NC DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE UPDATED 2026
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RATED A+
✔✔Licenses must be renewed periodically (typically every 1-2 years, but varies by
state) and dentists are required to submit proof of completed CE hours as part of the
renewal process.
What happens if a dentist fails to renew their license on time? - ✔✔Failure to renew a
license on time can lead to suspension, and practicing without a valid license can result
in legal consequences, including malpractice claims.
✔✔What are common reasons for disciplinary actions by state dental boards? - ✔✔-
fraudulent billing
-substance abuse
-gross negligence
Penalties can range from fines to suspension or permanent revocation of the license.
✔✔Schedule I - ✔✔Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse
(e.g., heroin).
✔✔Schedule II - ✔✔Drugs with accepted medical uses but a high potential for abuse
(e.g., opioids like oxycodone).
✔✔Schedule III-V - ✔✔Drugs with a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule II
drugs.
✔✔True or false:
Dentists can prescribe Schedule II, III, and IV drugs. - ✔✔True - Dentists can only
prescribe substances in Schedules II-V. Special attention should be paid to Schedule II
drugs, which have strict rules around their prescription.
, ✔✔What safeguards does NC have in place in regard to prescription drugs? - ✔✔In
North Carolina, dentists are required to use the Controlled Substance Reporting System
(CSRS) before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances in Schedules II-V.
This system helps monitor the dispensing of controlled substances to reduce misuse or
over-prescription.
✔✔When prescribing controlled substances, dentists should: - ✔✔-Document the
patient's condition and need for the medication.
-Include the dosage, duration, and follow-up plans.
-Review and monitor the patient's use of the medication through the CSRS
✔✔Best practices for prescribing controlled substances and preventing misuse include:
- ✔✔1. Check the CSRS for the patient's prescription history before writing a
prescription.
2. Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
3. Educate patients on the risks and proper use of opioids.
4. Follow up with patients regularly and adjust the treatment as necessary.
✔✔What are the requirements for controlled substances stored in a dental office? -
✔✔1. They must be stored securely in a locked cabinet.
2. Access should be limited to authorized personnel.
3. Records should be kept of all controlled substances purchased, dispensed, or
disposed of.
✔✔True or false:
Dentists who prescribe controlled substances must complete continuing education
courses on opioid prescribing, as required by the NC Dental Board. - ✔✔True
✔✔What is fraud? - ✔✔Fraud involves intentional deception or misrepresentation that a
provider makes to gain an unauthorized benefit, such as reimbursement for services
that were not rendered.
Example:
-Billing for services not performed.
-Misrepresenting the services provided (upcoding) to obtain higher reimbursement.
-Falsifying patient records to justify unnecessary procedures.
✔✔How is abuse different from fraud? - ✔✔Unlike fraud, abuse is not always intentional
but still leads to inappropriate overuse of services. Abuse refers to practices that result
in unnecessary costs to the healthcare system, often due to poor practices or
inefficiencies.
Example:
-Providing services that are not medically necessary.
-Billing for more expensive services when a less costly option was available.
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RATED A+
✔✔Licenses must be renewed periodically (typically every 1-2 years, but varies by
state) and dentists are required to submit proof of completed CE hours as part of the
renewal process.
What happens if a dentist fails to renew their license on time? - ✔✔Failure to renew a
license on time can lead to suspension, and practicing without a valid license can result
in legal consequences, including malpractice claims.
✔✔What are common reasons for disciplinary actions by state dental boards? - ✔✔-
fraudulent billing
-substance abuse
-gross negligence
Penalties can range from fines to suspension or permanent revocation of the license.
✔✔Schedule I - ✔✔Drugs with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse
(e.g., heroin).
✔✔Schedule II - ✔✔Drugs with accepted medical uses but a high potential for abuse
(e.g., opioids like oxycodone).
✔✔Schedule III-V - ✔✔Drugs with a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule II
drugs.
✔✔True or false:
Dentists can prescribe Schedule II, III, and IV drugs. - ✔✔True - Dentists can only
prescribe substances in Schedules II-V. Special attention should be paid to Schedule II
drugs, which have strict rules around their prescription.
, ✔✔What safeguards does NC have in place in regard to prescription drugs? - ✔✔In
North Carolina, dentists are required to use the Controlled Substance Reporting System
(CSRS) before prescribing opioids or other controlled substances in Schedules II-V.
This system helps monitor the dispensing of controlled substances to reduce misuse or
over-prescription.
✔✔When prescribing controlled substances, dentists should: - ✔✔-Document the
patient's condition and need for the medication.
-Include the dosage, duration, and follow-up plans.
-Review and monitor the patient's use of the medication through the CSRS
✔✔Best practices for prescribing controlled substances and preventing misuse include:
- ✔✔1. Check the CSRS for the patient's prescription history before writing a
prescription.
2. Prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
3. Educate patients on the risks and proper use of opioids.
4. Follow up with patients regularly and adjust the treatment as necessary.
✔✔What are the requirements for controlled substances stored in a dental office? -
✔✔1. They must be stored securely in a locked cabinet.
2. Access should be limited to authorized personnel.
3. Records should be kept of all controlled substances purchased, dispensed, or
disposed of.
✔✔True or false:
Dentists who prescribe controlled substances must complete continuing education
courses on opioid prescribing, as required by the NC Dental Board. - ✔✔True
✔✔What is fraud? - ✔✔Fraud involves intentional deception or misrepresentation that a
provider makes to gain an unauthorized benefit, such as reimbursement for services
that were not rendered.
Example:
-Billing for services not performed.
-Misrepresenting the services provided (upcoding) to obtain higher reimbursement.
-Falsifying patient records to justify unnecessary procedures.
✔✔How is abuse different from fraud? - ✔✔Unlike fraud, abuse is not always intentional
but still leads to inappropriate overuse of services. Abuse refers to practices that result
in unnecessary costs to the healthcare system, often due to poor practices or
inefficiencies.
Example:
-Providing services that are not medically necessary.
-Billing for more expensive services when a less costly option was available.
