JURISPRUDENCE – DENTAL ASSISTING UPDATED
ACTUAL CORE LEGAL AND ETHICAL DENTAL
PRACTICE CONCEPTS REVIEW 2026
◉ Factors of a Conviction
Answer: -Nature and Seriousness of crime
-Relation of crime to the occupation in Dentistry
-Extent to which a license might further an opportunity to engage in
further crime
-Relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required
to perform the duties and discharge the responsibility of the
licensed occupation
◉ Who can Practice Dentistry?
Answer: A person may not practice or offer to practice dentistry or
dental surgery or represent that the person practices dentistry
unless the person holds a license issued by the board
◉ A person DOES NOT practice dentistry if the person is a:
Answer: -Faculty member of a reputable dental/dental hygiene
school
-Student of a reputable dental school who performs operations
without pay
,-Performs laboratory work (only on inert matter)
-Licensed state physician who does not represent Dentistry
-Dental Hygienist who practices within strict conformity with the
state law
-Dental assistant who performs duties permited under the Dental
Practice Act
◉ Visual Dental Inspection "Screenings"
Answer: Inspections (exam) made by a health care worker can be
performed by a Dental Assistant, Teacher, School Nurse.
-Done as a group activity in a public setting with no charged fee
◉ Purpose of Visual Dental Inspections
Answer: -Only gloves, tongue depressors and light may be used
-Purpose it to recognize potential problems and refer to a dentist
◉ Duties the Dentist MAY NOT Delegate:
Answer: -Smoothing of the teeth by polishing or root planning
-Comprehensive examination
-Cutting of hard or soft tissue
-Issuing prescriptions and excuses
-Taking Final impressions for final dental app.
, -making of an intraoral occlusal adjustments
-Any endodonitic procedure
-Final placement + intraoral adjustment of a fixed or removable
appliance.
-Administer any form of sedative or anesthetic
◉ Responsibilities of the Delegating Dentist
Answer: The delegating dentist is responsible for a dental act
performed by the person to whome the dentist delegates the act.
◉ How can duties be delegated to a Dental Assistant?
Answer: a licensed dentist may delegate to a qualified and trained
dental assistant acting under the Dentist's Direct supervision any
dental act that a reasonable, prudent dentist would find is withing
the scope of sound dental judgment.
◉ Under what conditions can a Dental Assistant perform delegated
duties?
Answer: In the opinion of the delegating dentist, the act:
-Can be properly and safely performed by the assistant to whom the
act is delegated
-Performed in a customary manner and is not in violation of the
Dental Practice Act
ACTUAL CORE LEGAL AND ETHICAL DENTAL
PRACTICE CONCEPTS REVIEW 2026
◉ Factors of a Conviction
Answer: -Nature and Seriousness of crime
-Relation of crime to the occupation in Dentistry
-Extent to which a license might further an opportunity to engage in
further crime
-Relationship of the crime to the ability, capacity or fitness required
to perform the duties and discharge the responsibility of the
licensed occupation
◉ Who can Practice Dentistry?
Answer: A person may not practice or offer to practice dentistry or
dental surgery or represent that the person practices dentistry
unless the person holds a license issued by the board
◉ A person DOES NOT practice dentistry if the person is a:
Answer: -Faculty member of a reputable dental/dental hygiene
school
-Student of a reputable dental school who performs operations
without pay
,-Performs laboratory work (only on inert matter)
-Licensed state physician who does not represent Dentistry
-Dental Hygienist who practices within strict conformity with the
state law
-Dental assistant who performs duties permited under the Dental
Practice Act
◉ Visual Dental Inspection "Screenings"
Answer: Inspections (exam) made by a health care worker can be
performed by a Dental Assistant, Teacher, School Nurse.
-Done as a group activity in a public setting with no charged fee
◉ Purpose of Visual Dental Inspections
Answer: -Only gloves, tongue depressors and light may be used
-Purpose it to recognize potential problems and refer to a dentist
◉ Duties the Dentist MAY NOT Delegate:
Answer: -Smoothing of the teeth by polishing or root planning
-Comprehensive examination
-Cutting of hard or soft tissue
-Issuing prescriptions and excuses
-Taking Final impressions for final dental app.
, -making of an intraoral occlusal adjustments
-Any endodonitic procedure
-Final placement + intraoral adjustment of a fixed or removable
appliance.
-Administer any form of sedative or anesthetic
◉ Responsibilities of the Delegating Dentist
Answer: The delegating dentist is responsible for a dental act
performed by the person to whome the dentist delegates the act.
◉ How can duties be delegated to a Dental Assistant?
Answer: a licensed dentist may delegate to a qualified and trained
dental assistant acting under the Dentist's Direct supervision any
dental act that a reasonable, prudent dentist would find is withing
the scope of sound dental judgment.
◉ Under what conditions can a Dental Assistant perform delegated
duties?
Answer: In the opinion of the delegating dentist, the act:
-Can be properly and safely performed by the assistant to whom the
act is delegated
-Performed in a customary manner and is not in violation of the
Dental Practice Act
