NC DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE Board
Exam Question and Answers Latest
Updates 2026 Graded A+
1. What procedures can a licensed dental hygienist perform in NC?
Answer>> Allowed: Take impressions for study models (not final appliances), cement
temporary restorations with temporary cement, apply resorbable sulcular antimicrobials.
Elaboration: Prohibited: Impressions for final restorations, administering anesthetics except
topical cutaneous agents, subgingival curettage. All under dentist supervision. A practice can
employ up to 2 hygienists per actively practicing dentist. These limits from the Dental Hygiene
Act prevent hygienists from performing dentist-exclusive tasks, ensuring role clarity.
2. What are the requirements for a general anesthesia permit in NC?
Answer>> Minimum 1 year advanced anesthesiology training, or graduation from an ADA-
accredited oral surgery program, or diplomate status with relevant boards, or 5 years
competent administration prior to rules.
Elaboration: Direct supervision requires the dentist's physical presence. This rigorous process,
including evaluations, safeguards patients during high-risk procedures. Similar but scaled
requirements apply to parenteral/enteral sedation (e.g., 60 hours for IV).
3. How long must a dentist retain patient treatment records and lab work duplicates?
Answer>> Treatment records: 10 years; lab work duplicates: 2 years.
Elaboration: Records include all treatment details except patient's nearest relative. Upon
request, provide originals or copies of x-rays and summaries within 30 days. This supports
continuity of care, legal compliance, and Board inspections.
4. What is the process if a complaint is filed against a dentist?
Answer>> The Board notifies the dentist/hygienist of the complaint and requests a
response.
Elaboration: Investigations are supervised by the Secretary-Treasurer or President. The
Investigative Panel (excluding consumer member) reviews. This due process allows defense
, before actions like license suspension, promoting fairness.
5. What are the rules for using a deceased or retired dentist's name in practice?
Answer>> The name can remain on office doors, stationery, etc., for up to 1 year after death
or retirement.
Elaboration: This prevents misleading the public about active practitioners while allowing
transition time. Violations can lead to misconduct charges.
6. What types of limited licenses are available, and their restrictions?
qAnswer>> Limited Volunteer: For non-profits serving low-income populations, requires 5
years recent practice. Intern Permit: For graduates in hospitals or non-profits, renewable up to 5
years. Instructor's License: For teaching in dental schools or academic centers.
Elaboration: These cater to specific needs (e.g., volunteering, education) without full
licensure. Provisional licenses require 2 years in another jurisdiction. All emphasize public
service or training, with no compensation for volunteers.
7. When must a license be renewed, and what are the penalties for late renewal?
Answer>> Renewal applications due by January 31 annually; late fee of $50 if after January
31 but before March 31. License voids after March 31, requiring reinstatement petition.
Elaboration: Includes fee to Caring Dental Professionals Program. Practicing without renewal
constitutes unlicensed practice. This timeline ensures continuous compliance and funding for
peer assistance programs.
8. What is the new continuing education requirement on substance abuse and mental health
for dentists and dental hygienists?
Answer>> Every two calendar years, each dentist and dental hygienist must complete one
clock hour of CE on substance abuse and mental health issues relevant to dental professionals.
Elaboration: This requirement, added via amendments effective in the 2025 renewal cycle (21
NCAC 16I .0206 and 16R .0206), aims to address provider well-being and patient care related to
opioids and mental health. It is in addition to existing annual CE hours (15 for dentists, 6 for
hygienists) and CPR. Courses must be Board-approved and focus on relevant topics like burnout,
Exam Question and Answers Latest
Updates 2026 Graded A+
1. What procedures can a licensed dental hygienist perform in NC?
Answer>> Allowed: Take impressions for study models (not final appliances), cement
temporary restorations with temporary cement, apply resorbable sulcular antimicrobials.
Elaboration: Prohibited: Impressions for final restorations, administering anesthetics except
topical cutaneous agents, subgingival curettage. All under dentist supervision. A practice can
employ up to 2 hygienists per actively practicing dentist. These limits from the Dental Hygiene
Act prevent hygienists from performing dentist-exclusive tasks, ensuring role clarity.
2. What are the requirements for a general anesthesia permit in NC?
Answer>> Minimum 1 year advanced anesthesiology training, or graduation from an ADA-
accredited oral surgery program, or diplomate status with relevant boards, or 5 years
competent administration prior to rules.
Elaboration: Direct supervision requires the dentist's physical presence. This rigorous process,
including evaluations, safeguards patients during high-risk procedures. Similar but scaled
requirements apply to parenteral/enteral sedation (e.g., 60 hours for IV).
3. How long must a dentist retain patient treatment records and lab work duplicates?
Answer>> Treatment records: 10 years; lab work duplicates: 2 years.
Elaboration: Records include all treatment details except patient's nearest relative. Upon
request, provide originals or copies of x-rays and summaries within 30 days. This supports
continuity of care, legal compliance, and Board inspections.
4. What is the process if a complaint is filed against a dentist?
Answer>> The Board notifies the dentist/hygienist of the complaint and requests a
response.
Elaboration: Investigations are supervised by the Secretary-Treasurer or President. The
Investigative Panel (excluding consumer member) reviews. This due process allows defense
, before actions like license suspension, promoting fairness.
5. What are the rules for using a deceased or retired dentist's name in practice?
Answer>> The name can remain on office doors, stationery, etc., for up to 1 year after death
or retirement.
Elaboration: This prevents misleading the public about active practitioners while allowing
transition time. Violations can lead to misconduct charges.
6. What types of limited licenses are available, and their restrictions?
qAnswer>> Limited Volunteer: For non-profits serving low-income populations, requires 5
years recent practice. Intern Permit: For graduates in hospitals or non-profits, renewable up to 5
years. Instructor's License: For teaching in dental schools or academic centers.
Elaboration: These cater to specific needs (e.g., volunteering, education) without full
licensure. Provisional licenses require 2 years in another jurisdiction. All emphasize public
service or training, with no compensation for volunteers.
7. When must a license be renewed, and what are the penalties for late renewal?
Answer>> Renewal applications due by January 31 annually; late fee of $50 if after January
31 but before March 31. License voids after March 31, requiring reinstatement petition.
Elaboration: Includes fee to Caring Dental Professionals Program. Practicing without renewal
constitutes unlicensed practice. This timeline ensures continuous compliance and funding for
peer assistance programs.
8. What is the new continuing education requirement on substance abuse and mental health
for dentists and dental hygienists?
Answer>> Every two calendar years, each dentist and dental hygienist must complete one
clock hour of CE on substance abuse and mental health issues relevant to dental professionals.
Elaboration: This requirement, added via amendments effective in the 2025 renewal cycle (21
NCAC 16I .0206 and 16R .0206), aims to address provider well-being and patient care related to
opioids and mental health. It is in addition to existing annual CE hours (15 for dentists, 6 for
hygienists) and CPR. Courses must be Board-approved and focus on relevant topics like burnout,
