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TX Dental Jurisprudence study materials
TX Dental Jurisprudence study resources

TX Dental Jurisprudence practice questions

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Question 1Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Under the Texas Dental Practice Act, which body is responsible for adopting rules that govern the practice of dentistry in Texas?

  1. The Texas Department of State Health Services
  2. The American Dental Association
  3. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Correct answer.
  4. The Texas Medical Board

Explanation

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) is the state agency that licenses dentists and dental hygienists and adopts rules implementing the Dental Practice Act. Other agencies and professional associations do not have rulemaking authority over dental practice.

Question 2Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A person practices dentistry in Texas without holding a license issued by the TSBDE. This conduct is best characterized as which of the following?

  1. A civil contract dispute
  2. A violation of the Dental Practice Act subject to legal penalties Correct answer.
  3. An administrative oversight correctable by a fee
  4. A matter outside the Board's jurisdiction

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act makes unlicensed practice of dentistry unlawful and authorizes the Board to pursue penalties. Practicing without a license is a regulatory violation, not merely a private civil matter.

Question 3Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following individuals is required to hold a Texas license to practice dentistry?

  1. A laboratory technician fabricating a crown from a dentist's prescription
  2. A person who diagnoses and treats conditions of the human teeth and oral cavity Correct answer.
  3. A receptionist scheduling appointments
  4. A dental assistant performing only radiographs under supervision

Explanation

The practice of dentistry is defined around diagnosing, treating, and operating on the human teeth and oral structures. Those functions require a dental license; supportive or technical roles do not independently constitute the practice of dentistry.

Question 4Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

How often must a Texas dental license be renewed, assuming no other schedule is specified by the Board's rules?

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

Explanation

Texas dental licenses are renewed on a biennial (two-year) cycle tied to the licensee's birth month. Renewal requires satisfying continuing education and other requirements.

Question 5Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is a continuing education requirement for renewal of a Texas dental license?

  1. Completion of a specified number of approved CE hours during each renewal period Correct answer.
  2. Membership in a national dental association
  3. Attendance at a national convention
  4. Publication of a clinical article

Explanation

License renewal requires completing approved continuing education hours within the renewal period, including any mandated subject areas such as jurisprudence. Membership, publication, and convention attendance are not licensure requirements.

Question 6Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist delegates a task to a dental assistant. Under the Dental Practice Act and Board rules, the dentist remains responsible for which of the following?

  1. The acts delegated and the care provided to the patient Correct answer.
  2. Nothing, once the task is delegated
  3. Only tasks the assistant performs without supervision
  4. Only billing and recordkeeping

Explanation

A dentist who delegates a procedure remains responsible for the delegated acts and for the patient's care. Delegation does not transfer professional accountability.

Question 7Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dental hygienist wishes to provide services in a setting without a dentist on the premises. Under Texas law, this arrangement generally requires which of the following?

  1. Approval from the local dental society
  2. Written consent from the patient's physician
  3. No authorization because hygienists practice independently
  4. A permit or authorization issued under Board rules for the specific setting Correct answer.

Explanation

Texas allows certain extended-care arrangements for hygienists only when the hygienist holds the appropriate Board-issued authorization and the setting meets rule requirements. Independent practice without authorization is not permitted.

Question 8Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following best describes the composition of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners?

  1. Only dentists elected by licensees
  2. Only licensed dentists
  3. A mix of licensed dentists, dental hygienists, and public members appointed by the Governor Correct answer.
  4. Members appointed by the Texas Dental Association

Explanation

The Board includes dentist members, dental hygienist members, and public members, appointed by the Governor with Senate confirmation. This structure ensures both professional and public input.

Question 9Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist's patient records must be maintained in a manner that complies with Board rules. Which statement best reflects the general requirement?

