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PA Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study materials
PA Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence study resources

PA Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence practice questions

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Question 1Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under the Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act, which entity holds the legal authority to license dental hygienists in the Commonwealth?

  1. The Department of Health
  2. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
  3. The Pennsylvania Dental Hygienists' Association
  4. The State Board of Dentistry Correct answer.

Explanation

The State Board of Dentistry is the licensing body created by the Dental Practice Act and is responsible for examining and licensing dental hygienists. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs provides administrative support but does not itself grant licenses.

Question 2Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist's license in Pennsylvania comes up for renewal. Under the Dental Practice Act and Board regulations, renewal occurs on what cycle?

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

Explanation

Pennsylvania dental hygiene licenses are renewed biennially, on the even-numbered year cycle established by the Board of Dentistry. Licensees must complete the required continuing education before the biennial renewal deadline.

Question 3Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which task may a licensed dental hygienist perform in Pennsylvania without the direct supervision of a dentist?

  1. Extracting a primary tooth
  2. Taking dental radiographs Correct answer.
  3. Preparing a tooth for a restoration
  4. Administering local anesthesia

Explanation

Exposing dental radiographs is within the dental hygiene scope and may be performed under the supervision framework defined by the Board. Local anesthesia and restorative or surgical procedures are reserved to dentists or require specific additional authorization.

Question 4Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under the Dental Practice Act, a dental hygienist who observes a patient with an untreated condition requiring the attention of a dentist must do which of the following?

  1. Refer the patient to a dentist for evaluation Correct answer.
  2. Treat the condition independently
  3. Document the finding and take no further action
  4. Report the patient to the Board

Explanation

The hygienist's role includes recognizing conditions that require dentist intervention and referring the patient appropriately. The hygienist may not independently treat conditions outside the hygiene scope, and reporting the patient to the Board is not the required response.

Question 5Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

In Pennsylvania, which of the following best describes the supervision level under which a dental hygienist typically performs prophylaxis and scaling?

  1. No supervision required
  2. Direct supervision
  3. General supervision Correct answer.
  4. Independent practice

Explanation

Routine prophylactic and scaling services are generally provided under general supervision, meaning the dentist has authorized the service but need not be physically present. Direct supervision requires the dentist on the premises, which is reserved for more involved procedures.

Question 6Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dentist asks a hygienist to place a temporary filling while the dentist is away from the office. How should the hygienist respond under the Dental Practice Act?

  1. Decline because restorative procedures are outside the hygiene scope Correct answer.
  2. Place the filling only if the patient consents in writing
  3. Place the filling because the dentist delegated it
  4. Place the filling and document it as a hygiene service

Explanation

Restorative procedures such as placing fillings are not within the dental hygiene scope of practice and cannot be delegated to a hygienist. The hygienist must decline regardless of dentist instruction or patient consent.

Question 7Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following is a ground for disciplinary action against a dental hygienist under the Dental Practice Act?

  1. Working in more than one dental office
  2. Completing more continuing education than required
  3. Practicing while the license is suspended Correct answer.
  4. Declining to treat a patient with an active infection

Explanation

Practicing while a license is suspended or revoked is an express ground for discipline under the Act. Exceeding continuing education hours, working at multiple offices, and declining to treat an infectious patient are not disciplinary grounds.

Question 8Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A patient asks a hygienist to disclose their treatment records to a family member. Under Pennsylvania law and Board regulations, the hygienist should do which of the following?

  1. Release the records to anyone who pays the copying fee
  2. Release the records because the family member requested them
  3. Release the records only with the patient's authorization or as required by law Correct answer.
  4. Refuse all record requests permanently

Explanation

Patient records are confidential, and disclosure requires the patient's authorization or a legal exception such as a court order. A family member's request alone does not authorize release.

Question 9Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under Board regulations, which of the following is required of a dental hygienist regarding infection control?

  1. Use of gloves only during surgical procedures
  2. Compliance with accepted infection control standards such as universal precautions Correct answer.
  3. Annual inspection by the Department of Health
  4. Sterilization of instruments only when visibly soiled

Explanation

Board regulations require dental hygienists to follow accepted infection control practices, including universal precautions, for all patients. Instrument sterilization is required regardless of visible contamination.

