TX Dentistry Jurisprudence Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)?
A. To provide dental treatment to underserved populations
B. To regulate dental education curriculum in private institutions
C. To protect the public by licensing and regulating dental professionals
D. To establish fees for private dental practices
The TSBDE exists primarily to safeguard public health by ensuring that
dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals meet licensing
requirements and adhere to professional standards.
2. In Texas, a dentist is required to maintain patient records for a
minimum of:
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Texas law mandates that dental records, including diagnostic and
treatment information, be retained for at least five years from the date of
the last entry to ensure continuity of care and legal compliance.
, 3. Which of the following actions constitutes unprofessional conduct
under Texas dentistry statutes?
A. Performing a dental extraction after completing proper training
B. Delegating tasks to a licensed dental assistant
C. Fraudulently billing an insurance company for services not rendered
D. Referring a patient to a specialist for care beyond one’s scope
Fraudulent billing is explicitly prohibited as it violates ethical standards and
Texas law, constituting unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary
action.
4. A dentist licensed in Texas may delegate which of the following
procedures to a dental hygienist under general supervision?
A. Administering local anesthesia
B. Applying fluoride treatments
C. Performing extractions
D. Prescribing antibiotics
Under Texas rules, dental hygienists can perform certain preventive
procedures like fluoride application without the dentist being physically
present, while more invasive procedures remain restricted to the dentist.
5. Which of the following is required for informed consent in Texas
dentistry?
A. Only obtaining the patient’s signature
B. Providing treatment options verbally without documentation
C. Disclosing the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed procedure
D. Explaining treatment only if the patient asks
Informed consent in Texas requires that patients understand the potential
risks, benefits, and alternatives, enabling them to make an educated
decision about their care.
, 6. If a Texas dentist prescribes a controlled substance, they must:
A. Keep verbal instructions only
B. Follow state and federal prescription regulations, including
recordkeeping and controlled substance registration
C. Allow anyone in the office to administer prescriptions
D. Prescribe without limitation if it’s for pain management
Controlled substances are strictly regulated; dentists must comply with
both Texas and federal law, including proper documentation, registration
with the DEA, and secure storage.
7. Texas law allows a dentist to refuse treatment under which
circumstance?
A. Patient refuses to sign informed consent
B. Dentist dislikes the patient personally
C. Patient’s condition is beyond the dentist’s scope of practice
D. Patient requests treatment on a holiday
Dentists may decline treatment if it exceeds their competency, ensuring
patient safety and adherence to professional standards.
8. Which entity is responsible for investigating complaints against
dentists in Texas?
A. Texas Medical Board
B. Texas Department of Health
C. Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
D. American Dental Association
The TSBDE investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct or violations
of the Dental Practice Act to protect public safety.
9. How often must a Texas dentist complete continuing education (CE) to
maintain licensure?
, A. Annually, 5 hours
B. Every 2 years, 24 hours
C. Every 3 years, 15 hours
D. Only upon request from the board
Texas requires licensed dentists to complete 24 hours of CE every two years
to maintain competence and stay current with professional standards.
10. Which of the following best describes the delegation of duties in
a Texas dental office?
A. Dental assistants may perform all procedures independently
B. Dentists may delegate tasks that are within the delegatee’s training and
permitted by law
C. Hygienists may perform surgical procedures without supervision
D. Only dentists may touch any patient’s oral cavity
Texas law allows delegation of specific duties as long as the provider is
trained and the task falls within legal and professional limits.
11. Which of the following is considered mandatory reporting by a
dentist in Texas?
A. Cosmetic treatment outcomes
B. Billing errors
C. Suspected child abuse or neglect
D. Missed appointments
Dentists in Texas are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect
to protect vulnerable populations and comply with state law.
12. Under Texas law, which practice is allowed under general
supervision?
A. Extraction of primary teeth
B. Administering nitrous oxide sedation
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of the
Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)?
