Texas Dental Jurisprudence Final Assessment
Review 2026
1. Board Structure & Legal Authority (Qs 1–15)
1. What is the primary mission of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)?
A. To ensure that dentists earn high incomes.
B. To protect the public and safeguard the dental health of Texans.
C. To promote the business of dentistry.
D. To reduce the number of dental schools.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE’s statutory mission is public protection, not professional advancement.
This is explicitly stated in their mission statement and governing laws.
2. How many members serve on the TSBDE, and what is the composition?
A. 11 members: 6 dentists, 3 hygienists, 2 public members.
B. 15 members: 8 dentists, 2 hygienists, 5 public members.
C. 20 members: 10 dentists, 5 hygienists, 5 public members.
D. 9 members: 5 dentists, 2 hygienists, 2 public members.
Answer: B
Rationale: The board consists of 15 members serving 6-year terms to ensure diverse
representation.
3. The TSBDE enforces which primary legal documents?
A. Only the Texas Health and Safety Code.
B. The Texas Dental Practice Act and the Board’s own rules.
C. The American Dental Association Code of Ethics only.
D. Federal tax laws.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE enforces the Texas Dental Practice Act (found in the Occupations
Code) and the rules codified in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code.
4. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Texas
Legislature and the TSBDE?
A. The Legislature enforces the rules written by the TSBDE.
B. The TSBDE writes laws, and the Legislature votes on them.
C. The Legislature creates laws, and the TSBDE adopts rules to implement those laws.
, D. The TSBDE has no authority from the Legislature.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Legislature passes statutes (laws). The TSBDE is granted authority to adopt
administrative rules to carry out those laws.
5. A dentist is convicted of a felony. What is the TSBDE authorized to do regarding
their license?
A. Nothing, if the jail time is less than one year.
B. Automatically issue a warning.
C. Deny, suspend, or revoke the license.
D. Only issue a fine.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Board may deny licensure or take disciplinary action (including revocation)
for felony convictions that directly relate to the duties of a dentist.
6. Regarding military service members applying for licensure, what recent change has
been adopted for 2026?
A. They must pay double fees for expedited service.
B. The three-year practice limit for military spouses has been removed, and
applications must be processed within 10 business days.
C. They are exempt from taking the jurisprudence exam.
D. They are only allowed to practice on military bases.
Answer: B
Rationale: Recent amendments (HB 5629/SB 1818) effective March 2026 removed the 3-
year limit for military spouses and mandate a 10-business-day processing time for
applications.
7. The TSBDE is proposing new rules requiring proof of legal presence/work
authorization for license renewal. Which licenses are affected?
A. Only Dentists.
B. Only Dental Hygienists.
C. Dental Assistants, Dentists, Hygienists, and Faculty.
D. Only Dental Lab Technicians.
Answer: C
Rationale: Proposed amendments to 22 TAC §§101.1, 103.1, 114.6, and 117.2 require
documentation for all licensees before issuance or renewal.
8. What is required for a dentist to obtain a license by credentials (licensure by
reciprocity) in Texas?
, A. A passing grade on a Texas history test.
B. Graduation from a CODA-accredited school, passing the Board's jurisprudence
exam, and active practice in another state.
C. A letter of recommendation from a Texas Congressman.
D. Ten years of experience regardless of school accreditation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Licensure by credentials requires graduation from an accredited school, passing
the jurisprudence exam, and being in good standing in another state.
9. Jurisprudence, as it applies to the TSBDE exam, refers to:
A. The study of dental materials.
B. The laws and interpretation of laws that apply to the dental profession.
C. The physics of dental radiography.
D. The chemistry of anesthetics.
Answer: B
Rationale: Jurisprudence is the philosophy or science of law. In this context, it is the specific
body of law and regulations governing dental practice.
10. Where are the "rules" regarding dental practice published in Texas?
A. The Texas Business and Commerce Code.
B. The Texas Register and Texas Administrative Code.
C. The US Tax Code.
D. The DSM-5.
Answer: B
Rationale: After the TSBDE adopts rules, they are published in the Texas Register and
codified in the Texas Administrative Code (Title 22).
11. Which committee advises the TSBDE specifically on matters related to dental
hygienists?
A. The Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee.
B. The Dental Laboratory Certification Council.
C. The Finance Committee.
D. The Ethics Committee.
Answer: A
Rationale: The TSBDE has specific advisory committees, including the Dental Hygiene
Advisory Committee, to provide specialized input.
12. A dentist wants to administer deep sedation/general anesthesia. What specific
TSBDE requirement must they meet?
, A. A note from their dental school dean.
B. A valid Level 4 – General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation permit.
C. A certification in acupuncture.
D. A business license.
Answer: B
Rationale: 22 TAC §110.10 strictly prohibits the use of general anesthetics without a specific
Board-issued permit.
13. If a patient believes a dentist has violated the Dental Practice Act, where can they
file a complaint?
A. The local police department.
B. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
C. The American Dental Association.
D. The Texas Medical Board.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE is the agency responsible for investigating complaints and disciplining
licensees for violations of the Act.
14. The "Occupations Code" in Texas contains:
A. Rules for hunting and fishing.
B. Laws pertaining to licensed professions, including dentistry.
C. Criminal penalty codes.
D. Traffic regulations.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Occupations Code is the statutory compilation that includes the Dental
Practice Act, which governs licensed professions.
15. The TSBDE must process an alternative licensing application for a military spouse
within how many business days?
A. 30 days.
B. 10 business days.
C. 60 days.
D. 90 days.
Answer: B
Rationale: Rule amendments adopted in 2026 specifically require a 10-business-day
processing timeline for military spouses seeking alternative licensing.