  1. Records may be discarded immediately after treatment ends
  2. Records must be legible, accurate, and retained for the period required by Board rules Correct answer.
  3. Records must be kept only if the patient requests
  4. Only financial records need to be kept

Explanation

Board rules require dental records to be legible, accurate, and retained for a specified period. Recordkeeping supports continuity of care and accountability.

Question 10Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following actions by a dentist would most likely constitute a violation of the Dental Practice Act regarding advertising?

  1. Making a false or misleading statement about treatment outcomes Correct answer.
  2. Stating the languages spoken in the office
  3. Displaying the dentist's professional degree
  4. Listing office hours and services in a directory

Explanation

The Act prohibits false, deceptive, or misleading advertising. Factual listings such as hours, degrees, and languages are permissible, but misrepresenting outcomes is not.

Question 11Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist learns that an employee has been practicing dental hygiene without a license. What is the dentist's obligation under the Dental Practice Act?

  1. Refrain from aiding or permitting the unlicensed practice Correct answer.
  2. Report only if a patient complains
  3. Transfer the employee to a different office
  4. Continue the arrangement if the employee is competent

Explanation

A licensee may not aid or abet the unlicensed practice of dentistry or dental hygiene. Permitting an unlicensed person to practice exposes both parties to Board action.

Question 12Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is required before a dentist may administer or prescribe controlled substances in Texas?

  1. Approval from the patient's primary care physician
  2. Annual review by the local hospital
  3. A separate specialty license
  4. Registration with the appropriate state and federal authorities as required by law Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentists who prescribe or administer controlled substances must comply with registration requirements, including DEA and applicable Texas registration. Physician approval and specialty licenses are not prerequisites.

Question 13Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A patient alleges that a dentist provided substandard care. Which body has authority to investigate and take disciplinary action against the dentist's license?

  1. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Correct answer.
  2. The patient's insurance carrier
  3. The local district court
  4. The county health department

Explanation

The TSBDE has authority to investigate complaints and impose disciplinary sanctions on licensees. Courts may hear civil claims, but licensure discipline is an administrative function of the Board.

Question 14Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following describes the standard generally applied in determining whether a dentist's conduct constitutes unprofessional or dishonorable conduct?

  1. Conduct that occurs outside the dentist's office
  2. Conduct that any patient finds unpleasant
  3. Conduct that results in a billing error
  4. Conduct that violates the standards of the profession or the Dental Practice Act Correct answer.

Explanation

Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct is measured against statutory standards and the norms of the profession, not subjective patient preference. Billing errors and off-site conduct are not automatically violations.

Question 15Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist employs a dental assistant who performs a procedure that Board rules reserve to a licensed dentist. The dentist is subject to which of the following?

  1. No liability because the assistant acted independently
  2. Protection because the assistant was trained
  3. Liability only if the patient was injured
  4. Disciplinary action for permitting an unauthorized act Correct answer.

Explanation

Permitting an unlicensed or unauthorized person to perform reserved procedures is itself a violation, regardless of injury or training. The supervising dentist bears responsibility for improper delegation.

Question 16Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following statements about the Board's rulemaking process is most accurate?

  1. Rules are adopted only by the Legislature
  2. Rules take effect immediately upon Board vote without publication
  3. Proposed rules are published for public comment before adoption Correct answer.
  4. Rules require approval by the Texas Dental Association

Explanation

Agency rulemaking under Texas law requires notice and public comment before a rule is adopted. The Legislature enacts statutes, and private associations do not approve agency rules.

Question 17Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist wishes to use a trade name for the practice. Under Board rules, which requirement applies?

  1. The trade name must not be false or misleading Correct answer.
  2. The trade name must include the dentist's full legal name
  3. Trade names are prohibited entirely
  4. The trade name must be approved by the ADA

Explanation

Practice names and trade names are permitted so long as they are not false or misleading. There is no requirement to include the dentist's name or obtain association approval.

Question 18Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is true regarding the dentist's obligation when a patient requests a copy of the patient's dental records?

