Louisiana Dentist Jurisprudence Exam
— 100-Question Advanced Practice
Exam 2026 | Questions & Answers with
Detailed Rationales | Complete Exam
Prep & Study Guide
Question 1
A Louisiana dentist delegates a procedure to a dental assistant even though the
Louisiana State Board of Dentistry has specifically prohibited that assistant from
performing the procedure. Who is primarily responsible for the unlawful
delegation?
Answer: The dentist who delegated the procedure.
Rationale: Louisiana law prohibits a licensed dentist from delegating an act to
an individual who is prohibited by board order from performing the procedure.
The dentist must understand the limits of delegation before assigning clinical
duties.
Question 2
,Which level of supervision is generally required for a Louisiana dental assistant
performing duties delegated by the dentist under R.S. 37:792.1?
Answer: Direct, on-premises supervision, direction, and responsibility of the
dentist.
Rationale: Louisiana law requires dental assistants, including expanded-duty
dental assistants, to perform delegated duties under the direct, on-premises
supervision, direction, and responsibility of the dentist and as ordered by the
dentist.
Question 3
A dentist asks an unlicensed dental assistant to perform root planing on a patient.
Is this permissible?
Answer: No, root planing may not be delegated to a person who is not licensed
as a dentist or dental hygienist.
Rationale: Louisiana specifically prohibits a dentist from delegating root planing
or smoothing roughened root surfaces to a person who is not licensed as a
dentist or dental hygienist.
Question 4
A dentist delegates removal of calculus from exposed tooth surfaces to an
unlicensed dental assistant. What is the legal issue?
Answer: The delegation is prohibited.
Rationale: Removal of calculus, deposits, or accretions from natural or restored
exposed tooth surfaces is specifically identified as a procedure that may not be
delegated to an unlicensed person.
Question 5
Under Louisiana law, who may prescribe drugs or medicines necessary or proper
in the practice of dentistry?
,Answer: A licensed dentist.
Rationale: Louisiana law expressly authorizes a licensed dentist to prescribe
drugs or medicines necessary or proper in the practice of dentistry.
Question 6
A Louisiana dentist prescribes medication that is appropriate for the patient's
dental condition. Is prescribing authority automatically limited to antibiotics?
Answer: No, the dentist may prescribe drugs or medicines necessary or proper
in the practice of dentistry, subject to applicable state and federal controlled-
substance requirements.
Rationale: Louisiana grants dentists prescribing authority within the practice of
dentistry. Controlled substances are additionally governed by applicable
controlled-substance laws and prescribing requirements.
Question 7
A dentist wants to administer general anesthesia in a dental office. Which
statement is most accurate?
Answer: The dentist must satisfy the applicable board permit and facility
requirements for the level of anesthesia being administered.
Rationale: Louisiana law requires board authorization for specified levels of
anesthesia and requires personal and office permits for dentists and facilities
when applicable.
Question 8
A dentist has a personal permit for moderate sedation but plans to administer
general anesthesia. May the dentist rely on the moderate-sedation permit?
Answer: No, the dentist must be authorized for the deepest level of anesthesia
or analgesia to be administered.
, Rationale: Louisiana requires a dentist administering specified anesthesia levels
to obtain a personal permit for the deepest level of anesthesia or analgesia that
will be administered.
Question 9
What permit requirement generally applies to a dental office where nitrous oxide,
moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia is administered?
Answer: The office must obtain the applicable office permit for the deepest
level of anesthesia or analgesia administered.
Rationale: Louisiana law requires an office permit for the deepest level of
anesthesia or analgesia administered in the facility, subject to statutory
exceptions.
Question 10
A dental hygienist administers nitrous oxide inhalation analgesia in Louisiana.
What additional authorization is required?
Answer: A personal permit issued by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry.
Rationale: Louisiana requires a dental hygienist who administers nitrous oxide
inhalation analgesia to obtain a personal permit and comply with board rules
and educational requirements.
Question 11
Under Louisiana law, a dental hygienist administering nitrous oxide must
generally work under what type of supervision?
Answer: Direct supervision of a dentist who is appropriately permitted to
administer nitrous oxide.
Rationale: Louisiana limits administration of nitrous oxide by dental hygienists
to situations involving direct supervision by a dentist holding the appropriate
board permit.