Question 10Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist moves from another state to Pennsylvania and wishes to practice. Which statement best reflects the Board's licensure pathway?

  1. The hygienist may practice for one year while awaiting a license
  2. The hygienist must meet Board requirements, which may include licensure by credentials or examination Correct answer.
  3. The out-of-state license transfers automatically
  4. No license is needed if the hygienist practices part-time

Explanation

Pennsylvania requires a license to practice, and out-of-state licensees must satisfy the Board's requirements, which may include licensure by credentials or by examination. There is no automatic reciprocity or grace period for unlicensed practice.

Question 11Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following best describes the continuing education obligation for a Pennsylvania dental hygienist at renewal?

  1. No continuing education is required
  2. Only CPR certification is required
  3. A specified number of Board-approved hours must be completed each renewal cycle Correct answer.
  4. Continuing education is required only after a disciplinary action

Explanation

The Board requires licensees to complete a set number of approved continuing education hours during each biennial cycle as a condition of renewal. Failure to complete the requirement can result in a lapsed or inactive license.

Question 12Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist is asked to supervise an unlicensed dental assistant performing scaling. What is the correct response?

  1. Refuse because unlicensed persons may not perform scaling Correct answer.
  2. Allow it if the assistant has completed on-the-job training
  3. Allow it if the patient is informed
  4. Allow it because the hygienist is present

Explanation

Scaling is a licensed function, and permitting an unlicensed person to perform it constitutes unlicensed practice, which the hygienist must not facilitate. On-the-job training or patient notification does not create legal authority.

Question 13Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under the Dental Practice Act, the State Board of Dentistry has authority to do which of the following?

  1. Set reimbursement rates for dental services
  2. Enact amendments to the Dental Practice Act
  3. Adopt regulations to implement the Act Correct answer.
  4. Operate dental clinics statewide

Explanation

The Board adopts regulations to carry out the Act, but only the legislature can amend the statute itself. The Board does not set reimbursement rates or operate clinics.

Question 14Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist is convicted of a misdemeanor unrelated to dental practice. What is the Board's authority regarding the license?

  1. The Board may take disciplinary action if the conviction relates to the practice or fitness to practice Correct answer.
  2. The Board has no authority over off-duty conduct
  3. The license is automatically suspended for one year
  4. The license is automatically revoked

Explanation

The Board may discipline a licensee whose conviction bears on professional fitness or relates to practice, but revocation or suspension is not automatic. The Board exercises judgment through its disciplinary process.

Question 15Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which statement about the dental hygienist's ability to administer local anesthesia in Pennsylvania is most accurate?

  1. It is permitted for all hygienists without additional requirements
  2. It requires additional education and authorization under Board regulations Correct answer.
  3. It is prohibited in all circumstances
  4. It is permitted only in hospitals

Explanation

Local anesthesia administration by hygienists requires additional education and authorization consistent with Board regulations. It is neither universally permitted without qualification nor absolutely prohibited.

Question 16Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A patient record must be maintained by the dental practice. Which statement best reflects the hygienist's responsibility for recordkeeping?

  1. Records need only be kept for one month
  2. Records may be discarded at the hygienist's discretion
  3. The hygienist must accurately document care provided and observations made Correct answer.
  4. Records belong personally to the hygienist

Explanation

Accurate documentation of treatment and observations is a professional and regulatory obligation, and records are maintained by the practice for the required retention period. Records are not the personal property of the hygienist.

Question 17Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist advertises services as a "dental doctor." Under the Act and Board regulations, this conduct is best characterized as which of the following?

  1. Permissible because advertising is unregulated
  2. Permissible if approved by the dentist
  3. Permissible if the hygienist has a doctorate in another field
  4. False or misleading advertising subject to discipline Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act prohibits false or misleading advertising, and a hygienist may not represent credentials in a way that misleads the public about licensure or qualifications. Displaying an unrelated doctoral title in a dental context can be misleading.

Question 18Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the State Board of Dentistry and the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs?

  1. The Bureau licenses hygienists and the Board prosecutes
  2. They are the same entity
  3. The Board makes licensing decisions and the Bureau provides administrative support Correct answer.
  4. The Bureau sets scope of practice and the Board enforces it

Explanation

The Board is the decision-making body for licensure and discipline, while the Bureau provides administrative and investigative support. They are distinct entities with complementary roles.

