NC DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE Board
Exam Question and Answers Latest
Updates 2026 Top Rated A+
The North Carolina Dental Jurisprudence Exam covers laws, regulations, ethics, and professional
responsibilities governing dentistry and dental hygiene in the state, as administered by the
North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE). Below is a compilation of sample
questions drawn from study guides and resources. Each includes the correct answer along with
an elaboration based on relevant statutes (e.g., from the North Carolina Dental Practice Act,
General Statutes Article 2, and Board rules). These are for educational purposes; always refer to
the official NCSBDE website for the most current information.
1. What is the composition of the NC State Board of Dental Examiners?
Answer>> The Board consists of 6 licensed dentists, 1 licensed dental hygienist, and 1
civilian (consumer) member who is neither a dentist nor a hygienist.
Elaboration: The dentists must be actively practicing in NC, and the hygienist must also hold a
current NC license. The civilian member is appointed by the Governor to represent public
interest. This structure ensures balanced oversight, with elections for dental professionals and
gubernatorial appointment for the civilian. Voting restrictions apply: the hygienist and civilian
cannot vote on dentist licensure matters, and the civilian cannot vote on hygienist matters.
2. What are the term lengths and election processes for Board members?
Answer>> Each member serves a 3-year term. Two dentists are elected annually, one
hygienist every three years, and the civilian is appointed by the Governor every three years.
Elaboration: Dentists and hygienists are elected by their licensed peers in NC. Eligibility to vote
requires a current NC license and residency or practice in the state. The list of licensees serves
as the voter registration. Terms stagger to maintain continuity, and members can serve until
successors qualify. This democratic process promotes accountability within the profession.
, 3. What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for dental hygienists in NC?
Answer>> Dental hygienists must complete 6 clock hours of CE annually, plus maintain
current CPR certification.
Elaboration: CE must relate to clinical patient care; self-study courses (including online) are
allowed if they include a post-test and certificate. Requirements started January 1, 1995. Failure
to comply can result in license non-renewal. New licensees are exempt in their first year.
Records must be kept for at least 2 years and produced upon Board request. This ensures
hygienists stay updated on best practices for patient safety.
4. What are the CE requirements for dentists in NC, and who is exempt?
Answer>> Dentists must complete 15 clock hours annually, with current CPR certification. All
hours can be self-study if clinically relevant.
Elaboration: Exemptions include fully retired dentists (0 hours, no CPR), semi-retired Class I
(<250 hours/year: exempt from CE but need CPR), and semi-retired Class II (<1,000 hours/year:
7.5 hours CE plus CPR). Practice management courses unrelated to patient care are not
acceptable. Records are retained for 2 years. This promotes lifelong learning while
accommodating varying practice levels.
5. Define "supervision" for dental hygienists and assistants in NC.
Answer>> Supervision means acts are performed under a licensed dentist's order, control,
and approval, with the dentist physically present in the locale.
Elaboration: For hygienists, direct supervision requires the dentist's physical presence during
procedures. General supervision allows prior authorization without presence for certain
community settings (e.g., after 3 years' experience, 6 hours medical emergencies CE, and CPR).
Assistants (DA I/II) follow similar levels. This framework protects patients by ensuring oversight
while allowing flexibility in non-clinical settings.
6. What credentials must a dental hygienist display in their office?
Answer>> The license and current renewal certificate must be displayed conspicuously at
the employment site.
Exam Question and Answers Latest
Updates 2026 Top Rated A+
The North Carolina Dental Jurisprudence Exam covers laws, regulations, ethics, and professional
responsibilities governing dentistry and dental hygiene in the state, as administered by the
North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE). Below is a compilation of sample
questions drawn from study guides and resources. Each includes the correct answer along with
an elaboration based on relevant statutes (e.g., from the North Carolina Dental Practice Act,
General Statutes Article 2, and Board rules). These are for educational purposes; always refer to
the official NCSBDE website for the most current information.
1. What is the composition of the NC State Board of Dental Examiners?
Answer>> The Board consists of 6 licensed dentists, 1 licensed dental hygienist, and 1
civilian (consumer) member who is neither a dentist nor a hygienist.
Elaboration: The dentists must be actively practicing in NC, and the hygienist must also hold a
current NC license. The civilian member is appointed by the Governor to represent public
interest. This structure ensures balanced oversight, with elections for dental professionals and
gubernatorial appointment for the civilian. Voting restrictions apply: the hygienist and civilian
cannot vote on dentist licensure matters, and the civilian cannot vote on hygienist matters.
2. What are the term lengths and election processes for Board members?
Answer>> Each member serves a 3-year term. Two dentists are elected annually, one
hygienist every three years, and the civilian is appointed by the Governor every three years.
Elaboration: Dentists and hygienists are elected by their licensed peers in NC. Eligibility to vote
requires a current NC license and residency or practice in the state. The list of licensees serves
as the voter registration. Terms stagger to maintain continuity, and members can serve until
successors qualify. This democratic process promotes accountability within the profession.
, 3. What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for dental hygienists in NC?
Answer>> Dental hygienists must complete 6 clock hours of CE annually, plus maintain
current CPR certification.
Elaboration: CE must relate to clinical patient care; self-study courses (including online) are
allowed if they include a post-test and certificate. Requirements started January 1, 1995. Failure
to comply can result in license non-renewal. New licensees are exempt in their first year.
Records must be kept for at least 2 years and produced upon Board request. This ensures
hygienists stay updated on best practices for patient safety.
4. What are the CE requirements for dentists in NC, and who is exempt?
Answer>> Dentists must complete 15 clock hours annually, with current CPR certification. All
hours can be self-study if clinically relevant.
Elaboration: Exemptions include fully retired dentists (0 hours, no CPR), semi-retired Class I
(<250 hours/year: exempt from CE but need CPR), and semi-retired Class II (<1,000 hours/year:
7.5 hours CE plus CPR). Practice management courses unrelated to patient care are not
acceptable. Records are retained for 2 years. This promotes lifelong learning while
accommodating varying practice levels.
5. Define "supervision" for dental hygienists and assistants in NC.
Answer>> Supervision means acts are performed under a licensed dentist's order, control,
and approval, with the dentist physically present in the locale.
Elaboration: For hygienists, direct supervision requires the dentist's physical presence during
procedures. General supervision allows prior authorization without presence for certain
community settings (e.g., after 3 years' experience, 6 hours medical emergencies CE, and CPR).
Assistants (DA I/II) follow similar levels. This framework protects patients by ensuring oversight
while allowing flexibility in non-clinical settings.
6. What credentials must a dental hygienist display in their office?
Answer>> The license and current renewal certificate must be displayed conspicuously at
the employment site.
