New Mexico
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice)
A 45-year-old patient with complex medical history presents for
implant surgery. The dentist believes the case exceeds their clinical
competence. According to the ADA Principles of Ethics, which action
best reflects ethical conduct?
A. Proceed with treatment under deeper sedation
B. Refer the patient to a specialist with implant expertise
C. Offer the patient a full refund and discharge them
D. Consult online forums for peer guidance
Answer: B. Refer the patient to a specialist with implant expertise
Rationale: Beneficence and nonmaleficence require recognizing
one’s limits and referring to ensure patient safety and optimal
outcome.
2. (True/False)
A dentist who frequently posts identifiable patient photos on social
media—without explicit consent—has violated the ethical principle of
confidentiality.
Answer: True
Rationale: Posting protected health information or identifiable
images without consent breaches confidentiality and veracity.
3. (Fill in the Blank)
The ethical obligation that obliges the dentist to keep promises and
2
,uphold trust is termed ________.
Answer: fidelity
Rationale: Fidelity denotes loyalty to patient commitments and
maintaining trust in the dentist–patient relationship.
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all ethical duties exemplified when a dentist: thoroughly
documents treatment options, clearly explains risks, respects
patient’s decision, and follows up postoperatively.
- A. Autonomy
- B. Beneficence
- C. Veracity
- D. Justice
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale:
- Autonomy: respecting patient’s informed choice
- Beneficence: acting to benefit patient welfare
- Veracity: honest communication
Justice pertains to fairness, not directly illustrated here.
---
Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
5. (Multiple Choice)
Under the New Mexico Dental Health Care Act, which procedure
may a registered dental hygienist perform under general supervision?
3
, A. Prescribing antibiotics
B. Administering local anesthesia
C. Placing and removing rubber dams
D. Performing surgical extractions
Answer: B. Administering local anesthesia
Rationale: NMAC 16.8.17 authorizes hygienists to administer local
anesthetics under general supervision, but not prescriptions or
surgery.
6. (Multiple Choice)
A dentist delegates taking intraoral radiographs to a dental assistant
without radiography certification. Who is liable for this unauthorized
act?
A. Only the assistant
B. Only the supervising dentist
C. Both dentist and assistant
D. Neither, if no harm occurs
Answer: C. Both dentist and assistant
Rationale: The dentist is responsible for illegal delegation; the
assistant incurs liability for practicing beyond certification.
7. (Fill in the Blank)
New Mexico requires dental licenses to be renewed every ________
years.
Answer: 2
Rationale: Licenses are biennial under NMAC regulations.
4
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice)
A 45-year-old patient with complex medical history presents for
implant surgery. The dentist believes the case exceeds their clinical
competence. According to the ADA Principles of Ethics, which action
best reflects ethical conduct?
A. Proceed with treatment under deeper sedation
B. Refer the patient to a specialist with implant expertise
C. Offer the patient a full refund and discharge them
D. Consult online forums for peer guidance
Answer: B. Refer the patient to a specialist with implant expertise
Rationale: Beneficence and nonmaleficence require recognizing
one’s limits and referring to ensure patient safety and optimal
outcome.
2. (True/False)
A dentist who frequently posts identifiable patient photos on social
media—without explicit consent—has violated the ethical principle of
confidentiality.
Answer: True
Rationale: Posting protected health information or identifiable
images without consent breaches confidentiality and veracity.
3. (Fill in the Blank)
The ethical obligation that obliges the dentist to keep promises and
2
,uphold trust is termed ________.
Answer: fidelity
Rationale: Fidelity denotes loyalty to patient commitments and
maintaining trust in the dentist–patient relationship.
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all ethical duties exemplified when a dentist: thoroughly
documents treatment options, clearly explains risks, respects
patient’s decision, and follows up postoperatively.
- A. Autonomy
- B. Beneficence
- C. Veracity
- D. Justice
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale:
- Autonomy: respecting patient’s informed choice
- Beneficence: acting to benefit patient welfare
- Veracity: honest communication
Justice pertains to fairness, not directly illustrated here.
---
Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
5. (Multiple Choice)
Under the New Mexico Dental Health Care Act, which procedure
may a registered dental hygienist perform under general supervision?
3
, A. Prescribing antibiotics
B. Administering local anesthesia
C. Placing and removing rubber dams
D. Performing surgical extractions
Answer: B. Administering local anesthesia
Rationale: NMAC 16.8.17 authorizes hygienists to administer local
anesthetics under general supervision, but not prescriptions or
surgery.
6. (Multiple Choice)
A dentist delegates taking intraoral radiographs to a dental assistant
without radiography certification. Who is liable for this unauthorized
act?
A. Only the assistant
B. Only the supervising dentist
C. Both dentist and assistant
D. Neither, if no harm occurs
Answer: C. Both dentist and assistant
Rationale: The dentist is responsible for illegal delegation; the
assistant incurs liability for practicing beyond certification.
7. (Fill in the Blank)
New Mexico requires dental licenses to be renewed every ________
years.
Answer: 2
Rationale: Licenses are biennial under NMAC regulations.
4