  1. The dentist must comply with applicable law and Board rules governing record release Correct answer.
  2. The dentist may refuse all requests without exception
  3. The dentist must destroy the records after copying them
  4. The dentist may release records only to another dentist

Explanation

Patients have rights to access their records, and dentists must follow the legal and Board requirements governing release, including any permitted fees and confidentiality safeguards. Blanket refusal and mandatory destruction are not consistent with those rules.

Question 19Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A licensed dentist moves to another state and allows a Texas-licensed colleague to use the dentist's license number for insurance billing. This conduct is best described as which of the following?

  1. Permissible if the colleague is licensed
  2. Acceptable with patient consent
  3. A routine billing practice
  4. A violation involving improper use of a license Correct answer.

Explanation

A license is personal and may not be lent or used by another person. Allowing another licensee to bill under one's license number misrepresents the provider and violates the Act.

Question 20Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following best describes the role of the Board regarding dental hygienists in Texas?

  1. Hygienists are licensed by the Texas Medical Board
  2. Hygienists are licensed by the Texas Nurses Association
  3. Hygienists are unregulated in Texas
  4. The Board licenses and regulates dental hygienists Correct answer.

Explanation

The TSBDE licenses and regulates both dentists and dental hygienists under the Dental Practice Act. Other boards and associations do not license hygienists in Texas.

Question 21Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist is convicted of a felony unrelated to the practice of dentistry. Under the Dental Practice Act, this conviction is best described as which of the following?

  1. A matter solely for the criminal court
  2. Automatically expunged from the record
  3. Irrelevant to licensure
  4. Potentially grounds for disciplinary action by the Board Correct answer.

Explanation

Certain criminal convictions can constitute grounds for Board discipline, and licensees have reporting obligations. The Board's authority is independent of the criminal proceeding.

Question 22Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following statements about infection control requirements for Texas dental practices is most accurate?

  1. Requirements apply only to surgical procedures
  2. Dentists must follow Board-adopted infection control rules Correct answer.
  3. Compliance is optional for solo practices
  4. Infection control is governed only by federal law

Explanation

The Board adopts infection control rules that apply to dental practices, and compliance is mandatory. Federal guidance may also apply, but it does not displace the Board's rules.

Question 23Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist advertises a specialty designation. Under Board rules, which of the following is required for a dentist to announce a specialty?

  1. Approval from the local dental society
  2. Membership in a specialty organization
  3. A minimum of five years in general practice
  4. Completion of an accredited advanced education program in that specialty or equivalent qualification recognized by the Board Correct answer.

Explanation

Announcing a specialty requires the education or qualification recognized by the Board for that specialty. Organization membership or years in practice alone do not establish specialty status.

Question 24Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is the primary purpose of the Texas Dental Practice Act?

  1. To regulate dental insurance companies
  2. To promote the financial interests of dentists
  3. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare Correct answer.
  4. To set national dental standards

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act exists to protect the public by regulating the practice of dentistry. It is not intended to advance the economic interests of licensees or to set national standards.

Question 25Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist delegates a task to an unlicensed person that the dentist believes is within the assistant's training. Which principle governs whether the delegation was proper?

  1. Whether the patient agrees to the delegation
  2. Whether the task is expressly permitted for that category of auxiliary under Board rules Correct answer.
  3. Whether the task saves the practice time
  4. Whether the assistant feels confident performing it

Explanation

Delegation is proper only when Board rules expressly permit that category of auxiliary to perform the task under the required supervision. Confidence, patient agreement, or efficiency do not expand delegated authority.

Question 26Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Under the Texas Dental Practice Act, which individual is authorized to practice dentistry in this state?

  1. A person holding a current Texas dental license Correct answer.
  2. A person who graduated from an accredited dental school
  3. A person certified in dental assisting
  4. A person employed by a licensed dentist

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act limits the practice of dentistry to persons who hold a valid license issued by the Board. Graduation, employment, or assisting certification does not confer authority to practice dentistry.

Question 27Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is the term of office for a member appointed to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners?

