NV Dental Jurisprudence key terms

The chapter of Nevada law that establishes the State Board of Dental Examiners and sets the legal rules for licensing, scope of practice, discipline, and business conduct of dental professionals in the state.

The Nevada regulatory body whose members are appointed to license dentists, dental hygienists, and assistants, adopt regulations, investigate complaints, and impose discipline for violations of dental law.

A licensed professional who provides preventive and therapeutic services such as prophylaxis, scaling, and patient education under the level of supervision the law requires for each specific task.

An unlicensed or certified auxiliary who supports dentists by performing chairside tasks and specified expanded functions only when trained and supervised as the Board's regulations permit.

A supervision level in which the dentist must be physically present in the office, have examined the patient, and be available to observe and immediately assist the auxiliary performing the delegated procedure.

A supervision level in which the dentist has authorized the procedure and remains responsible for the patient's care but need not be physically present in the office while an auxiliary performs the service.

A supervision level requiring the dentist to have examined the patient and authorized the procedure, with the dentist available by phone or otherwise reachable while the auxiliary works.

Additional clinical duties, such as certain restorative or orthodontic tasks, that a dental assistant or hygienist may perform only after completing required training and meeting the Board's certification conditions.

The legally defined boundary of services a licensee may perform given their license type, education, and training, beyond which performing treatment constitutes unlicensed practice or unprofessional conduct.

Performing dental procedures or using a professional title without a valid Nevada license or exemption, an offense that subjects the person to civil penalties and possible criminal prosecution.

The periodic process by which a dentist, hygienist, or assistant submits fees and proof of continuing education to keep an active Nevada license, typically every two years on a Board-set cycle.

The minimum number of approved education hours, including any mandated subject areas, that a licensee must complete during each renewal cycle to maintain active licensure in Nevada.

A license that has expired because renewal requirements were not met, which generally bars practice until the licensee applies for reinstatement and satisfies any Board conditions or penalties.

The Board process for restoring a license that was revoked, suspended, surrendered, or allowed to lapse, often requiring an application, fees, proof of competence, and sometimes a hearing.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after receiving an explanation of the diagnosis, proposed procedure, material risks, alternatives, and likely consequences, documented in the record.

The chart, notes, radiographs, and treatment documentation a dentist must create and retain for each patient, reflecting diagnosis, care provided, and consent in a legible and accurate form.

The minimum period, set by Nevada law or Board regulation, during which a licensee must keep patient records after the last treatment or after a patient reaches majority.

The entitlements patients hold in a dental setting, including privacy of health information, access to their records, freedom from abandonment, and the ability to refuse or withdraw from treatment.

Ending care for a patient without adequate notice, without arranging a qualified substitute, or at a time when the patient still needs treatment, which can constitute unprofessional conduct.

The sterilization, disinfection, hand hygiene, and barrier procedures a Nevada practice must follow to prevent transmission of bloodborne pathogens and other infections between patients and staff.

The federal workplace rule requiring dental employers to protect staff from blood and other potentially infectious material through training, vaccination offers, protective equipment, and safe work practices.

A written workplace document that identifies staff at risk of bloodborne exposure, describes protective measures and work practice controls, and is reviewed and updated at least annually.

Nevada's statewide database that tracks dispensing of controlled substances so prescribers and pharmacists can review a patient's history and identify risky use patterns.

Writing, dispensing, or administering medications regulated under state and federal drug schedules, which requires a valid practitioner-patient relationship, legitimate medical purpose, and accurate records.

A federally classified medication with high abuse potential and accepted medical use, such as many opioid analgesics, subject to stricter prescribing, refill, and recordkeeping limits than lower schedules.

A statutory category of behavior that can trigger discipline, covering acts such as fraud, incompetence, impairment, patient exploitation, and violations of Board rules or patient confidentiality.

The degree of skill and care that a reasonably competent dentist in similar circumstances would provide, used as the benchmark when evaluating negligence or incompetence in disciplinary matters.

A situation in which a dentist's financial or personal interest could improperly influence clinical judgment, such as self-referral or ownership in a lab, requiring disclosure to the patient.

The Board's inquiry into a complaint or self-reported violation, during which it may request records, interview witnesses, and ultimately dismiss the matter or file formal disciplinary charges.

A written allegation submitted to the Board by a patient, employee, or other person claiming that a licensee violated dental law, which the Board screens to decide whether to investigate.

A negotiated settlement in which a licensee accepts specified discipline, such as probation or a fine, without a full hearing, subject to Board approval and public record.

The most severe disciplinary sanction, permanently cancelling a license unless the Board later grants reinstatement after a defined waiting period and proof of rehabilitation.

A disciplinary or interim action that temporarily removes the right to practice for a set period or until stated conditions are met, after which the licensee may resume practice.

Board requirements that dental marketing be truthful, not misleading, and free of guarantees or unsubstantiated claims, with special care when describing specialty credentials or discounted services.

Paying or receiving a share of dental fees to or from a person who did not provide the service, generally prohibited except for permitted arrangements such as bona fide employment or partnership.

Identifying oneself as a specialist in marketing, which is generally limited to dentists who hold recognized specialty certification or meet the Board's criteria for announcing that status.

The requirement that advertised discounts, coupons, or fee waivers be clearly explained so patients understand the actual price and any conditions attached to the offer.