Review 2026
1. Board Structure & Legal Authority (Qs 1–15)
1. What is the primary mission of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE)?
A. To ensure that dentists earn high incomes.
B. To protect the public and safeguard the dental health of Texans.
C. To promote the business of dentistry.
D. To reduce the number of dental schools.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE’s statutory mission is public protection, not professional advancement.
This is explicitly stated in their mission statement and governing laws.
2. How many members serve on the TSBDE, and what is the composition?
A. 11 members: 6 dentists, 3 hygienists, 2 public members.
B. 15 members: 8 dentists, 2 hygienists, 5 public members.
C. 20 members: 10 dentists, 5 hygienists, 5 public members.
D. 9 members: 5 dentists, 2 hygienists, 2 public members.
Answer: B
Rationale: The board consists of 15 members serving 6-year terms to ensure diverse
representation.
3. The TSBDE enforces which primary legal documents?
A. Only the Texas Health and Safety Code.
B. The Texas Dental Practice Act and the Board’s own rules.
C. The American Dental Association Code of Ethics only.
D. Federal tax laws.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE enforces the Texas Dental Practice Act (found in the Occupations
Code) and the rules codified in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code.
4. Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Texas
Legislature and the TSBDE?
A. The Legislature enforces the rules written by the TSBDE.
B. The TSBDE writes laws, and the Legislature votes on them.
C. The Legislature creates laws, and the TSBDE adopts rules to implement those laws.
, D. The TSBDE has no authority from the Legislature.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Legislature passes statutes (laws). The TSBDE is granted authority to adopt
administrative rules to carry out those laws.
5. A dentist is convicted of a felony. What is the TSBDE authorized to do regarding
their license?
A. Nothing, if the jail time is less than one year.
B. Automatically issue a warning.
C. Deny, suspend, or revoke the license.
D. Only issue a fine.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Board may deny licensure or take disciplinary action (including revocation)
for felony convictions that directly relate to the duties of a dentist.
6. Regarding military service members applying for licensure, what recent change has
been adopted for 2026?
A. They must pay double fees for expedited service.
B. The three-year practice limit for military spouses has been removed, and
applications must be processed within 10 business days.
C. They are exempt from taking the jurisprudence exam.
D. They are only allowed to practice on military bases.
Answer: B
Rationale: Recent amendments (HB 5629/SB 1818) effective March 2026 removed the 3-
year limit for military spouses and mandate a 10-business-day processing time for
applications.
7. The TSBDE is proposing new rules requiring proof of legal presence/work
authorization for license renewal. Which licenses are affected?
A. Only Dentists.
B. Only Dental Hygienists.
C. Dental Assistants, Dentists, Hygienists, and Faculty.
D. Only Dental Lab Technicians.
Answer: C
Rationale: Proposed amendments to 22 TAC §§101.1, 103.1, 114.6, and 117.2 require
documentation for all licensees before issuance or renewal.
8. What is required for a dentist to obtain a license by credentials (licensure by
reciprocity) in Texas?
, A. A passing grade on a Texas history test.
B. Graduation from a CODA-accredited school, passing the Board's jurisprudence
exam, and active practice in another state.
C. A letter of recommendation from a Texas Congressman.
D. Ten years of experience regardless of school accreditation.
Answer: B
Rationale: Licensure by credentials requires graduation from an accredited school, passing
the jurisprudence exam, and being in good standing in another state.
9. Jurisprudence, as it applies to the TSBDE exam, refers to:
A. The study of dental materials.
B. The laws and interpretation of laws that apply to the dental profession.
C. The physics of dental radiography.
D. The chemistry of anesthetics.
Answer: B
Rationale: Jurisprudence is the philosophy or science of law. In this context, it is the specific
body of law and regulations governing dental practice.
10. Where are the "rules" regarding dental practice published in Texas?
A. The Texas Business and Commerce Code.
B. The Texas Register and Texas Administrative Code.
C. The US Tax Code.
D. The DSM-5.
Answer: B
Rationale: After the TSBDE adopts rules, they are published in the Texas Register and
codified in the Texas Administrative Code (Title 22).
11. Which committee advises the TSBDE specifically on matters related to dental
hygienists?
A. The Dental Hygiene Advisory Committee.
B. The Dental Laboratory Certification Council.
C. The Finance Committee.
D. The Ethics Committee.
Answer: A
Rationale: The TSBDE has specific advisory committees, including the Dental Hygiene
Advisory Committee, to provide specialized input.
12. A dentist wants to administer deep sedation/general anesthesia. What specific
TSBDE requirement must they meet?
, A. A note from their dental school dean.
B. A valid Level 4 – General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation permit.
C. A certification in acupuncture.
D. A business license.
Answer: B
Rationale: 22 TAC §110.10 strictly prohibits the use of general anesthetics without a specific
Board-issued permit.
13. If a patient believes a dentist has violated the Dental Practice Act, where can they
file a complaint?
A. The local police department.
B. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
C. The American Dental Association.
D. The Texas Medical Board.
Answer: B
Rationale: The TSBDE is the agency responsible for investigating complaints and disciplining
licensees for violations of the Act.
14. The "Occupations Code" in Texas contains:
A. Rules for hunting and fishing.
B. Laws pertaining to licensed professions, including dentistry.
C. Criminal penalty codes.
D. Traffic regulations.
Answer: B
Rationale: The Occupations Code is the statutory compilation that includes the Dental
Practice Act, which governs licensed professions.
15. The TSBDE must process an alternative licensing application for a military spouse
within how many business days?
A. 30 days.
B. 10 business days.
C. 60 days.
D. 90 days.
Answer: B
Rationale: Rule amendments adopted in 2026 specifically require a 10-business-day
processing timeline for military spouses seeking alternative licensing.
