and professional ethics exam-preparation
resource. Keep it distinct from general
dentistry clinical exam guides, and verify the
current Minnesota Board of Dentistry
requirements before advertising exact exam
details.
Question 1: Which Minnesota statute governs the licensure and regulation of dentists
and dental hygienists?
A. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148
B. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A
C. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 214
D. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A
Rationale: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A is the Dental Practice Act, which establishes
the Board of Dentistry and governs the licensure, regulation, and discipline of dentists,
dental therapists, and dental hygienists in Minnesota. Chapter 148 governs health-related
licensing boards generally, Chapter 214 governs licensing boards broadly, and Chapter 144
addresses public health matters.
Question 2: Under Minnesota law, which entity is responsible for enforcing the Dental
Practice Act?
A. Minnesota Department of Health
B. Minnesota Board of Dentistry
C. Minnesota Attorney General's Office
D. Minnesota Dental Association
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Minnesota Board of Dentistry
Rationale: The Minnesota Board of Dentistry is the regulatory body vested with authority to
license, regulate, and discipline dental professionals under Minnesota Statutes Chapter
150A. The Department of Health addresses public health matters, the Attorney General
provides legal representation, and the Dental Association is a professional membership
organization without regulatory authority.
Question 3: What is the composition of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry as specified
by statute?
,A. Seven dentists and two public members
B. Five dentists, two dental hygienists, and two public members
C. Six dentists, one dental therapist, and two public members
D. Four dentists, three dental hygienists, and two public members
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Five dentists, two dental hygienists, and two public members
Rationale: The Minnesota Board of Dentistry consists of nine members: five licensed
dentists, two licensed dental hygienists, and two public members who are not associated
with the dental profession. This composition ensures professional expertise balanced with
public representation.
Question 4: What is the maximum fee the Minnesota Board of Dentistry may charge
for an initial dental license application?
A. $100
B. $250
C. $500
D. The board sets fees by rule subject to statutory limits
CORRECT ANSWER: D. The board sets fees by rule subject to statutory limits
Rationale: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A authorizes the Board of Dentistry to establish
licensure fees through rulemaking, subject to the limits imposed by statute and the
executive branch's fee-setting guidelines. Fixed dollar amounts are not specified in the
statute itself but are determined administratively.
Question 5: Which of the following is grounds for disciplinary action against a
Minnesota dentist?
A. Practicing in a specialty without board certification
B. Conviction of a felony related to the practice of dentistry
C. Advertising services in a newspaper
D. Employing more than five dental assistants
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Conviction of a felony related to the practice of dentistry
Rationale: Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A, conviction of a felony related to the
practice of dentistry is expressly listed as grounds for disciplinary action, including license
revocation or suspension. Practicing without specialty certification, advertising, and staffing
levels are not statutory grounds for discipline.
Question 6: What is the required frequency for dental license renewal in Minnesota?
,A. Every year
B. Every two years
C. Every three years
D. Every five years
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Every two years
Rationale: Minnesota dental licenses must be renewed biennially. The renewal cycle
requires submission of a renewal application, payment of fees, and evidence of completion
of continuing education requirements as established by the Board of Dentistry.
Question 7: How many continuing education hours are required for Minnesota dentist
license renewal?
A. 20 hours per renewal cycle
B. 30 hours per renewal cycle
C. 40 hours per renewal cycle
D. 50 hours per renewal cycle
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 40 hours per renewal cycle
Rationale: Minnesota dentists are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education per
two-year renewal cycle. This requirement ensures ongoing professional development and
maintenance of clinical competency.
Question 8: Which of the following is a mandatory continuing education topic for
Minnesota dental license renewal?
A. Pediatric dentistry
B. Infection control
C. Orthodontics
D. Prosthodontics
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Infection control
Rationale: Minnesota requires dentists to complete continuing education in infection control
as part of their renewal requirements. This ensures compliance with current standards for
preventing transmission of infectious diseases in dental settings.
Question 9: Under Minnesota law, what is the scope of practice for a licensed dental
hygienist?
, A. Independent diagnosis and treatment of dental disease
B. Preventive dental services under general supervision
C. Surgical extraction of teeth
D. Prescribing controlled substances
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Preventive dental services under general supervision
Rationale: Minnesota dental hygienists are licensed to provide preventive services including
cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and patient education, typically under general
supervision of a dentist. They cannot independently diagnose or treat dental disease,
perform surgery, or prescribe medications.
Question 10: What is a dental therapist authorized to perform in Minnesota?
A. Only cleanings and fluoride treatments
B. Basic restorative procedures and simple extractions
C. Full oral surgery including wisdom teeth removal
D. Orthodontic bracket placement
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Basic restorative procedures and simple extractions
Rationale: Minnesota dental therapists are mid-level providers authorized to perform basic
restorative procedures (fillings), simple extractions, preventive care, and other specified
services under collaborative practice agreements. They cannot perform complex surgical
procedures or orthodontic treatment.
Question 11: Which Minnesota statute addresses the collaborative practice
agreement for dental therapists?
A. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148
B. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A
C. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 214
D. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 144
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A
Rationale: The Dental Practice Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 150A, specifically
addresses dental therapists, including their licensure, scope of practice, and collaborative
practice agreement requirements with dentists.
Question 12: What is the required supervision level for dental hygienists performing
sealants in Minnesota?