A. To provide dental treatment to underserved populations
B. To regulate dental education curriculum in private institutions
C. To protect the public by licensing and regulating dental professionals
D. To establish fees for private dental practices
The TSBDE exists primarily to safeguard public health by ensuring that
dentists, hygienists, and other dental professionals meet licensing
requirements and adhere to professional standards.
2. In Texas, a dentist is required to maintain patient records for a
minimum of:
A. 1 year
B. 3 years
C. 5 years
D. 10 years
Texas law mandates that dental records, including diagnostic and
treatment information, be retained for at least five years from the date of
the last entry to ensure continuity of care and legal compliance.
, 3. Which of the following actions constitutes unprofessional conduct
under Texas dentistry statutes?
A. Performing a dental extraction after completing proper training
B. Delegating tasks to a licensed dental assistant
C. Fraudulently billing an insurance company for services not rendered
D. Referring a patient to a specialist for care beyond one’s scope
Fraudulent billing is explicitly prohibited as it violates ethical standards and
Texas law, constituting unprofessional conduct subject to disciplinary
action.
4. A dentist licensed in Texas may delegate which of the following
procedures to a dental hygienist under general supervision?
A. Administering local anesthesia
B. Applying fluoride treatments
C. Performing extractions
D. Prescribing antibiotics
Under Texas rules, dental hygienists can perform certain preventive
procedures like fluoride application without the dentist being physically
present, while more invasive procedures remain restricted to the dentist.
5. Which of the following is required for informed consent in Texas
dentistry?
A. Only obtaining the patient’s signature
B. Providing treatment options verbally without documentation
C. Disclosing the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a proposed procedure
D. Explaining treatment only if the patient asks
Informed consent in Texas requires that patients understand the potential
risks, benefits, and alternatives, enabling them to make an educated
decision about their care.
, 6. If a Texas dentist prescribes a controlled substance, they must:
A. Keep verbal instructions only
B. Follow state and federal prescription regulations, including
recordkeeping and controlled substance registration
C. Allow anyone in the office to administer prescriptions
D. Prescribe without limitation if it’s for pain management
Controlled substances are strictly regulated; dentists must comply with
both Texas and federal law, including proper documentation, registration
with the DEA, and secure storage.
7. Texas law allows a dentist to refuse treatment under which
circumstance?
A. Patient refuses to sign informed consent
B. Dentist dislikes the patient personally
C. Patient’s condition is beyond the dentist’s scope of practice
D. Patient requests treatment on a holiday
Dentists may decline treatment if it exceeds their competency, ensuring
patient safety and adherence to professional standards.
8. Which entity is responsible for investigating complaints against
dentists in Texas?
A. Texas Medical Board
B. Texas Department of Health
C. Texas State Board of Dental Examiners
D. American Dental Association
The TSBDE investigates allegations of unprofessional conduct or violations
of the Dental Practice Act to protect public safety.
9. How often must a Texas dentist complete continuing education (CE) to
maintain licensure?
, A. Annually, 5 hours
B. Every 2 years, 24 hours
C. Every 3 years, 15 hours
D. Only upon request from the board
Texas requires licensed dentists to complete 24 hours of CE every two years
to maintain competence and stay current with professional standards.
10. Which of the following best describes the delegation of duties in
a Texas dental office?
A. Dental assistants may perform all procedures independently
B. Dentists may delegate tasks that are within the delegatee’s training and
permitted by law
C. Hygienists may perform surgical procedures without supervision
D. Only dentists may touch any patient’s oral cavity
Texas law allows delegation of specific duties as long as the provider is
trained and the task falls within legal and professional limits.
11. Which of the following is considered mandatory reporting by a
dentist in Texas?
A. Cosmetic treatment outcomes
B. Billing errors
C. Suspected child abuse or neglect
D. Missed appointments
Dentists in Texas are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect
to protect vulnerable populations and comply with state law.
12. Under Texas law, which practice is allowed under general
supervision?
A. Extraction of primary teeth
B. Administering nitrous oxide sedation
