OR Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence flashcards

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

ORS chapter 679

The Oregon statutes that define and govern the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene, establish the Board of Dentistry, and authorize discipline of licensees.

OAR chapter 818

The Oregon Board of Dentistry's administrative rules, organized in divisions, that implement the Dental Practice Act including scope, licensure, infection control, and CE requirements.

Practice of dentistry definition

Under Oregon law, the diagnosis, treatment, and correction of conditions of the oral cavity, including surgery and fitting of prostheses, performed by a licensed dentist.

Direct supervision

A supervision level requiring the dentist to be physically present in the office and to have examined the patient before the hygienist performs the delegated procedure.

General supervision

A supervision level in which the dentist authorizes treatment but need not be present on-site, with availability for consultation as defined by Board rule.

Expanded functions certification

Board-issued authorization allowing a hygienist to perform additional procedures such as local anesthesia, nitrous oxide-oxygen sedation, or restorative functions after required training.

Licensure by credentials

A pathway allowing a hygienist licensed in another state to obtain Oregon licensure without re-taking the clinical examination, based on verified credentials and practice experience.

Renewal cycle

Oregon dental hygiene licenses renew on an annual cycle, requiring a fee, continuing education attestation, and current BLS certification at the healthcare provider level.

Jurisprudence examination

A Board-required examination on Oregon dental law and rules that applicants must pass as a condition of initial licensure.

Lapsed license reinstatement

A license not renewed by its expiration date may be reinstated upon application, payment of late fees, and evidence of CE, with Board review for extended lapses.

Board composition

The Oregon Board of Dentistry includes licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and public members appointed by the Governor to regulate dental professions in the public interest.

Contested case hearing

The formal disciplinary process under the Administrative Procedures Act in which an administrative law judge hears evidence and the Board issues a final order.

Emergency suspension

An immediate Board action suspending a license when continued practice poses an immediate danger to public health and safety, pending a full hearing.

Letter of concern

A non-disciplinary Board communication issued after investigation that expresses concern about a licensee's conduct without imposing formal sanctions.

Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist

A hygienist holding a Board permit to practice in underserved settings under a written collaborative agreement with a dentist, without on-site supervision.

Collaborative agreement

A written arrangement between an EPDH and a licensed dentist that defines referral pathways, consultation, emergency protocols, and the scope of services provided.

Indirect supervision

A supervision level in which the dentist has authorized the procedure in advance but is not required to be physically present while the hygienist performs it.

School-based sealant programs

Programs in which hygienists may apply sealants and fluoride under general supervision in specified community or school settings when statutory conditions are met.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices applied to all patients regardless of diagnosis, treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious, including hand hygiene and PPE.

Biological indicator monitoring

A sterilization quality check using spores to verify that the autoclave or other sterilizer reliably kills microorganisms, documented at the frequency required by rule.

Exposure control plan

A written OSHA-required plan describing how the practice protects staff from bloodborne pathogens, including vaccination offers, PPE, and post-exposure procedures.

Sharps container

A puncture-resistant, labeled container used to immediately dispose of needles, scalpel blades, and other sharp items to prevent injury and infection transmission.

Record retention period

Oregon requires dental records be kept at least seven years after the last treatment, and longer for minors until the retention period after reaching majority.

Informed consent elements

Disclosure of the procedure's nature, risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of declining treatment, documented in the patient record before treatment begins.

HIPAA Privacy Rule

Federal standards governing use and disclosure of protected health information, requiring safeguards, a Notice of Privacy Practices, and patient access rights.

Accounting of disclosures

A patient right under HIPAA to receive a list of certain disclosures of their protected health information made by the practice, excluding treatment and payment disclosures.

Mandatory child abuse reporting

Under ORS 419B.010, licensees must report suspected child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Department of Human Services.

Impaired practice

Practicing while affected by alcohol, drugs, or a physical or mental condition that impairs judgment or skill, which is grounds for Board discipline.

Duty to report violations

Licensees must report to the Board known violations of the Dental Practice Act by other licensees, including impairment and sexual misconduct.

Continuing education audit

The Board's review of a licensee's CE documentation to verify compliance with renewal requirements, which may result in remediation requirements if deficient.

BLS certification requirement

Current basic life support certification at the healthcare provider level must be maintained as a condition of licensure renewal for Oregon dental hygienists.

Falsifying CE records

Claiming continuing education credit for courses not attended or completing records falsely, which constitutes unprofessional conduct subject to discipline.