I85PREP
⌘ K
PA Dental Jurisprudence study materials
PA Dental Jurisprudence study resources

PA Dental Jurisprudence practice questions

One question at a time. Build your PA Dental Jurisprudence understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Under the Pennsylvania Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933), which entity holds the statutory authority to license dentists and dental hygienists in the Commonwealth?

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

Explanation

The State Board of Dentistry is the licensing body created by the Dental Law, and it exercises its powers subject to review by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. The Department of Health and the professional association have no licensing authority.

Question 2Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist licensed in Pennsylvania wishes to use the title 'Doctor of Dental Surgery' in advertising. Under the Dental Law, which statement best describes the requirement?

  1. The dentist must hold a DDS or DMD degree and a current Pennsylvania license Correct answer.
  2. The title requires separate board certification
  3. Any dentist may use the title if licensed in any state
  4. The title may be used only by specialists

Explanation

Use of the DDS or DMD designation is tied to holding the corresponding degree and a valid Pennsylvania license. Out-of-state licensure or specialty status does not authorize the title in Pennsylvania.

Question 3Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following is required before the State Board of Dentistry will issue an initial dental license to a graduate of a non-accredited foreign dental program?

  1. Completion of an accredited predoctoral or advanced standing program in the United States Correct answer.
  2. Ten years of practice experience abroad
  3. A letter of recommendation from a foreign dental school dean
  4. Membership in the American Dental Association

Explanation

The Dental Law requires graduation from an accredited dental school or completion of an accredited program that qualifies the applicant. Foreign training alone, without accredited U.S. education, does not satisfy the licensure pathway.

Question 4Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dental hygienist licensed in Pennsylvania may perform which of the following without direct supervision by a dentist?

  1. Prescribing antibiotics
  2. Administration of local anesthesia
  3. Root planing under a collaborative agreement in a public health setting Correct answer.
  4. Extraction of a primary tooth

Explanation

The Dental Law and Board regulations allow hygienists to provide certain services under collaborative or general supervision arrangements in specified settings. Local anesthesia, extractions, and prescribing remain outside hygienist scope.

Question 5Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Under the Dental Law, which of the following constitutes unprofessional conduct warranting Board discipline?

  1. Charging fees above the community average
  2. Declining to accept a particular insurance plan
  3. Referring a patient to a specialist
  4. Practicing while impaired by alcohol or drugs Correct answer.

Explanation

Impairment while practicing is expressly listed among grounds for disciplinary action because it endangers patients. Referrals, fee levels, and insurance participation decisions are generally matters of professional discretion.

Question 6Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist plans to retire and sell the practice. Under the Dental Law, which statement about patient records is correct?

  1. Records become the property of the purchasing dentist with no notice to patients
  2. Records may be destroyed immediately upon closing
  3. Records must be retained for a period set by Board regulation and patients must be given notice of where records will be kept Correct answer.
  4. Records must be transferred to the Board

Explanation

Board regulations require retention of patient records for a defined period and provision of notice to patients about record availability after practice closure. Immediate destruction or silent transfer violates those obligations.

Question 7Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following best describes the continuing education requirement for Pennsylvania dentists during each biennial licensure period?

  1. A specified number of credit hours including some in specified subject areas Correct answer.
  2. No continuing education is required
  3. Continuing education is required only after age 65
  4. Continuing education is required only for specialists

Explanation

The Board requires a defined number of continuing education hours per biennial cycle, with certain mandated topics such as infection control and ethics. The requirement applies to all active licensees regardless of specialty or age.

Question 8Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A patient alleges that a dentist's treatment fell below the standard of care. Which body primarily adjudicates a malpractice claim for damages?

  1. The State Board of Dentistry
  2. A court of law through civil litigation Correct answer.
  3. The local dental society
  4. The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs

Explanation

Malpractice claims for monetary damages are resolved in civil court, while the Board's role is licensure discipline. The Board does not award damages, and a dental society has no adjudicative authority.

Question 9Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Under the Dental Law, which individual may legally perform a dental prophylaxis and apply topical fluoride?

  1. A trained but unlicensed dental assistant
  2. A licensed dental hygienist Correct answer.
  3. A certified medical assistant
  4. A front office receptionist

Explanation

Prophylaxis and fluoride application are within the scope of a licensed dental hygienist, subject to the supervision requirements in the regulations. Unlicensed personnel may not perform these clinical services.

Question 10Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist employs an expanded-function dental assistant. Which task may the assistant perform only under direct supervision?