  1. Six years Correct answer.
  2. Two years
  3. Four years
  4. Three years

Explanation

Board members serve staggered six-year terms, which allows continuity while ensuring periodic turnover in membership. Shorter terms do not match the statutory appointment scheme.

Question 28Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist wants to renew an active Texas dental license. Which requirement applies to continuing education at renewal?

  1. Completion of a clinical residency each renewal cycle
  2. Completion of the required continuing education hours accepted by the Board Correct answer.
  3. Sponsorship by a licensed Texas dentist
  4. Passing a jurisprudence examination each renewal cycle

Explanation

License renewal requires completion of continuing education meeting Board requirements, including specified subject areas. Residency, repeat jurisprudence exams, and sponsorship are not renewal conditions for an active licensee.

Question 29Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist wishes to practice under a name other than the dentist's own name. Under Board rules, what must the dentist do?

  1. Register the assumed name with the Board as required Correct answer.
  2. Obtain approval from the local dental society
  3. Publish the name in a newspaper of general circulation
  4. File the name with the county sheriff

Explanation

Board rules require a dentist using an assumed or trade name to register that name with the Board and to ensure it is not misleading. Approval by a dental society or publication is not the operative requirement.

Question 30Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A patient asks a Texas dentist for a copy of the patient's dental records. Under Board rules, how should the dentist respond?

  1. Provide the records only after the patient pays all outstanding balances
  2. Provide a copy as required, subject to allowable fees Correct answer.
  3. Refuse because records belong solely to the dentist
  4. Provide the records only if a court orders it

Explanation

Patients have a right to copies of their dental records, and the dentist may charge a fee consistent with law. Withholding records as leverage for payment or requiring a court order is not permitted.

Question 31Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following best states the purpose of the Texas Dental Practice Act?

  1. To set national accreditation standards
  2. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare Correct answer.
  3. To regulate dental insurance reimbursement
  4. To promote the financial interests of dentists

Explanation

The Act is a public-protection statute that governs the practice of dentistry and the licensing of dental professionals. It is not designed to advance professional finances, set national standards, or control insurance payments.

Question 32Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A Texas dental hygienist may provide services in a setting without a dentist on the premises under which condition?

  1. When the hygienist notifies the local health department
  2. When the services are authorized by law and a dentist has delegated them Correct answer.
  3. When the hygienist has at least ten years of experience
  4. When the patient signs a waiver of dentist supervision

Explanation

Hygienists may practice in certain settings without a dentist present only as authorized by statute and Board rules, generally through valid delegation. Experience, patient waivers, or health department notice do not substitute for that authority.

Question 33Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist is convicted of a felony that is not related to the practice of dentistry. Under the Dental Practice Act, what is the significance of this conviction?

  1. It requires the dentist to retake the jurisprudence exam
  2. It may be grounds for disciplinary action by the Board Correct answer.
  3. It automatically results in permanent license revocation
  4. It has no effect on the license

Explanation

The Act lists felony convictions among the grounds on which the Board may take disciplinary action. The Board retains discretion in determining the appropriate sanction rather than imposing automatic revocation.

Question 34Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist delegates a task to a dental assistant. Which principle governs the dentist's responsibility for the assistant's conduct?

  1. The dentist is responsible for the delegated acts Correct answer.
  2. The Board bears responsibility for delegated acts
  3. Responsibility shifts to the patient who consented
  4. The assistant alone bears all responsibility

Explanation

A dentist who delegates a task retains responsibility for that task and for ensuring the assistant is competent and properly supervised. Responsibility does not shift to the assistant, the Board, or the patient.

Question 35Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which of the following is required before a dentist may prescribe controlled substances in Texas?

  1. Completion of a pain management residency
  2. Membership in a state dental association
  3. Registration with the appropriate federal and state authorities Correct answer.
  4. Written approval from the Board for each prescription

Explanation

A dentist who prescribes controlled substances must hold the required federal and state registrations, including a Texas controlled substances registration. Board approval per prescription, association membership, and residency training are not prerequisites.