Question 19Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist suspects a colleague is practicing while impaired. Under the Act and professional obligations, the appropriate action is to do which of the following?

  1. Report the concern through appropriate channels Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the concern to avoid conflict
  3. Continue working without addressing the issue
  4. Confront the colleague publicly

Explanation

Licensees have a professional and regulatory obligation to report impaired practice through appropriate channels to protect patients. Ignoring or publicly confronting the colleague does not fulfill that duty.

Question 20Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under Board regulations, a dental hygienist may perform which of the following services under general supervision in a school-based program?

  1. Administration of oral surgery
  2. Placement of permanent restorations
  3. Application of topical fluoride and sealants where authorized Correct answer.
  4. Prescription of antibiotics

Explanation

Preventive services such as topical fluoride and sealants may be provided in authorized public health settings under the supervision framework set by the Board. Restorative, surgical, and prescribing functions remain with dentists.

Question 21Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following statements about the dental hygienist's license is correct?

  1. The license is transferable to another person
  2. The license may be displayed only at the hygienist's home
  3. The license expires only when the hygienist retires
  4. The license must be kept current and available as required by the Board Correct answer.

Explanation

A hygienist must maintain a current license and comply with Board requirements for its display or availability. Licenses are personal, nontransferable, and expire on the renewal cycle regardless of retirement.

Question 22Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist wants to provide services in a mobile setting outside a traditional office. Which statement best reflects the Act and Board regulations?

  1. Mobile services require no supervision at all
  2. A separate license is required for each location
  3. Hygiene services may never be provided outside a dental office
  4. Services may be provided in settings permitted by law and consistent with supervision requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act and Board regulations permit hygiene services in various settings, including public health and mobile programs, provided supervision and other requirements are met. A separate license per location is not required.

Question 23Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following is the best example of conduct that could constitute unprofessional conduct under the Dental Practice Act?

  1. Declining to perform an out-of-scope procedure
  2. Completing required continuing education early
  3. Falsifying a patient's treatment record Correct answer.
  4. Referring a patient to a specialist

Explanation

Falsifying records is an integrity violation and constitutes unprofessional conduct subject to discipline. Completing education early, making appropriate referrals, and declining out-of-scope tasks are all proper.

Question 24Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist receives a subpoena for a patient's records in a malpractice case. What is the appropriate response?

  1. Destroy the records
  2. Ignore the subpoena
  3. Release records to any party who asks
  4. Comply as required by law while protecting confidentiality to the extent permitted Correct answer.

Explanation

A valid subpoena is a legal basis for disclosure, but the practice should comply in a manner that protects patient confidentiality as permitted by law. Ignoring a subpoena or destroying records is improper.

Question 25Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under the Dental Practice Act, which of the following best describes the scope of practice for a dental hygienist?

  1. Only services delegated verbally by a dentist
  2. Services defined by statute and Board regulations, including preventive and therapeutic procedures Correct answer.
  3. The full scope of dentistry without limitation
  4. Only cleaning teeth with no assessment duties

Explanation

The hygiene scope includes preventive and therapeutic services defined by statute and Board regulations, along with assessment responsibilities. It does not include the full scope of dentistry and is not limited to cleaning or verbal delegation.

Question 26Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under the Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act, what is the minimum age at which an applicant may be licensed as a dental hygienist?

  1. 20 years
  2. 17 years
  3. 21 years
  4. 18 years Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act sets the minimum licensure age for dental hygienists at 18 years, consistent with the general adult-age threshold used across the licensing provisions. A candidate younger than 18 cannot be licensed regardless of education completed.

Question 27Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A Pennsylvania dental hygienist wishes to renew an active license. Which combination of requirements must be satisfied at renewal?

  1. Only payment of the renewal fee, because continuing education applies to dentists
  2. Payment of the biennial renewal fee and completion of the required continuing education hours Correct answer.
  3. Sponsorship by a supervising dentist and a notarized affidavit of employment
  4. A new clinical examination and a criminal background check

Explanation

Renewal requires both the biennial fee and the continuing education required by Board regulation. Neither element alone is sufficient to renew an active license.

Question 28Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which entity holds the statutory authority to adopt regulations that implement the Dental Practice Act?