  1. Placing and condensing restorative material after the dentist prepares the tooth Correct answer.
  2. Taking a medical history
  3. Sterilizing instruments
  4. Exposing radiographs with proper certification

Explanation

Expanded-function duties such as placing and condensing restorative material require the dentist to be physically present and to have prepared the tooth. History taking and instrument sterilization are routine duties not limited to direct supervision.

Question 11Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which statement correctly describes the Board's authority regarding a dentist who has been convicted of a felony related to the practice of dentistry?

  1. Only the criminal court may impose license sanctions
  2. The Board has no authority over criminal matters
  3. The Board may suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the license after a hearing Correct answer.
  4. The conviction automatically voids the license without a hearing

Explanation

Conviction of certain offenses is a statutory ground for discipline, but the Board must afford procedural due process, including notice and a hearing, before imposing sanctions. Automatic license voiding without process would violate that requirement.

Question 12Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist wishes to administer nitrous oxide sedation. Under Board regulations, which prerequisite applies?

  1. The dentist must hold a permit based on required training and equipment Correct answer.
  2. Only oral surgeons may administer nitrous oxide
  3. Any licensed dentist may administer nitrous oxide without further qualification
  4. A separate medical license is required

Explanation

The Board regulates conscious sedation and requires a permit demonstrating training and appropriate equipment. General licensure alone does not authorize sedation, and no medical license is needed.

Question 13Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following best describes the dental hygienist's obligations regarding the dental hygienist license renewal?

  1. Renewal is automatic with no action required
  2. Renewal requires sponsorship by a supervising dentist
  3. Renewal requires re-examination every cycle
  4. Renewal requires completion of continuing education and payment of the renewal fee Correct answer.

Explanation

Hygienist license renewal follows the same biennial cycle with continuing education and fee requirements. No re-examination or dentist sponsorship is needed for renewal.

Question 14Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist advertises a 'free consultation' but charges patients for the examination without disclosure. Under the Dental Law's advertising provisions, this conduct is best characterized as:

  1. Outside the Board's jurisdiction
  2. Permissible if the patient signs a consent form
  3. Permissible because fees are set by the dentist
  4. False or misleading advertising subject to Board discipline Correct answer.

Explanation

Advertising that misrepresents the cost of services is misleading and is a ground for discipline. The dentist's unilateral fee-setting authority does not permit deceptive advertising.

Question 15Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following is a required element for a valid informed consent before a dental surgical procedure?

  1. Payment in full before treatment
  2. A second dentist's approval
  3. A witness signature only
  4. Disclosure of material risks, alternatives, and the opportunity to ask questions Correct answer.

Explanation

Informed consent requires disclosure of material risks, benefits, and alternatives, and the patient's opportunity to ask questions. Witness signatures, prepayment, and second opinions are not legal elements of consent.

Question 16Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist discovers that a patient's record contains an error made by a former associate. Which action is most consistent with Board recordkeeping requirements?

  1. Add a dated correction or addendum without altering the original entry Correct answer.
  2. Discard the entire record
  3. Ask the patient to initial a new record
  4. Erase the erroneous entry and rewrite it

Explanation

Records should be corrected by dated addenda that preserve the original entry, maintaining an accurate and auditable history. Erasing or discarding records undermines their integrity and may violate retention rules.

Question 17Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Under the Dental Law, which of the following individuals is exempt from licensure when performing dental procedures?

  1. A dental assistant with ten years of experience
  2. A foreign-trained dentist visiting for a month
  3. A dental student enrolled in an accredited program under direct supervision Correct answer.
  4. A retired dentist whose license lapsed

Explanation

Students in accredited programs may perform procedures as part of their clinical education under supervision. Lapsed licensees, unlicensed visitors, and experienced assistants are not exempt from licensure.

Question 18Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following best describes the composition of the State Board of Dentistry?

  1. Only dentists appointed by the dental association
  2. Only public members
  3. Dentists elected by licensees
  4. A mix of dentist members, a hygienist member, and public members appointed by the Governor Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board includes dentist members, a dental hygienist member, and public members appointed by the Governor, reflecting a balance of professional and public interests. Members are appointed, not elected.

Question 19Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist receives a subpoena for patient records in a malpractice case. Which response is most appropriate under Pennsylvania law and Board regulations?

