient is an established recall patient
  3. Direct supervision, because telephone contact is treated as physical presence
  4. General supervision, because the dentist has authorized the services and retains responsibility for the patient Correct answer.

Explanation

General supervision allows authorized hygiene services to be delivered when the dentist has prescribed them and remains responsible for the patient's care, even though the dentist is not on site. Telephone reachability fits general rather than direct supervision. New Hampshire's framework does not create a separate 'indirect supervision' tier for routine hygiene care.

Question 28Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which action falls within a New Hampshire dental hygienist's scope when performed under appropriate supervision?

  1. Performing supragingival and subgingival scaling and root planing Correct answer.
  2. Diagnosing a carious lesion and writing a restorative treatment plan
  3. Extracting a mobile primary tooth at the patient's request
  4. Administering a local anesthetic block without any dentist authorization

Explanation

Scaling and root planing, including subgingival debridement, are core dental hygiene functions that a licensed hygienist may perform under the supervision level the rules require. Diagnosis and treatment planning remain dentist responsibilities. Extractions and unauthorized anesthesia exceed hygiene scope.

Question 29Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A patient's periodontal condition worsens and the hygienist believes a referral to a periodontist is needed, but the supervising dentist disagrees. What is the hygienist's most appropriate course of action?

  1. Refer the patient to the periodontist without informing the dentist
  2. Document the concern, continue care as directed, and communicate the recommendation to the patient within the dentist's plan of care Correct answer.
  3. Ask a dental assistant to decide whether the referral is warranted
  4. Refuse to treat the patient until the dentist changes the treatment plan

Explanation

The dentist holds responsibility for the overall treatment plan, so the hygienist should document clinical findings and advocate for the referral while continuing authorized care. Unilateral referral bypasses the supervising dentist's role. Refusing care and delegating the judgment to an assistant are both inappropriate.

Question 30Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist is asked to administer local anesthesia. Which statement best describes the legal basis for doing so?

  1. It is permitted to any licensed hygienist because local anesthesia is inherent in the hygiene scope
  2. It is prohibited for hygienists under all circumstances in New Hampshire
  3. It is permitted only when the hygienist holds the required credential and the rules' supervision and training conditions are met Correct answer.
  4. It is permitted whenever a dental assistant is present to monitor the patient

Explanation

Local anesthesia administration by hygienists depends on specific authorization, required education, and the supervision conditions set out in the rules. A general hygiene license alone does not automatically convey this authority. The presence of an assistant does not substitute for the required credential and supervision.

Question 31Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dentist wishes to have a hygienist provide services in a satellite location where the dentist will not be present. Which condition most accurately reflects New Hampshire requirements for that arrangement?

  1. The hygienist may operate independently once the satellite site is registered
  2. A dentist must be physically on site at all times the satellite is open
  3. The services must be authorized by the dentist, who retains responsibility for the patient, consistent with general supervision Correct answer.
  4. The arrangement is prohibited unless the satellite is a public health clinic

Explanation

Off-site hygiene services can be provided under general supervision when the dentist has authorized them and remains responsible for patient care. Physical on-site presence is not required for general supervision. The rules do not limit such arrangements to public health settings.

Question 32Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following is a function a New Hampshire hygienist may NOT perform even with a dentist's authorization?

  1. Application of a topical fluoride varnish
  2. Placement of a sealant on a newly erupted molar
  3. Surgical extraction of an erupted permanent tooth Correct answer.
  4. Oral prophylaxis with polishing

Explanation

Surgical extraction is an operative dental procedure that falls outside the hygiene scope regardless of dentist authorization. Sealants, prophylaxis, and fluoride varnish are established preventive hygiene services. A dentist's permission cannot expand the statutory scope of hygiene practice.

Question 33Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist in a New Hampshire public health setting provides services under a collaborative agreement with a dentist. Which statement best describes the dentist's role in that arrangement?

  1. The collaborative agreement eliminates the need for any licensed dentist involvement
  2. The dentist must be physically present at every appointment
  3. The hygienist assumes full independent responsibility and the dentist has no role
  4. The dentist provides the required oversight and authorization while the hygienist delivers services within the agreed scope Correct answer.

Explanation

Collaborative arrangements allow hygienists to serve patients in specified settings while the collaborating dentist supplies oversight and authorization. The dentist's role is real but does not require physical presence at every appointment. The agreement supplements rather than removes dentist involvement.

Question 34Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A hygienist is unsure whether a newly introduced procedure is within the New Hampshire hygiene scope. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Ask the dental assistant to confirm the procedure is within scope
  2. Perform the procedure once to see whether any complications arise
  3. Rely on a colleague's statement that the procedure is allowed in another state
  4. Consult the Dental Practice Act and Board rules, and seek guidance from the Board before performing the procedure Correct answer.

