Exam Study Guide, Dental Board Licensing Exam Prep, Practice Questions
with Answers & Explanations, Iowa Dental Practice Act, Iowa Code Chapters
153, 147 & 272C, Administrative Code 481, Licensure, Registration, Scope of
Practice, Supervision, Ethics, Continuing Education & Disciplinary Actions
Question 1: According to Iowa law, which of the following individuals is required
to hold a valid Iowa dental license to practice?
A. A licensed physician extracting teeth as part of general medical practice
B. A dental student performing procedures at an accredited dental college clinic
under faculty supervision
C. An individual performing final delivery and adjustment of a removable partial
denture
D. A dental hygienist providing educational services in a community health
program
CORRECT ANSWER: C. An individual performing final delivery and adjustment of
a removable partial denture
Rationale: Iowa Code Chapter 153 defines the practice of dentistry to include the
delivery, adjustment, and insertion of prosthetic appliances. Performing these
tasks without a license constitutes unlawful practice. The other options represent
statutory exemptions under Iowa Code §153.14 for physicians, students, and
licensed hygienists.
Question 2: What is the primary statutory purpose of the Iowa Dental Practice
Act?
A. To establish uniform fee schedules for dental procedures statewide
B. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare through regulation of dental
practice
C. To promote the economic interests of licensed dental professionals
D. To standardize dental education curricula across accredited institutions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To protect the public health, safety, and welfare through
regulation of dental practice
Rationale: The fundamental purpose of Iowa Code Chapter 153 is to safeguard the
public by regulating the practice of dentistry through licensure, standards of
,practice, and disciplinary mechanisms. Fee schedules, economic promotion, and
curriculum standardization are not statutory objectives of the Dental Practice Act.
Question 3: How many total members comprise the Iowa Dental Board?
A. Seven members
B. Eight members
C. Nine members
D. Eleven members
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Nine members
Rationale: The Iowa Dental Board consists of nine members appointed by the
Governor and confirmed by the Senate: five licensed dentists, two licensed dental
hygienists, and two public members who represent the general public.
Question 4: A dentist licensed in Iowa must complete how many hours of
continuing education during each two-year renewal cycle?
A. 15 hours
B. 30 hours
C. 45 hours
D. 60 hours
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 60 hours
Rationale: Iowa Administrative Code 650—Chapter 25 mandates that licensed
dentists complete 60 hours of continuing education during each biennial renewal
period. This requirement ensures practitioners remain current with advances in
dental science and patient safety.
Question 5: Under Iowa law, which of the following constitutes the unlawful
practice of dentistry?
A. A dental hygienist placing sealants under direct supervision of a licensed
dentist
B. An unlicensed individual performing the final delivery and adjustment of a
removable partial denture
C. A dental assistant taking impressions under the order of a licensed dentist
,D. A dental student performing extractions at an accredited college clinic under
faculty supervision
CORRECT ANSWER: B. An unlicensed individual performing the final delivery and
adjustment of a removable partial denture
Rationale: Iowa Code §153.14 defines the practice of dentistry to include the
delivery, adjustment, and insertion of prosthetic appliances. Performing these
tasks without a license is a direct violation. The other options involve permitted
activities under appropriate supervision or in accredited educational settings.
Question 6: Which Iowa statute serves as the primary Dental Practice Act
governing dental professionals?
A. Iowa Code Chapter 147
B. Iowa Code Chapter 153
C. Iowa Code Chapter 272C
D. Iowa Code Chapter 124
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Iowa Code Chapter 153
Rationale: Iowa Code Chapter 153 is the primary Dental Practice Act that defines
the practice of dentistry, establishes licensing requirements, and provides the
regulatory framework for dental professionals in Iowa.
Question 7: A dentist who administers general anesthesia in Iowa must do all of
the following EXCEPT:
A. Conduct a pre-anesthetic health evaluation
B. Ensure a separate individual monitors the patient's vital signs
C. Have immediate access to emergency resuscitative equipment
D. Administer the anesthetic without a permit if the patient is over 18 years old
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Administer the anesthetic without a permit if the patient
is over 18 years old
Rationale: Iowa Administrative Code 650—Chapter 29 requires that any dentist
administering general anesthesia or deep sedation must hold a valid permit
issued by the Iowa Dental Board, regardless of the patient's age. The permit
, process verifies appropriate training, facility equipment, and emergency
protocols.
Question 8: Which of the following correctly describes the composition of the
Iowa Dental Board?
A. 6 dentists, 1 hygienist, 2 public members
B. 5 dentists, 2 hygienists, 2 public members
C. 4 dentists, 3 hygienists, 2 public members
D. 5 dentists, 3 hygienists, 1 public member
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 5 dentists, 2 hygienists, 2 public members
Rationale: The Iowa Dental Board is comprised of nine members: five licensed
dentists, two licensed dental hygienists, and two public members appointed to
represent the general public. Members serve three-year terms.
Question 9: A dentist's obligation to maintain patient confidentiality under Iowa
law continues:
A. Only during the active course of treatment
B. For five years following the last patient visit
C. Until the patient's death, after which records become public
D. Indefinitely, even after the dentist-patient relationship terminates
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Indefinitely, even after the dentist-patient relationship
terminates
Rationale: Iowa Code §272C.6 and ethical standards enforced by the Iowa Dental
Board affirm that the duty of confidentiality is perpetual. Patient information
must be safeguarded indefinitely to protect patient privacy, except when
disclosure is compelled by law or authorized by the patient.
Question 10: Which level of supervision requires the dentist to be in the
treatment room with the dental professional?
A. Personal supervision
B. Direct supervision
C. General supervision
D. Public health supervision