  1. Release records as required by the subpoena after confirming its validity and applicable patient notice Correct answer.
  2. Destroy the records to avoid disclosure
  3. Refuse all subpoenas to protect confidentiality
  4. Release records to any requester who asks

Explanation

Records must be produced in response to a valid subpoena, subject to any required patient notice or protective order. Blanket refusal or destruction would violate legal and regulatory obligations.

Question 20Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following statements about the dental hygienist's license and supervision is correct under Board regulations?

  1. A hygienist may practice under general supervision in certain settings as defined by regulation Correct answer.
  2. A hygienist must always have a dentist in the operatory
  3. A hygienist may practice independently without any dentist relationship
  4. A hygienist may diagnose caries without dentist involvement

Explanation

Board regulations define settings and conditions, such as public health clinics, where hygienists may practice under general supervision. Continuous chairside presence of a dentist is not always required, but independent practice and diagnosis are not authorized.

Question 21Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist's license has been suspended by the Board. Which statement best describes the effect on the dentist's ability to practice?

  1. The dentist may practice only on weekends
  2. The dentist may practice if patients sign waivers
  3. The dentist may continue practicing with a temporary permit
  4. The dentist may not practice dentistry until the Board reinstates the license Correct answer.

Explanation

A suspension removes the authority to practice until the Board formally reinstates the license. No waiver or informal arrangement can restore practice authority during suspension.

Question 22Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following is a recognized ground for Board discipline of a dentist under the Dental Law?

  1. Practicing beyond the scope of the license Correct answer.
  2. Declining to treat a patient outside the dentist's competence
  3. Attending continuing education courses
  4. Referring a patient for a second opinion

Explanation

Practicing beyond the scope of one's license is a statutory ground for discipline. Attending education, declining treatment outside one's competence, and appropriate referrals are consistent with professional obligations.

Question 23Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist wishes to provide teledentistry services to patients in Pennsylvania. Which statement best reflects the Board's approach?

  1. The same licensure, standard of care, and recordkeeping requirements apply to teledentistry Correct answer.
  2. Teledentistry is prohibited entirely
  3. Teledentistry is unregulated by the Board
  4. Teledentistry requires only a business license

Explanation

Teledentistry does not create a separate licensure pathway; the Pennsylvania license, standard of care, and documentation requirements apply equally. It is neither prohibited nor unregulated.

Question 24Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following best describes the dentist's obligation when a patient terminates treatment against advice?

  1. Delete the patient's record immediately
  2. Document the advice given, the patient's decision, and any follow-up recommendations Correct answer.
  3. Report the patient to the Board
  4. Refuse to provide copies of records

Explanation

When a patient declines recommended care, the dentist should document the discussion and advice to protect both parties. Deleting records, reporting the patient, or withholding copies would be improper.

Question 25Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

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

  1. The Bureau licenses dentists independently of the Board
  2. The Board reports to the dental association
  3. The Bureau has no role in dental licensure
  4. The Board operates within the Bureau, which provides administrative services and oversight Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board functions within the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, which supplies administrative support and oversight. The Bureau does not independently license dentists, and the Board is not accountable to a private association.

Question 26Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Under the Pennsylvania Dental Law, what is the maximum interval between regular meetings of the State Board of Dentistry?

  1. Every four years
  2. Every two years
  3. Every six months
  4. Every three months Correct answer.

Explanation

The Dental Law directs the State Board of Dentistry to hold at least one meeting each quarter, so the Board convenes no less than every three months. This regular meeting schedule supports timely licensing and disciplinary functions.

Question 27Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A Pennsylvania licensed dentist moves to another state and wishes to continue practicing there. Which statement best describes the effect of the Pennsylvania license?

  1. It authorizes practice only within Pennsylvania, and the dentist must satisfy the other state's licensure requirements. Correct answer.
  2. It automatically authorizes practice in any state that shares a border with Pennsylvania.
  3. It remains fully valid nationwide because dental licensure is federal.
  4. It converts into a regional compact license after five years of practice.

Explanation

Dental licensure is granted by each state, so a Pennsylvania license authorizes practice only in Pennsylvania. A dentist relocating must apply to the other state's board and meet that jurisdiction's requirements.

Question 28Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A person who has never been licensed as a dentist in Pennsylvania performs a tooth extraction for payment. Under the Dental Law, how is this conduct characterized?

  1. An administrative infraction handled only by a fine
  2. A misdemeanor constituting unlicensed practice of dentistry Correct answer.
  3. A lawful act because payment does not affect licensure
  4. A civil matter enforceable only by the patient

Explanation

The Dental Law makes practicing dentistry without a license a criminal offense, generally a misdemeanor, and the Board may seek injunctive relief. Performing clinical procedures such as extraction for compensation is squarely within the statutory definition of practicing dentistry.

