NORTH CAROLINA DENTAL HYGIENE
JURISPRUDENCE EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Under the North Carolina Dental Practice Act, which of the following best defines ‘General
Supervision’?
A. The dentist has examined the patient and is physically present in the facility while the
procedure is performed.
B. The hygienist may perform any duty without prior authorization if the patient is a record
holder.
C. The dentist has examined the patient, prescribed the treatment, and is present in the
treatment room.
D. The dentist has authorized the procedure, is not required to be present, but must be
available for consultation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: General supervision in NC means the dentist has authorized the
procedures and is not required to be present on the premises, provided the hygienist meets
specific experience and educational requirements.
,2. How many members comprise the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners?
A. 6 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, and 1 consumer member.
B. 5 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 layperson.
C. 8 dentists and 2 dental hygienists.
D. 7 dentists and 1 dental hygienist.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Board consists of six licensed dentists, one licensed dental
hygienist, and one consumer (lay) member.
3. A dental hygienist in NC must complete how many hours of Continuing Education (CE)
annually for license renewal?
A. 15 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 20 hours
D. 6 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: North Carolina requires dental hygienists to complete 6 hours of
Board-approved continuing education per year.
, 4. Which of the following acts is strictly prohibited for a dental hygienist to perform in North
Carolina?
A. Scaling and root planing
B. Final placement of a permanent restoration
C. Application of pit and fissure sealants
D. Taking intraoral radiographs
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dental hygienists are prohibited from performing definitive
diagnosis, treatment planning, and final placement of permanent restorations.
5. To administer local anesthesia in North Carolina, a dental hygienist must meet which
criteria?
A. Successfully complete a Board-approved course and be under direct supervision.
B. Hold a standard license for at least 5 years.
C. Pass the CDCA-WREB anesthesia exam only.
D. Administer it only under general supervision after 2 years of practice.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hygienists must complete a specific Board-approved
educational program and may only administer local anesthesia under the direct
supervision of a licensed dentist.
JURISPRUDENCE EXAM 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Under the North Carolina Dental Practice Act, which of the following best defines ‘General
Supervision’?
A. The dentist has examined the patient and is physically present in the facility while the
procedure is performed.
B. The hygienist may perform any duty without prior authorization if the patient is a record
holder.
C. The dentist has examined the patient, prescribed the treatment, and is present in the
treatment room.
D. The dentist has authorized the procedure, is not required to be present, but must be
available for consultation.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: General supervision in NC means the dentist has authorized the
procedures and is not required to be present on the premises, provided the hygienist meets
specific experience and educational requirements.
,2. How many members comprise the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners?
A. 6 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, and 1 consumer member.
B. 5 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 layperson.
C. 8 dentists and 2 dental hygienists.
D. 7 dentists and 1 dental hygienist.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The Board consists of six licensed dentists, one licensed dental
hygienist, and one consumer (lay) member.
3. A dental hygienist in NC must complete how many hours of Continuing Education (CE)
annually for license renewal?
A. 15 hours
B. 12 hours
C. 20 hours
D. 6 hours
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: North Carolina requires dental hygienists to complete 6 hours of
Board-approved continuing education per year.
, 4. Which of the following acts is strictly prohibited for a dental hygienist to perform in North
Carolina?
A. Scaling and root planing
B. Final placement of a permanent restoration
C. Application of pit and fissure sealants
D. Taking intraoral radiographs
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dental hygienists are prohibited from performing definitive
diagnosis, treatment planning, and final placement of permanent restorations.
5. To administer local anesthesia in North Carolina, a dental hygienist must meet which
criteria?
A. Successfully complete a Board-approved course and be under direct supervision.
B. Hold a standard license for at least 5 years.
C. Pass the CDCA-WREB anesthesia exam only.
D. Administer it only under general supervision after 2 years of practice.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hygienists must complete a specific Board-approved
educational program and may only administer local anesthesia under the direct
supervision of a licensed dentist.