  1. The Pennsylvania Department of Health
  2. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs alone
  3. The dental hygiene advisory committee of a dental school
  4. The State Board of Dentistry Correct answer.

Explanation

The State Board of Dentistry is the licensing board empowered to promulgate regulations under the Act, which appear in 49 Pa. Code Chapter 33. The Department of Health and the Bureau administer other functions but do not adopt the Board's practice regulations.

Question 29Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist's Pennsylvania license has lapsed for failure to renew. What is the hygienist's status if the hygienist continues to perform clinical hygiene services?

  1. The hygienist may practice for up to one year after expiration
  2. The hygienist is practicing without a license, which is a violation subject to disciplinary action Correct answer.
  3. The hygienist may practice while a late renewal is pending
  4. The hygienist may practice if a dentist signs a supervision agreement

Explanation

A lapsed license is not an active license, so continued practice constitutes unlicensed practice and exposes the hygienist to discipline. There is no grace period or supervisory workaround that authorizes practice on an expired license.

Question 30Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which of the following is a role of a dental hygienist serving on the State Board of Dentistry?

  1. Participating as a Board member in licensing and disciplinary decisions affecting hygienists and dentists Correct answer.
  2. Supervising the Board's prosecuting attorneys in disciplinary hearings
  3. Setting the salary of the Board's executive secretary
  4. Auditing the finances of the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

Explanation

Hygienist members serve as full Board members and participate in the Board's licensing and disciplinary functions. They do not direct prosecutions, set staff salaries, or audit Bureau finances.

Question 31Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Under Chapter 33, a dental hygienist may provide services in a public health or school-based setting under which arrangement?

  1. Only after the hygienist obtains a separate public health license
  2. Without any dentist involvement because public health settings are exempt
  3. Under a collaborative or supervisory arrangement permitted by regulation, with required dentist involvement Correct answer.
  4. Only if each patient is first examined by a physician

Explanation

Public health and school-based hygiene services are permitted within limits set by regulation, which still require an appropriate relationship with a dentist. The setting does not eliminate the supervision framework.

Question 32Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

What is the standard for the dentist's supervision when a hygienist performs a task classified as requiring direct supervision?

  1. The dentist must be physically present in the office and available during the procedure Correct answer.
  2. The dentist must be reachable by telephone but may be in another state
  3. The dentist must have authorized the procedure in advance but need not be present
  4. The dentist must review the record within one week after the procedure

Explanation

Direct supervision requires the dentist to be physically on the premises and available while the delegated service is performed. Advance authorization alone describes general supervision, not direct supervision.

Question 33Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dental hygienist is issued a Pennsylvania license. Which statement describes the license's effect?

  1. It authorizes the hygienist to perform any procedure a dentist delegates
  2. It authorizes practice in any state under interstate reciprocity
  3. It authorizes the practice of dental hygiene in Pennsylvania within the scope and supervision rules of the Act Correct answer.
  4. It authorizes the hygienist to practice independently in all settings without a dentist

Explanation

A Pennsylvania hygiene license authorizes practice within the statutory scope and the supervision framework established by the Act and Chapter 33. It does not create independent general practice or multistate authority.

Question 34Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dentist delegates supragingival scaling and polishing to a hygienist, and the dentist is off-site but has authorized the care in the treatment plan. Which supervision category does this arrangement most closely match?

  1. Direct supervision
  2. Personal supervision
  3. General supervision Correct answer.
  4. No supervision required

Explanation

General supervision means the dentist has authorized the procedure but is not required to be physically present. Direct supervision would require on-site availability, which this scenario lacks.

Question 35Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A patient presents with heavy calculus and gingival inflammation. Which task may the hygienist perform as part of the hygiene treatment plan without violating the Act?

  1. Prescribing a course of systemic antibiotics for the infection
  2. Placing a permanent composite restoration on an affected tooth
  3. Performing scaling and root planing within the scope of hygiene practice as authorized by the supervising dentist Correct answer.
  4. Diagnosing a suspected systemic disease from the gingival findings

Explanation

Scaling and root planing fall within hygiene practice when authorized by the supervising dentist under the applicable supervision level. Prescribing, medical diagnosis, and restorative placement are outside hygiene scope.

