TX Dental Jurisprudence key terms

The state agency that licenses dentists and dental hygienists, adopts rules for dental practice, and investigates complaints and enforces the Dental Practice Act.

The Texas statute that defines who may practice dentistry and dental hygiene, sets licensing and disciplinary authority, and directs the board to adopt implementing rules.

A regulation adopted by the TSBDE under the Dental Practice Act that carries the force of law and fills in operational details such as supervision, sanitation, and recordkeeping.

The compiled body of state agency regulations, including the TSBDE rules found in the chapters governing dental licensure and practice standards.

The diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of oral disease and conditions, including performing operations and prescribing drugs, as defined by statute and limited to licensed dentists.

The limited clinical services a licensed hygienist may perform, such as prophylaxis and scaling, generally under the authorization or supervision of a dentist as the rules require.

The set of tasks and procedures a licensee is legally permitted to perform given their license type, training, and the supervision level required by statute or board rule.

A dentist's assignment of a specific task to an auxiliary who is legally allowed to perform it, with the dentist remaining responsible for the patient's care.

A supervision level in which the dentist has examined the patient, authorized the procedure, and is physically present in the office while the auxiliary performs it.

A supervision level in which the dentist has authorized the procedure but need not be physically present in the office while the auxiliary performs it.

An unlicensed or registered auxiliary who performs delegated clinical and administrative tasks under the supervision of a licensed dentist within limits set by board rule.

A dental assistant who has met the board's registration requirements, including education or training and examination, and may perform an expanded set of delegated duties.

The credential issued by the TSBDE that authorizes a person who has completed approved education and examinations to practice dental hygiene in Texas.

The credential issued by the TSBDE authorizing a person to practice dentistry in Texas, required before diagnosing, treating, or prescribing for dental conditions.

The standard path to a Texas dental or hygiene license, requiring graduation from an accredited program and passing the required clinical and written examinations accepted by the board.

An alternate path allowing an already licensed dentist or hygienist from another jurisdiction to obtain a Texas license based on documented education, licensure, and practice history rather than re-examination.

The periodic process by which a licensee pays fees and certifies completion of required continuing education to keep a Texas dental or hygiene license active.

The minimum hours and subject areas of approved coursework a licensee must complete during each renewal period to maintain licensure in Texas.

The board's review of a licensee's documentation to verify that reported continuing education hours were actually completed and met required subject categories.

A license status in which the licensee may not practice but retains the license by meeting reduced renewal obligations, and may later seek reinstatement to active status.

The process of restoring a lapsed, retired, or inactive license to active practice status after satisfying the board's conditions, which may include fees, education, or examination.

Practicing dentistry or dental hygiene without a valid Texas license, or after a license has lapsed, been suspended, or been revoked, and a ground for enforcement action.

The statutory list of conduct that can lead to board action, such as fraud, incompetence, substance impairment, unprofessional conduct, or practicing outside the licensed scope.

A report submitted to the TSBDE alleging that a licensee violated the Dental Practice Act or board rules, which may trigger review and investigation.

The TSBDE's process of gathering evidence, including records and interviews, to determine whether alleged conduct warrants disciplinary action against a licensee.

A penalty imposed by the board for a violation, ranging from a reprimand or fine to restrictions, suspension, or revocation of the license.

The most severe board sanction, permanently terminating the license, subject to any later eligibility for reinstatement under board rules.

A board sanction that temporarily removes the licensee's authority to practice, often for a defined period or until stated conditions are met.

A board-ordered or agreed program of corrective action, such as additional education or practice monitoring, imposed to address a deficiency instead of or alongside other sanctions.

A confidential program that helps licensees with substance use or mental health conditions obtain evaluation, treatment, and monitoring as an alternative to traditional discipline.

A licensee's inability to practice with reasonable skill and safety because of substance abuse, mental illness, or physical condition, and a statutory ground for board action.

The documentation a dentist must create and retain for each patient, including treatment notes and radiographs, kept for the period and in the manner required by board rule.

A patient's voluntary agreement to treatment after being told the diagnosis, proposed procedures, risks, benefits, and alternatives in terms the patient can understand.

The sterilization, disinfection, and barrier practices a dental office must follow under board rules to prevent transmission of disease between patients and staff.

A legal duty for licensees or others to notify the board of certain events, such as impaired practice or serious violations, within the time and manner the rules specify.