Explanation

Scope questions are resolved by consulting the governing statute and Board rules, with clarification from the Board when ambiguity remains. Trial performance risks unlicensed practice. Out-of-state practice patterns and assistant opinions are not authority in New Hampshire.

Question 35Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which statement best describes the legal significance of a dentist's standing order for hygiene services in a New Hampshire practice?

  1. It permits the hygienist to perform any procedure the dentist can perform
  2. It removes the dentist's responsibility for the patients covered
  3. It authorizes specified hygiene services for patients meeting stated criteria under general supervision Correct answer.
  4. It converts the hygienist's license into an independent practice license

Explanation

A standing order prospectively authorizes defined hygiene services for patients who meet stated criteria, operating within general supervision. It does not expand the hygiene scope or create independent practice authority. The dentist remains responsible for the patients covered by the order.

Question 36Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist is asked to supervise a dental assisting student performing intraoral functions. Which response is most accurate?

  1. The hygienist may supervise only in a public health clinic
  2. The hygienist may supervise if the assistant has five years of experience
  3. The hygienist may not serve as the legally required supervising dentist for the assistant's intraoral functions Correct answer.
  4. The hygienist may supervise because both are licensed oral health professionals

Explanation

Supervision of dental assisting functions that require dentist oversight is a dentist responsibility. A hygienist's license does not include authority to serve as the supervising dentist for those functions. Neither experience nor practice setting changes that limitation.

Question 37Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which of the following best describes the supervision level typically associated with a routine adult prophylaxis for an established patient in New Hampshire?

  1. No supervision, because prophylaxis is a preventive service
  2. General supervision, once the dentist has authorized the service and retains patient responsibility Correct answer.
  3. Supervision by any licensed dental team member present in the office
  4. Direct supervision, with the dentist chairside for the entire appointment

Explanation

Routine prophylaxis for established patients is generally delivered under general supervision after dentist authorization. The dentist need not be chairside throughout the appointment. Preventive status does not eliminate the supervision requirement, and supervision cannot be supplied by any team member.

Question 38Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A dentist directs a hygienist to perform a procedure that the hygienist reasonably believes is outside the hygiene scope. What is the hygienist's best course of action?

  1. Perform the procedure because a dentist's direction always authorizes it
  2. Perform the procedure and document the dentist's instruction as a defense
  3. Decline to perform the procedure and clarify the scope question through the statute, Board rules, or Board guidance Correct answer.
  4. Ask the patient to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure

Explanation

A dentist's direction cannot expand the statutory scope of hygiene practice, so the hygienist should decline and resolve the question through authoritative sources or Board guidance. Documentation or patient consent does not cure an out-of-scope act. Following the order exposes the hygienist to discipline.

Question 39Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

A New Hampshire hygienist provides services in a school-based program without a dentist on site. Which condition is most essential for lawful practice?

  1. The hygienist carries separate malpractice coverage for school settings
  2. The services are authorized under the applicable supervision or collaborative provisions and fall within the hygiene scope Correct answer.
  3. The school principal signs a permission slip for each patient
  4. A dental assistant is present to verify each service

Explanation

Lawful off-site school services depend on the authorization structure the rules provide, such as general supervision or collaborative arrangements, combined with services within the hygiene scope. Administrative permissions, insurance, and assistant presence do not supply the legal authority.

Question 40Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice and Supervision Levels

Which statement best captures the relationship between a New Hampshire hygienist's license and the procedures the hygienist may perform?

  1. The license authorizes only those procedures the statute and Board rules assign to dental hygienists, subject to the required supervision Correct answer.
  2. The license authorizes procedures once the hygienist completes continuing education in them
  3. The license authorizes any procedure taught in an accredited hygiene program
  4. The license authorizes any procedure a supervising dentist is willing to delegate

Explanation

Hygiene scope is defined by statute and Board rules, and each authorized service carries a supervision requirement. A dentist's willingness to delegate or a program's curriculum cannot enlarge that scope. Continuing education may qualify a hygienist for an authorized function but does not itself create authority.

Question 41Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

In New Hampshire, which agency administers the dental hygiene licensure program and issues dental hygienist licenses?

  1. The New Hampshire Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education
  2. The New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification Correct answer.
  3. The New Hampshire Dental Hygienists' Association
  4. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health

Explanation

Dental hygiene licensure in New Hampshire is administered by the Board of Dental Examiners, which operates within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. The Board adopts rules, approves examinations, and issues licenses to qualified applicants. Professional associations and health agencies do not have statutory licensure authority.

Question 42Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

A candidate for dental hygiene licensure in New Hampshire must pass which written examination accepted by the Board of Dental Examiners?

  1. The National Board Dental Hygiene Examination administered by the ADA Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations Correct answer.
  2. The Dental Hygiene National Board Practical Examination administered by the state association
  3. The Dental Assisting National Board Radiation Health and Safety examination
  4. The New Hampshire Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test

Explanation

New Hampshire requires applicants to pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, the written cognitive exam administered through the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. This examination verifies biomedical and dental hygiene science knowledge before clinical and jurisprudence requirements are met.