Question 36Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

An applicant educated in another country seeks Pennsylvania hygiene licensure. Which statement best reflects the Board's approach?

  1. The applicant must meet the Board's education and examination requirements, which may include credential evaluation and required examinations Correct answer.
  2. The applicant must first obtain a Pennsylvania dental license
  3. Foreign education is automatically accepted without review
  4. The applicant may practice for one year while the Board reviews credentials

Explanation

The Board evaluates whether foreign education satisfies its requirements, often through credential review and required examinations. Automatic acceptance and provisional practice pending review are not authorized.

Question 37Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist is asked to perform a procedure that the Act does not list as delegable to hygienists. What is the most appropriate action?

  1. Perform it because the supervising dentist accepts responsibility
  2. Perform it only if the patient signs a consent form
  3. Perform it and document that the dentist authorized it
  4. Decline the procedure and explain that it falls outside the statutory scope of hygiene practice Correct answer.

Explanation

Scope of practice is set by statute and regulation, not by dentist delegation or patient consent. Performing a non-delegable procedure exposes the hygienist to discipline regardless of the dentist's authorization.

Question 38Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which continuing education subject area is specifically required for Pennsylvania dental hygienists at renewal?

  1. Completion of Board-required hours in specified topics such as infection control and patient safety Correct answer.
  2. Continuing education limited to courses taught by the hygienist's employer
  3. Continuing education exclusively in practice management and marketing
  4. Continuing education exclusively in dental materials research

Explanation

Board regulations require continuing education in specified subject areas, including infection control and patient safety topics, in addition to general hygiene education. Marketing, materials research, and employer-only instruction do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 39Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist is employed by a dentist and also wishes to work one day per week at a separate clinic. What is required for the second position?

  1. The second practice must also operate under a dentist relationship consistent with the Act and regulations Correct answer.
  2. No additional arrangement is needed because the hygienist's license covers all employment
  3. The hygienist must obtain a second license for the second location
  4. The hygienist must notify the Board in writing before starting the second job

Explanation

Each practice setting must satisfy the supervision and practice requirements of the Act and Chapter 33. A single license covers the hygienist, but it does not eliminate the supervision requirements at each site.

Question 40Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A dentist asks a hygienist to administer a local anesthetic block. Under Pennsylvania law, which statement is correct?

  1. Administration of local anesthesia by a hygienist requires specific additional authorization and training beyond the basic hygiene license Correct answer.
  2. A hygienist may administer local anesthesia if the patient requests it
  3. Local anesthesia may be administered only by a dental assistant
  4. Any licensed hygienist may administer local anesthesia without further qualification

Explanation

Local anesthesia administration is not part of the basic hygiene license; it requires additional Board-recognized training and authorization. Neither patient request nor delegation by a dentist substitutes for that qualification.

Question 41Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist notices that a supervising dentist routinely leaves the office during procedures that require direct supervision. What is the most appropriate professional response?

  1. Report the concern only if a patient complains
  2. Ask a dental assistant to serve as the on-site supervisor
  3. Raise the concern with the dentist and decline to perform those procedures without the required supervision Correct answer.
  4. Continue performing the procedures and note the absence in the record

Explanation

The hygienist is independently responsible for practicing within the required supervision level and should address the deficiency directly and refuse to proceed without it. Documenting the absence or substituting an assistant does not satisfy the requirement.

Question 42Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which action by a hygienist would most likely be treated as a violation of the Act's advertising provisions?

  1. Using a title or designation that falsely implies the hygienist holds a dental degree Correct answer.
  2. Listing the hygienist's actual license type in a practice website
  3. Naming the supervising dentist on a business card
  4. Stating the hygienist's years of clinical experience

Explanation

Advertising that falsely implies credentials the hygienist does not hold misleads the public and violates the Act's advertising restrictions. Accurate descriptions of licensure, experience, and supervision are permissible.

Question 43Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist learns that a coworker has been practicing with a suspended license. What is the appropriate action under the Act?

  1. Wait until the next renewal cycle to mention it
  2. Confront the coworker and take no further action if the coworker apologizes
  3. Report the matter to the Board or the Bureau's professional compliance office Correct answer.
  4. Inform patients but not the Board

Explanation

Practice on a suspended license is unlicensed practice, and the appropriate response is to report it to the Board or the Bureau's compliance office. Private confrontation or delayed informal handling does not satisfy the professional obligation.

