Texas Dental Jurisprudence
Final Test Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
1
, 1. (Multiple Choice)
In Texas, which procedure is within a dental hygienist’s scope of practice
when performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist?
A. Administering local anesthesia without specialized certification
B. Conducting an oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing)
C. Preparing and placing a composite restoration
D. Fabricating temporary crowns
ANS: B
Rationale: Texas law allows dental hygienists to perform non-invasive
preventive procedures such as scaling and polishing under supervision.
Invasive procedures or those requiring direct restorative intervention
remain within the dentist’s domain or require additional certification.
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2. (Fill-in-the-Blank)
In Texas, delegation of non‑clinical tasks (such as instrument sterilization
or patient record data entry) to a dental assistant is performed under
__________ supervision.
ANS: indirect
Rationale: Under Texas regulations, non‑clinical tasks may be
delegated under indirect supervision—meaning the supervising dentist
need not be in the operatory at all times but must remain available for
consultation.
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3. (True/False)
True or False: A dental assistant in Texas is permitted to perform
operative procedures independently after receiving in‑office training.
2
, ANS: False
Rationale: Even if trained, Texas law requires that dental assistants
perform clinical procedures only under the direct or indirect supervision
of a licensed dentist; they may not work independently.
---
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all tasks that a Texas dentist may delegate to a licensed dental
hygienist:
• Taking intraoral radiographs
• Applying topical fluoride treatments
• Placing pit and fissure sealants
• Administering local anesthesia without additional certification
ANSs: Taking intraoral radiographs; Applying topical fluoride
treatments; Placing pit and fissure sealants
Rationale: In Texas, dental hygienists under proper supervision may
take radiographs, apply fluoride, and place sealants. Administering
anesthesia typically requires a separate credentialing process and is not
delegated routinely to hygienists.
---
5. (Multiple Choice)
Which level of supervision in a Texas dental office demands that the
dentist be physically present in the operatory during a procedure?
A. Indirect supervision
B. General supervision
C. Direct supervision
D. Tele-supervision
ANS: C
Rationale: Direct supervision requires that the dentist be physically
present in the operatory during the procedure, ensuring immediate
3
Final Test Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
1
, 1. (Multiple Choice)
In Texas, which procedure is within a dental hygienist’s scope of practice
when performed under the supervision of a licensed dentist?
A. Administering local anesthesia without specialized certification
B. Conducting an oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing)
C. Preparing and placing a composite restoration
D. Fabricating temporary crowns
ANS: B
Rationale: Texas law allows dental hygienists to perform non-invasive
preventive procedures such as scaling and polishing under supervision.
Invasive procedures or those requiring direct restorative intervention
remain within the dentist’s domain or require additional certification.
---
2. (Fill-in-the-Blank)
In Texas, delegation of non‑clinical tasks (such as instrument sterilization
or patient record data entry) to a dental assistant is performed under
__________ supervision.
ANS: indirect
Rationale: Under Texas regulations, non‑clinical tasks may be
delegated under indirect supervision—meaning the supervising dentist
need not be in the operatory at all times but must remain available for
consultation.
---
3. (True/False)
True or False: A dental assistant in Texas is permitted to perform
operative procedures independently after receiving in‑office training.
2
, ANS: False
Rationale: Even if trained, Texas law requires that dental assistants
perform clinical procedures only under the direct or indirect supervision
of a licensed dentist; they may not work independently.
---
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all tasks that a Texas dentist may delegate to a licensed dental
hygienist:
• Taking intraoral radiographs
• Applying topical fluoride treatments
• Placing pit and fissure sealants
• Administering local anesthesia without additional certification
ANSs: Taking intraoral radiographs; Applying topical fluoride
treatments; Placing pit and fissure sealants
Rationale: In Texas, dental hygienists under proper supervision may
take radiographs, apply fluoride, and place sealants. Administering
anesthesia typically requires a separate credentialing process and is not
delegated routinely to hygienists.
---
5. (Multiple Choice)
Which level of supervision in a Texas dental office demands that the
dentist be physically present in the operatory during a procedure?
A. Indirect supervision
B. General supervision
C. Direct supervision
D. Tele-supervision
ANS: C
Rationale: Direct supervision requires that the dentist be physically
present in the operatory during the procedure, ensuring immediate
3
