Texas
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice)
A dentist in Texas declines to treat a patient solely because the
patient has a history of controlled substance abuse, fearing diversion.
Which core ethical principle is most directly violated?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Answer: C. Justice
Rationale:
Justice requires nondiscrimination and equitable access to care
regardless of personal patient characteristics.
2. (Fill in the Blank)
The ethical principle that obligates the dentist to act in the patient’s
best interest and to promote well-being is termed ________.
Answer: beneficence
Rationale:
Beneficence entails positive steps to benefit the patient, including
referrals when beyond one’s scope of competence.
3. (True/False)
Posting identifiable patient photographs on social media without
explicit consent breaches the ethical principle of veracity.
Answer: False
Rationale:
2
,This conduct violates confidentiality and patient autonomy, not
veracity. Veracity concerns honesty in communications, while
confidentiality is a distinct duty under patient-dentist trust.
4. (Multiple Response)
Which of the following practices exemplify nonmaleficence in a
Texas dental office? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Maintaining strict aseptic technique during surgical procedures
- B. Referring a complex implant case to a specialist
- C. Failing to monitor for potential drug interactions
- D. Monitoring vital signs during sedation
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale:
Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”) includes infection control,
recognizing clinical limits, and vigilant monitoring of patient safety
parameters.
5. (Multiple Choice)
Under the Texas Dental Ethics Code, which principle underscores
honesty in record-keeping and treatment disclosures?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Veracity
Answer: D. Veracity
Rationale:
Veracity mandates truthfulness in all professional communications,
including clinical records and billing statements.
3
, ---
Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
6. (Multiple Choice)
The statutory source defining the legal scope of practice for dentists
in Texas is found in:
A. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code
B. Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 251–267
C. Texas Administrative Code, Title 25
D. Texas Medical Disclosure Panel rules
Answer: B. Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 251–267
Rationale:
The Texas Dental Practice Act is codified in Occupations Code
Chapters 251 through 267.
7. (True/False)
Under Texas law, only a licensed dentist may render the final
diagnosis of oral pathology; this duty cannot be delegated to
auxiliaries.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Diagnosing disease is a core dental function reserved for the licensed
practitioner under the Dental Practice Act.
8. (Fill in the Blank)
The Texas Dental Practice Act resides in Occupations Code
Chapters ________ through ________.
Answer: 251 through 267
4
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice)
A dentist in Texas declines to treat a patient solely because the
patient has a history of controlled substance abuse, fearing diversion.
Which core ethical principle is most directly violated?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Justice
D. Veracity
Answer: C. Justice
Rationale:
Justice requires nondiscrimination and equitable access to care
regardless of personal patient characteristics.
2. (Fill in the Blank)
The ethical principle that obligates the dentist to act in the patient’s
best interest and to promote well-being is termed ________.
Answer: beneficence
Rationale:
Beneficence entails positive steps to benefit the patient, including
referrals when beyond one’s scope of competence.
3. (True/False)
Posting identifiable patient photographs on social media without
explicit consent breaches the ethical principle of veracity.
Answer: False
Rationale:
2
,This conduct violates confidentiality and patient autonomy, not
veracity. Veracity concerns honesty in communications, while
confidentiality is a distinct duty under patient-dentist trust.
4. (Multiple Response)
Which of the following practices exemplify nonmaleficence in a
Texas dental office? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Maintaining strict aseptic technique during surgical procedures
- B. Referring a complex implant case to a specialist
- C. Failing to monitor for potential drug interactions
- D. Monitoring vital signs during sedation
Answer: A, B, D
Rationale:
Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”) includes infection control,
recognizing clinical limits, and vigilant monitoring of patient safety
parameters.
5. (Multiple Choice)
Under the Texas Dental Ethics Code, which principle underscores
honesty in record-keeping and treatment disclosures?
A. Autonomy
B. Justice
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Veracity
Answer: D. Veracity
Rationale:
Veracity mandates truthfulness in all professional communications,
including clinical records and billing statements.
3
, ---
Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
6. (Multiple Choice)
The statutory source defining the legal scope of practice for dentists
in Texas is found in:
A. Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code
B. Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 251–267
C. Texas Administrative Code, Title 25
D. Texas Medical Disclosure Panel rules
Answer: B. Texas Occupations Code, Chapters 251–267
Rationale:
The Texas Dental Practice Act is codified in Occupations Code
Chapters 251 through 267.
7. (True/False)
Under Texas law, only a licensed dentist may render the final
diagnosis of oral pathology; this duty cannot be delegated to
auxiliaries.
Answer: True
Rationale:
Diagnosing disease is a core dental function reserved for the licensed
practitioner under the Dental Practice Act.
8. (Fill in the Blank)
The Texas Dental Practice Act resides in Occupations Code
Chapters ________ through ________.
Answer: 251 through 267
4