Question 44Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A patient asks a hygienist to sign a statement that the patient is free of periodontal disease so the patient can obtain a cosmetic procedure elsewhere. The hygienist has not performed a complete periodontal evaluation. What should the hygienist do?

  1. Decline to sign and explain that the statement would misrepresent the clinical findings Correct answer.
  2. Sign because the statement is for a non-dental provider
  3. Ask the dentist to sign it without an examination
  4. Sign and add a note that the evaluation was limited

Explanation

Signing a clinical statement that is not supported by an examination would be falsification and unprofessional conduct. A limited-evaluation caveat does not make an unsupported representation accurate.

Question 45Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist is asked to perform coronal polishing and fluoride application on a child in a school screening program. Which statement best describes the regulatory framework?

  1. Fluoride application is never delegable to a hygienist
  2. A full dental license is required to provide any service in a school
  3. School screenings are entirely outside the Board's regulatory authority
  4. Such services may be provided in a school program within limits set by Board regulation and applicable supervision requirements Correct answer.

Explanation

School-based hygiene services are contemplated by the Act and Chapter 33 but remain subject to regulatory limits and supervision requirements. They are not exempt from Board authority, and fluoride application is within hygiene scope.

Question 46Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

Which circumstance would most clearly support a Board finding of unprofessional conduct by a hygienist?

  1. Falsifying a patient's treatment record to support an insurance claim Correct answer.
  2. Declining a procedure outside the hygienist's scope
  3. Completing continuing education beyond the required hours
  4. Referring a patient to the supervising dentist for a diagnosis

Explanation

Falsifying records for financial gain is a classic ground for discipline because it is dishonest and defrauds third parties. Declining out-of-scope work, appropriate referral, and extra education are all consistent with professional obligations.

Question 47Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist is served with a subpoena duces tecum for a patient's records in a malpractice action. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Provide the entire record to the requesting attorney without any review
  2. Destroy the records to protect patient confidentiality
  3. Verify the subpoena's validity and produce the records as directed, following the practice's release procedures Correct answer.
  4. Ignore the subpoena because the patient did not consent

Explanation

A valid subpoena compels production, and the practice should confirm its validity and follow its release procedures, which may include notice to the patient where required. Ignoring, destroying, or informally releasing records is improper.

Question 48Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist wants to open an independent hygiene practice without any dentist relationship. Which statement best reflects Pennsylvania law?

  1. Independent practice is permitted if the hygienist limits care to prophylaxis
  2. Independent practice is permitted once the hygienist has five years of experience
  3. Independent hygiene practice without a dentist relationship is not authorized for hygienists under the Act Correct answer.
  4. Independent practice is permitted in counties without an active dentist

Explanation

Pennsylvania's Act and Chapter 33 do not authorize hygienists to practice independently of a dentist relationship, regardless of experience, geography, or the limited nature of the service. Any such practice would fall outside the licensed scope.

Question 49Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist's license is subject to a Board order requiring practice only under direct supervision. The hygienist accepts a position where the dentist is present only two mornings per week. What is the correct analysis?

  1. The order may be waived by the employer's written consent
  2. Accepting the position would violate the order because the required supervision is not continuously available Correct answer.
  3. The order is satisfied as long as the dentist reviews charts weekly
  4. The order applies only to the first year after reinstatement

Explanation

A Board-imposed restriction is a binding condition of licensure, and practicing outside it constitutes a further violation. Weekly chart review or an employer's consent cannot modify the terms of a Board order.

Question 50Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations (49 Pa. Code Chapter 33)

A hygienist is employed in a practice where the dentist delegates expanded functions that the regulations permit only after additional certification. The hygienist has not obtained that certification. What is the best course of action?

  1. Perform the functions only on adult patients
  2. Refuse the expanded functions until the required certification is obtained Correct answer.
  3. Perform the functions while supervised by a certified coworker
  4. Perform the functions and complete certification within the year

Explanation

Expanded functions that require additional certification may not be performed until that credential is obtained, and a coworker's certification does not transfer authority. The hygienist must decline until qualified.