Question 36Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist delegates a procedure to a dental assistant that Board rules reserve to a licensed dentist. What is the most likely consequence for the dentist?

  1. The Board may take disciplinary action against the dentist Correct answer.
  2. The dentist is protected because the assistant was trained
  3. The assistant may be promoted to hygienist
  4. The procedure becomes lawful if the patient consents

Explanation

Delegating a procedure outside the scope allowed for assistants violates Board rules and exposes the dentist to discipline. Patient consent or the assistant's training does not make an improperly delegated procedure lawful.

Question 37Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A Texas dentist wishes to announce a specialty designation in advertising. Under Board rules, what is required?

  1. The dentist must obtain approval from a marketing review board
  2. The dentist must have practiced for at least fifteen years
  3. The dentist must limit the practice to that specialty in all settings
  4. The dentist must hold the appropriate specialty certification recognized by the Board Correct answer.

Explanation

A dentist may announce a specialty only when the dentist meets the certification requirements recognized by the Board for that specialty. Years in practice, marketing approval, or practice limitations do not substitute for certification.

Question 38Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A patient files a complaint alleging that a dentist provided substandard care. Which body has authority to investigate and discipline the dentist?

  1. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Correct answer.
  2. The local district court
  3. The patient's dental insurer
  4. The county dental society

Explanation

The Board is the state agency empowered to investigate complaints against licensees and impose discipline when warranted. Courts, insurers, and professional societies do not exercise that regulatory authority.

Question 39Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist employs a dental assistant who is not licensed. Under Board rules, which statement is accurate regarding what the assistant may do?

  1. Perform any task the dentist is licensed to perform
  2. Perform only tasks that may lawfully be delegated to an unlicensed assistant Correct answer.
  3. Perform hygiene services under general supervision
  4. Perform independent diagnostic examinations

Explanation

An unlicensed assistant may perform only those duties that Board rules permit to be delegated to assistants. The assistant may not perform the full scope of dentistry, hygiene services, or independent diagnosis.

Question 40Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which statement best describes the standard generally applied to determine whether a dentist's conduct constitutes unprofessional conduct?

  1. Conduct that any patient finds unpleasant
  2. Conduct that results in a financial loss to the patient
  3. Conduct that violates the standards of care or Board rules governing the profession Correct answer.
  4. Conduct that occurs outside the dentist's office

Explanation

Unprofessional conduct is measured against the standards of the profession and Board rules, not against subjective patient reactions or financial outcomes. Location alone does not determine whether conduct is unprofessional.

Question 41Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist wishes to use a trade name for the dental practice. Under Board rules, which requirement applies?

  1. The name must include the word "clinic"
  2. The name must include the dentist's full legal name
  3. The name must not be false or misleading Correct answer.
  4. The name must be approved by the county clerk

Explanation

Board rules focus on ensuring that a practice name is not false or misleading to the public. There is no requirement that the name contain the dentist's legal name, a particular word, or county approval.

Question 42Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Which statement about the Board's rulemaking process is most accurate?

  1. Rules require approval by a majority of licensed dentists
  2. Rules are adopted without any public notice
  3. Rules take effect immediately upon drafting
  4. Proposed rules are published for public comment before adoption Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board follows the state administrative procedure for rulemaking, which includes publishing proposed rules and allowing public comment before adoption. Rules do not take effect merely upon drafting, and licensees do not vote on them.

Question 43Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist receives a request from the Board during an investigation. Which response is consistent with the dentist's obligations?

  1. Provide only records the dentist selects
  2. Ignore the request until a formal complaint is filed
  3. Refer the Board to the dentist's attorney and provide nothing
  4. Cooperate and provide the requested information Correct answer.

Explanation

Licensees are expected to cooperate with Board investigations, including producing requested records. Selective production or blanket refusal can itself be a basis for discipline.