Question 29Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following is required of a dentist regarding the display of the license to practice dentistry in Pennsylvania?

  1. The license must be surrendered to the Board at each biennial renewal.
  2. The license must be notarized annually by the county clerk.
  3. The license must be published in a local newspaper upon renewal.
  4. The license must be conspicuously displayed at the place of practice. Correct answer.

Explanation

Board regulations require the license to be conspicuously displayed at the dentist's office or place of practice so patients can verify credentials. There is no requirement for notarization, newspaper publication, or surrender on renewal.

Question 30Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dental office wishes to use the title 'clinic' in its signage. Under Board regulations, which statement best describes the requirement?

  1. Only a dentist who has practiced twenty years may operate a clinic.
  2. Any dental office may use the word clinic without restriction.
  3. A dental entity using a name implying a clinic must comply with Board registration and advertising rules governing dental facilities. Correct answer.
  4. Use of the term clinic requires a separate facility license issued by the Department of Health, not the Board.

Explanation

Board regulations address how dental practices may name and advertise themselves, including the use of terms such as clinic, and require compliance with registration and advertising standards. The Board, not another agency alone, oversees these dental practice naming rules.

Question 31Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist delegates a task to a dental assistant. Which principle governs whether the delegation is lawful under the Dental Law and Board regulations?

  1. The task must fall within the scope of duties the regulations permit for that category of auxiliary. Correct answer.
  2. The task may be delegated whenever the dentist is physically absent from the office.
  3. The assistant may perform any task if the patient signs a waiver.
  4. The assistant may perform any task the dentist personally teaches.

Explanation

Delegation is lawful only when the specific task is authorized for that auxiliary category by the Dental Law and Board regulations, and any required supervision level is met. A dentist's personal instruction or patient waiver cannot expand the statutory scope of practice.

Question 32Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

Which of the following best describes the Board's handling of a complaint alleging that a dentist practiced while impaired by alcohol?

  1. The Board may impose discipline without any notice to the licensee.
  2. The Board may only refer the matter to the dentist's malpractice carrier.
  3. The Board must dismiss the complaint because impairment is a personal matter outside its jurisdiction.
  4. The Board may investigate and impose discipline, including suspension, after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Correct answer.

Explanation

Practicing while impaired is a ground for discipline under the Dental Law, and the Board must afford procedural due process, including notice and a hearing, before imposing sanctions. Discipline may include suspension, restriction, or other remedial conditions.

Question 33Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

In Pennsylvania, which entity holds the authority to issue, renew, and revoke a license to practice dentistry?

  1. The American Dental Association
  2. The State Board of Dentistry Correct answer.
  3. The hospital where the dentist holds privileges
  4. The county court of common pleas

Explanation

The State Board of Dentistry, created under the Dental Law, is the licensing and disciplinary authority for dentists and dental hygienists in Pennsylvania. Professional associations and hospitals do not issue dental licenses.

Question 34Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist plans to add a second office location in a different county. Which action is required under Board regulations before treating patients there?

  1. No action is required because a Pennsylvania license is valid anywhere in the state.
  2. The dentist must notify the Board of the additional practice location and comply with registration requirements for that site. Correct answer.
  3. The dentist must transfer the original license to the new address and cease practice at the first office.
  4. The dentist must obtain a separate license for each county of practice.

Explanation

Board regulations require licensees to keep the Board informed of practice locations and to register each practice site as required. One Pennsylvania license permits practice statewide, but the additional location must be reported.

Question 35Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist's license lapses because the renewal fee was not paid. Which statement best describes the dentist's status while the license is lapsed?

  1. The dentist may practice if a colleague supervises the work.
  2. The dentist may not practice dentistry until the license is reinstated. Correct answer.
  3. The dentist may continue practicing while the renewal is pending.
  4. The dentist may practice only emergency procedures during the lapse.

Explanation

Practicing on a lapsed license constitutes unlicensed practice and exposes the dentist to discipline. The dentist must complete the reinstatement process, including any late fees or continuing education, before resuming practice.

Question 36Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dental hygienist administers local anesthesia under Pennsylvania law. Which statement best describes the applicable requirement?

