DENTAL LAWS, INFECTION CONTROL,
AND JURISPRUDENCE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for enforcing clinical safety standards and
protecting employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens?
A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While the CDC provides recommendations, OSHA is a regulatory
agency that enforces laws to protect workers from hazards in the workplace.
2. Under the Spaulding Classification system, how should instruments that touch intact
mucous membranes but do not penetrate bone or soft tissue be treated?
A. Low-level disinfection
B. Intermediate-level disinfection
,C. High-level disinfection or heat sterilization
D. Simple soap and water wash
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items, which touch mucous membranes, should be
heat-sterilized or treated with a high-level disinfectant if they are heat-sensitive.
3. What is the minimum frequency required by the CDC for biological monitoring (spore
testing) of an autoclave?
A. Daily
B. Monthly
C. Weekly
D. After every 10 cycles
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The CDC recommends biological monitoring at least weekly to
ensure the sterilization process is effective.
4. Which legal term describes the level of knowledge, skill, and care commonly possessed and
exercised by other members of the profession?
A. Respondeat Superior
B. Standard of Care
C. Beneficence
, D. Statute of Limitations
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Standard of care is the legal criterion for determining whether a
practitioner’s actions were appropriate compared to peers in similar circumstances.
5. If a dentist is away and a patient of record experiences an emergency, the dentist’s failure
to provide coverage or a referral is legally considered:
A. Malpractice
B. Contributory negligence
C. Abandonment
D. Fraud
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abandonment occurs when a healthcare provider terminates the
relationship without giving the patient reasonable notice or providing a competent
replacement.
6. Which ethical principle refers to the dentist’s obligation to ‘do no harm’?
A. Autonomy
B. Non-maleficence
C. Veracity
D. Justice
AND JURISPRUDENCE FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. Which regulatory agency is responsible for enforcing clinical safety standards and
protecting employees from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens?
A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
D. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While the CDC provides recommendations, OSHA is a regulatory
agency that enforces laws to protect workers from hazards in the workplace.
2. Under the Spaulding Classification system, how should instruments that touch intact
mucous membranes but do not penetrate bone or soft tissue be treated?
A. Low-level disinfection
B. Intermediate-level disinfection
,C. High-level disinfection or heat sterilization
D. Simple soap and water wash
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Semi-critical items, which touch mucous membranes, should be
heat-sterilized or treated with a high-level disinfectant if they are heat-sensitive.
3. What is the minimum frequency required by the CDC for biological monitoring (spore
testing) of an autoclave?
A. Daily
B. Monthly
C. Weekly
D. After every 10 cycles
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The CDC recommends biological monitoring at least weekly to
ensure the sterilization process is effective.
4. Which legal term describes the level of knowledge, skill, and care commonly possessed and
exercised by other members of the profession?
A. Respondeat Superior
B. Standard of Care
C. Beneficence
, D. Statute of Limitations
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Standard of care is the legal criterion for determining whether a
practitioner’s actions were appropriate compared to peers in similar circumstances.
5. If a dentist is away and a patient of record experiences an emergency, the dentist’s failure
to provide coverage or a referral is legally considered:
A. Malpractice
B. Contributory negligence
C. Abandonment
D. Fraud
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Abandonment occurs when a healthcare provider terminates the
relationship without giving the patient reasonable notice or providing a competent
replacement.
6. Which ethical principle refers to the dentist’s obligation to ‘do no harm’?
A. Autonomy
B. Non-maleficence
C. Veracity
D. Justice