Question 44Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist plans to administer moderate sedation. Which statement best reflects the Board's approach to sedation permits?

  1. Any licensed dentist may provide any level of sedation
  2. Sedation requires no equipment or monitoring standards
  3. The dentist must hold the permit level appropriate to the sedation provided Correct answer.
  4. Sedation may be delegated entirely to an unlicensed assistant

Explanation

Board rules establish permit levels tied to the depth of sedation, and a dentist must hold the permit corresponding to the services provided. Sedation is not within the unrestricted scope of every licensee and carries equipment and monitoring requirements.

Question 45Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist's license has lapsed for failure to renew. Which statement best describes the dentist's status?

  1. The dentist may practice under a colleague's supervision
  2. The dentist may not practice until the license is reinstated Correct answer.
  3. The dentist may practice if patients are notified
  4. The dentist may continue practicing while renewal is pending

Explanation

Practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice, and the dentist must complete the reinstatement process before resuming. Pending renewal, supervision by a colleague, or patient notification does not authorize practice.

Question 46Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist advertises a discounted service and states that the price includes all necessary follow-up care. Which statement best reflects the Board's advertising rules?

  1. The advertisement requires preapproval by the Board
  2. The advertisement is prohibited because it mentions price
  3. The advertisement is permitted only if the discount exceeds fifty percent
  4. The advertisement must be accurate and not misleading Correct answer.

Explanation

Board rules permit price advertising but require that statements be accurate and not deceptive, including representations about what a price covers. Preapproval, minimum discount amounts, and a ban on price advertising are not part of the rules.

Question 47Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist suspects that a patient's records may be needed in a Board proceeding. Which statement best describes the recordkeeping obligation?

  1. Records must be kept for the period required by Board rules and produced on request Correct answer.
  2. Records may be destroyed at any time at the dentist's discretion
  3. Records must be kept only while the patient remains active
  4. Records may be kept only in paper form

Explanation

Board rules set a retention period for patient records, and records must be available when the Board requests them. Destruction at will, retention tied only to active status, and a paper-only requirement do not match the rules.

Question 48Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist serves as an expert reviewer in a Board disciplinary matter involving a former patient. Which principle best guides the dentist's participation?

  1. The dentist should decline because only the Board may judge care
  2. The dentist should evaluate the care against accepted standards of practice Correct answer.
  3. The dentist should defer to whatever the patient alleges
  4. The dentist should base the opinion on the outcome alone

Explanation

Expert review assesses whether care met accepted standards of practice, not whether the patient was satisfied or whether the outcome was unfavorable. The Board relies on such review in evaluating complaints.

Question 49Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

Under the Texas Dental Practice Act, which of the following is generally required for a person to practice dentistry in Texas?

  1. A national board certificate alone, without any state license
  2. A business permit issued by the Texas Secretary of State
  3. A current license issued by the State Board of Dental Examiners Correct answer.
  4. A certificate of registration from the local county health authority

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act establishes that practicing dentistry requires a license issued by the State Board of Dental Examiners. National board certificates and local or business permits do not substitute for the state license. The Board is the authority that credentials and regulates dentists in Texas.

Question 50Dental Practice Act and TSBDE Rules

A dentist's license is suspended by the State Board of Dental Examiners, and the dentist continues treating patients during the suspension. Which statement best describes the legal status of that conduct?

  1. It is lawful only if the patients sign a waiver acknowledging the suspension
  2. It is lawful because the underlying license remains valid until reinstated
  3. It is unlawful because practicing during a suspension violates the Dental Practice Act Correct answer.
  4. It is lawful if the dentist charges no fee for the services provided

Explanation

A suspension removes the dentist's authority to practice for its duration, so continued treatment is unlicensed practice in violation of the Dental Practice Act. The validity of the underlying license does not permit practice while suspended. Patient waivers or fee arrangements cannot cure the lack of authority to practice.