  1. The hygienist must hold the required certification and administer anesthesia under the supervision level specified by the Dental Law and Board regulations. Correct answer.
  2. Any hygienist may administer local anesthesia without additional training.
  3. Local anesthesia may be administered by a hygienist only when the dentist is out of the building.
  4. Local anesthesia may be administered by a hygienist only after ten years of practice.

Explanation

Pennsylvania permits dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia only when they hold the required certification and comply with the specified supervision and training requirements. The authority is conditional, not automatic.

Question 37Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist wishes to use the title 'Doctor of Dental Surgery' in advertising. Under Board regulations on advertising, which statement is correct?

  1. The dentist may use any title that sounds professional, including specialty titles not held.
  2. The dentist may use the title only if it reflects a degree actually conferred and the advertisement is not misleading. Correct answer.
  3. The dentist must obtain prior approval of every advertisement from the Board.
  4. The dentist must include the year of graduation in every advertisement.

Explanation

Advertising rules prohibit false or misleading claims, so a dentist may use a doctoral title only if it corresponds to a degree actually earned. Claiming a specialty the dentist does not hold is likewise misleading and subject to discipline.

Question 38Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist suspects that a patient's condition requires treatment beyond the dentist's competence. Which action is most consistent with the Dental Law and Board regulations?

  1. Delegate the treatment to an unlicensed assistant.
  2. Refer the patient to an appropriate specialist or practitioner and document the referral. Correct answer.
  3. Perform the treatment anyway to avoid losing the patient.
  4. Abandon the patient without further communication.

Explanation

A dentist must practice within the limits of their competence and make appropriate referrals when a condition exceeds that competence. Documenting the referral protects continuity of care and demonstrates compliance with the standard of care.

Question 39Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist employs a dental assistant who has completed an approved radiology course. Which statement best describes the assistant's authority to expose dental radiographs?

  1. The assistant may never expose radiographs under any circumstances.
  2. The assistant may expose radiographs only with the patient's written consent.
  3. The assistant may expose radiographs when authorized by regulation and under the supervision level the Board specifies. Correct answer.
  4. The assistant may expose radiographs only if the dentist is out of the office.

Explanation

Board regulations permit certain trained dental auxiliaries to expose radiographs when they have completed required training and act under the specified level of supervision. The authority is conditional and tied to the regulatory requirements.

Question 40Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist is charged with a crime unrelated to the practice of dentistry. Which statement best describes the Board's role?

  1. The Board may consider the conviction if it relates to the licensee's fitness to practice and may impose discipline after due process. Correct answer.
  2. The Board must automatically revoke the license for any criminal charge, even without a conviction.
  3. The Board may act only if the crime occurred in a dental office.
  4. The Board has no interest in any criminal matter involving a licensee.

Explanation

The Dental Law lists criminal convictions relevant to fitness to practice as a potential ground for discipline. A mere charge is not a conviction, and the Board must follow due process before imposing sanctions.

Question 41Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist wants to use a trade name for the practice rather than the dentist's own name. Which statement best reflects Board requirements?

  1. Trade names are prohibited for dental practices in Pennsylvania.
  2. A trade name may be used only if it includes the word 'clinic'.
  3. A trade name requires approval by the American Dental Association.
  4. A trade name may be used if it is not misleading and complies with the Board's advertising and registration rules. Correct answer.

Explanation

Board advertising regulations allow practice names, including trade names, provided they are not false or misleading and the practice complies with registration requirements. The name cannot imply a specialty or credential that is not held.

Question 42Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist is asked to supervise a dental hygienist providing services in a public school sealant program. Which statement best describes the applicable supervision rule?

  1. The hygienist may provide services only if the supervision level required by regulation for that setting is met. Correct answer.
  2. The hygienist must be supervised by a physician rather than a dentist.
  3. The hygienist may practice without any supervision in all public health settings.
  4. The hygienist may provide services only after the dentist examines each student in a private office.

Explanation

Board regulations set supervision levels that vary with the clinical setting and the services provided, including public health programs. The hygienist must comply with the supervision level specified for that setting.

Question 43Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A patient requests a copy of their dental records from a Pennsylvania dentist. Which statement best describes the dentist's obligation?

  1. The dentist must surrender the original records to the patient and keep no copy.
  2. The dentist may release records only after a court order in every case.
  3. The dentist must provide a copy upon proper request, consistent with the Dental Law and Board regulations, and may charge a permitted fee. Correct answer.
  4. The dentist may refuse all record requests to protect the practice.