Question 43Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

Which clinical examination component is generally required for initial dental hygiene licensure in New Hampshire in addition to the written National Board examination?

  1. A 500-hour preceptorship completed under a supervising dentist
  2. A passing score on an accepted regional clinical or clinical-equivalent examination approved by the Board Correct answer.
  3. A proctored oral case presentation before the full Board
  4. A second written examination written by the Board on dental materials

Explanation

New Hampshire requires a passing score on a clinical examination or an accepted clinical-equivalent pathway approved by the Board, in addition to the National Board written examination. The Board's rules identify which regional testing agencies and alternative pathways are accepted. The requirement ensures demonstrated clinical competence before independent practice.

Question 44Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

A dental hygienist licensed in another state moves to New Hampshire and wishes to practice. Which statement best describes the licensure by credentials pathway?

  1. The hygienist may apply for licensure by credentials if the Board's criteria for education, examination, and prior licensure are met. Correct answer.
  2. The hygienist may practice immediately upon relocation because licensure is reciprocal among all states.
  3. The hygienist must complete the full New Hampshire clinical examination regardless of prior licensure.
  4. The hygienist must first obtain a dental assisting license before applying.

Explanation

New Hampshire provides a licensure by credentials pathway for hygienists licensed in other jurisdictions who meet Board-established criteria regarding education, examinations, and active licensure. The Board reviews the application and supporting documentation before issuing a New Hampshire license. Practice before licensure is not permitted.

Question 45Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

Under New Hampshire rules, how often must a dental hygienist renew a license to practice?

  1. Every two years Correct answer.
  2. Annually
  3. Every three years
  4. Every five years

Explanation

New Hampshire dental hygienist licenses are renewed on a biennial cycle, with renewal tied to completion of continuing education and other Board requirements. The two-year cycle aligns with the continuing education reporting period established in Board rules.

Question 46Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

During each renewal cycle, a New Hampshire dental hygienist must complete a minimum number of continuing education hours. Which figure reflects the Board's requirement?

  1. 50 hours per two-year cycle
  2. 20 hours per two-year cycle Correct answer.
  3. 40 hours per two-year cycle
  4. 10 hours per two-year cycle

Explanation

New Hampshire requires dental hygienists to complete 20 continuing education hours per biennial renewal cycle. The hours must come from Board-accepted providers and include any mandated subject areas such as ethics or jurisprudence. Documentation must be retained for audit.

Question 47Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

A dental hygienist is audited regarding continuing education. What is the hygienist's obligation regarding proof of completed courses?

  1. The hygienist must retain certificates or other documentation of completion and produce them if requested by the Board. Correct answer.
  2. The hygienist must mail original certificates to the Board with every renewal.
  3. No documentation is needed because the Board receives provider reports automatically.
  4. The hygienist must have the supervising dentist certify attendance for each course.

Explanation

Hygienists are responsible for retaining documentation of continuing education completion and furnishing it upon Board request. Certificates should show the provider, course title, date, and hours. Random audits enforce the requirement without requiring routine submission of all certificates.

Question 48Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

Which action is required of a New Hampshire dental hygienist who changes their legal name after marriage?

  1. Report the change only to the employing dentist.
  2. Notify the Board and request a name change on the license with supporting legal documentation. Correct answer.
  3. No action is needed until the next renewal.
  4. Apply for an entirely new dental hygiene license.

Explanation

Licensees must notify the Board of a legal name change and provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order so the license record can be updated. Failing to keep the license record accurate can create verification problems for employers. A new license application is not required.

Question 49Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

A New Hampshire dental hygienist plans to move to a new practice address within the state. What is the appropriate action regarding the license?

  1. Notify the Board of the address change so the licensure record remains current Correct answer.
  2. Obtain a separate license for each practice location
  3. Nothing, because the license is tied to the individual and not to any address
  4. Surrender the license and apply for a new one at the new location

Explanation

The Board must be notified when a licensee's address of record or practice location changes so that official correspondence and the public license record remain accurate. The license itself remains valid and portable within the state. Multiple location-specific licenses are not issued to hygienists.

Question 50Licensure, Registration, and Renewal Requirements

A New Hampshire dental hygiene license has lapsed because the hygienist failed to renew. Which statement reflects the correct rule?

  1. The license is automatically void and the hygienist must repeat the full initial licensure examination.
  2. The hygienist may not practice until the license is reinstated under Board procedures, which may include late fees or additional requirements. Correct answer.
  3. The license remains valid indefinitely as long as continuing education is eventually completed.
  4. The hygienist may continue practicing while the late renewal is processed.

Explanation

Practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice. The hygienist must complete the Board's reinstatement process, which may involve late fees, proof of continuing education, or other conditions, before resuming practice. Repeating the full initial examination is generally not required for a short lapse.