NC DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE CORRECT GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RATED A+
✔✔What functions and tasks are permitted as a DA I? - ✔✔A Dental Assistant I may
perform only routine dental assisting procedures such as oral hygiene instruction,
chairside assisting, application of topical fluorides or topical anesthetics, and exposure
of radiographs, provided that the assistant can show compliance with radiography
training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c)(12).
✔✔What functions and tasks are permitted as a DA II? - ✔✔-taking impressions for
study models and opposing casts that may be used for temporary/permanent dental
appliances, adjustable ortho appliances, night guards and the repair of dentures/partials
-applying sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to application
of sealants
-inserting matrix bands/wedges
-placing cavity bases + liners
-placing and removing rubber dams
-cementing temporary restorations using temporary cement
-applying acid etch materials
-applying bonding agents
-removing periodontal and surgical dressings
-removing sutures
-placing and removing gingival retraction cord
-removing excess cement with hand scaler supragingivally
-flushing, drying, and temporarily closing root canals or pulpotomies
-placing and removing temporary restorations
-placing and tying in or untying and removing orthodontic arch wires, ligature wires, or
lock pins
-inserting interdental spacers
-fitting orthodontic bands or brackets
-applying dentin desensitizing solutions
-performing extra-oral adjustments that affect function, fit, or occlusion of any restoration
or appliance
, -forming and sizing ortho arch wires and placing them after final adjustment and
approval by the dentist
-polishing the clinical crown, using a hand-held brush and polishing agents; or a
combination of a slow speed handpiece (10,000 rpm max) with attached rubber cup or
bristle brush, and polishing agents
-exposing radiographs and cone beam images
-polishing removable appliances extra-orally
-preparing and loading amalgam in carrier
-measuring pulse, BP, and temp
-using micro-etcher extra-orally
-placing a throat shield during administration of general anesthesia
-delivering dentures, provided the dentist approves the denture placement
-removing healing abutments for implants that may be accessed supragingivally
✔✔What is disclosure in the context of informed consent? - ✔✔It requires the dentist to
explain the nature of the procedure, including the steps involved, potential
complications, alternative treatments, and the expected outcome. The information
provided must be sufficient for the patient to make an informed decision. In cases
involving surgery or irreversible procedures, such as tooth extractions, the level of detail
required in the disclosure increases significantly.
The disclosure process must be tailored to the patient's understanding. For example,
when explaining a root canal, instead of saying, "We will be removing the infected pulp
from your tooth and disinfecting the canal," a more accessible explanation would be
"We'll clean out the infection inside your tooth to stop the pain and save the tooth."
✔✔For patients under the age of 18, the dentist must obtain consent from: - ✔✔a parent
or legal guardian
✔✔Under what circumstances might a minor be able to give consent? - ✔✔In some
cases, such as when a minor is emancipated or seeking care for certain conditions
(e.g., pregnancy-related care or substance abuse treatment), they may be able to
consent to their own care. Dentists must be familiar with both state laws and ethical
guidelines when treating minors.
✔✔For patients with cognitive impairments (i.e. dementia or developmental disabilities),
the dentist must obtain consent from: - ✔✔a legally appointed guardian or healthcare
proxy
Dentists should also make every effort to involve the patient in the decision-making
process to the extent possible, respecting their autonomy while ensuring that their best
interests are protected.
✔✔Under what circumstances might a dentist be able to render care without obtaining
formal consent? - ✔✔In emergency cases where immediate treatment is required to
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RATED A+
✔✔What functions and tasks are permitted as a DA I? - ✔✔A Dental Assistant I may
perform only routine dental assisting procedures such as oral hygiene instruction,
chairside assisting, application of topical fluorides or topical anesthetics, and exposure
of radiographs, provided that the assistant can show compliance with radiography
training consistent with G.S. 90-29(c)(12).
✔✔What functions and tasks are permitted as a DA II? - ✔✔-taking impressions for
study models and opposing casts that may be used for temporary/permanent dental
appliances, adjustable ortho appliances, night guards and the repair of dentures/partials
-applying sealants to teeth that do not require mechanical alteration prior to application
of sealants
-inserting matrix bands/wedges
-placing cavity bases + liners
-placing and removing rubber dams
-cementing temporary restorations using temporary cement
-applying acid etch materials
-applying bonding agents
-removing periodontal and surgical dressings
-removing sutures
-placing and removing gingival retraction cord
-removing excess cement with hand scaler supragingivally
-flushing, drying, and temporarily closing root canals or pulpotomies
-placing and removing temporary restorations
-placing and tying in or untying and removing orthodontic arch wires, ligature wires, or
lock pins
-inserting interdental spacers
-fitting orthodontic bands or brackets
-applying dentin desensitizing solutions
-performing extra-oral adjustments that affect function, fit, or occlusion of any restoration
or appliance
, -forming and sizing ortho arch wires and placing them after final adjustment and
approval by the dentist
-polishing the clinical crown, using a hand-held brush and polishing agents; or a
combination of a slow speed handpiece (10,000 rpm max) with attached rubber cup or
bristle brush, and polishing agents
-exposing radiographs and cone beam images
-polishing removable appliances extra-orally
-preparing and loading amalgam in carrier
-measuring pulse, BP, and temp
-using micro-etcher extra-orally
-placing a throat shield during administration of general anesthesia
-delivering dentures, provided the dentist approves the denture placement
-removing healing abutments for implants that may be accessed supragingivally
✔✔What is disclosure in the context of informed consent? - ✔✔It requires the dentist to
explain the nature of the procedure, including the steps involved, potential
complications, alternative treatments, and the expected outcome. The information
provided must be sufficient for the patient to make an informed decision. In cases
involving surgery or irreversible procedures, such as tooth extractions, the level of detail
required in the disclosure increases significantly.
The disclosure process must be tailored to the patient's understanding. For example,
when explaining a root canal, instead of saying, "We will be removing the infected pulp
from your tooth and disinfecting the canal," a more accessible explanation would be
"We'll clean out the infection inside your tooth to stop the pain and save the tooth."
✔✔For patients under the age of 18, the dentist must obtain consent from: - ✔✔a parent
or legal guardian
✔✔Under what circumstances might a minor be able to give consent? - ✔✔In some
cases, such as when a minor is emancipated or seeking care for certain conditions
(e.g., pregnancy-related care or substance abuse treatment), they may be able to
consent to their own care. Dentists must be familiar with both state laws and ethical
guidelines when treating minors.
✔✔For patients with cognitive impairments (i.e. dementia or developmental disabilities),
the dentist must obtain consent from: - ✔✔a legally appointed guardian or healthcare
proxy
Dentists should also make every effort to involve the patient in the decision-making
process to the extent possible, respecting their autonomy while ensuring that their best
interests are protected.
✔✔Under what circumstances might a dentist be able to render care without obtaining
formal consent? - ✔✔In emergency cases where immediate treatment is required to