Explanation

Board regulations and the Dental Law require dentists to make patient records available on proper request, with any fee limited to what is permitted. The dentist retains the original record while supplying a copy.

Question 44Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist is considering a business arrangement in which a marketing company pays the dentist for each patient referral. Which statement best describes the Dental Law's treatment of such fee-splitting?

  1. Fee-splitting is prohibited because it constitutes a ground for discipline under the Dental Law. Correct answer.
  2. Fee-splitting is regulated only by the federal government.
  3. Fee-splitting is permitted if disclosed to the patient.
  4. Fee-splitting is permitted whenever the marketing company is incorporated.

Explanation

The Dental Law prohibits paying or receiving compensation for patient referrals, commonly described as fee-splitting, and treats it as a disciplinary ground. Patient disclosure does not cure the prohibition.

Question 45Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist's patient reports that the dentist disclosed confidential treatment information to the patient's employer without authorization. Which statement best describes the dentist's position under the Dental Law?

  1. The disclosure may constitute unprofessional conduct and a ground for discipline unless an exception such as consent or legal requirement applies. Correct answer.
  2. The disclosure is always permissible because employers pay for insurance.
  3. The dentist may disclose any information as long as it is accurate.
  4. Confidentiality obligations apply only to physicians, not dentists.

Explanation

Unauthorized disclosure of patient information is treated as unprofessional conduct subject to Board discipline, subject to recognized exceptions such as patient authorization or legal compulsion. Accuracy of the information does not excuse the disclosure.

Question 46Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist who holds a Pennsylvania license is asked to serve as an expert witness in a disciplinary hearing before the Board. Which statement best describes the dentist's obligation?

  1. The dentist may testify only if the Board subpoenas the dentist.
  2. The dentist is prohibited from testifying in Board proceedings.
  3. The dentist may testify falsely to support a colleague.
  4. The dentist may testify voluntarily and must provide truthful, competent testimony within the scope of expertise. Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensed dentists may participate as expert witnesses and are expected to offer truthful testimony within their competence. False testimony in a Board proceeding exposes the witness to discipline and undermines the integrity of the process.

Question 47Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist delegates a procedure that regulations permit only under direct supervision, but the dentist is away from the office while the assistant performs it. Which statement best describes the consequence?

  1. The delegation exceeds the permitted supervision level and may subject the dentist to discipline. Correct answer.
  2. The delegation is lawful because the assistant was trained.
  3. The delegation is lawful because supervision levels are advisory only.
  4. The delegation is lawful if the patient consents in writing.

Explanation

When a regulation requires direct supervision, the dentist must be physically present and available during the procedure. Performing the task without that presence violates the supervision requirement and exposes the dentist to discipline.

Question 48Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist advertises a specialty credential that was never conferred. Which statement best describes the Board's likely analysis?

  1. The advertisement is permissible if a single patient believed the claim.
  2. The advertisement is protected because commercial speech is wholly unregulated.
  3. The advertisement is permissible if the credential appears in small print.
  4. The advertisement is misleading and may support discipline, because specialty claims must reflect credentials actually held. Correct answer.

Explanation

Board advertising rules prohibit false or misleading specialty claims, so advertising a credential not held is a disciplinary ground. The size of the print or a patient's belief does not cure the misleading nature of the claim.

Question 49Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist receives a Board subpoena for records in an investigation of a colleague. Which response is most consistent with the Dental Law?

  1. Comply with the subpoena as required, while protecting patient confidentiality to the extent the law permits. Correct answer.
  2. Provide the records only if the colleague consents.
  3. Ignore the subpoena because the records belong to the colleague.
  4. Destroy the records to protect the colleague.

Explanation

A lawful Board subpoena must be obeyed, and failure to comply may itself be a disciplinary ground. The dentist should produce the required records while observing applicable confidentiality protections in the manner the law allows.

Question 50Dental Practice Act (Act 76 of 1933) and Board Regulations

A dentist's license is revoked by the Board. Which statement best describes the dentist's options afterward?

  1. The dentist may continue practicing under a different name.
  2. The dentist may practice if a licensed colleague co-signs the charts.
  3. The dentist may apply for reinstatement only as the Dental Law and Board regulations permit, and practice is prohibited until reinstatement. Correct answer.
  4. The dentist may practice after paying the renewal fee.

Explanation

Revocation terminates the license, and practice during revocation is unlicensed practice. Reinstatement is available only through the process the Dental Law and Board regulations establish, such as a petition after a specified period.