DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE
Exam Elaborations Questions &
Answers
2026
, A Florida dental hygienist is instructed by a dentist to perform scaling on a patient with active
periodontal abscesses beyond her permitted scope. Which regulatory principle is most directly
violated?
A. Delegation standards
B. Scope of practice laws
C. Infection control rules
D. Billing compliance
Answer: B
Rationale: Florida law restricts certain procedures to licensed dentists; performing beyond scope
violates licensure regulations.
A dentist advertises “100% pain-free extractions guaranteed” in a social media campaign. Which
ethical issue is most clearly involved?
A. Informed consent violation
B. False or misleading advertising
C. HIPAA breach
D. OSHA violation
Answer: B
Rationale: Guaranteeing outcomes is deceptive and prohibited under professional advertising
rules.
True/False: In Florida, patient dental records must be retained for at least seven years for adults.
Answer: True
Rationale: Florida law requires a minimum retention period for adult patient records.
Fill in the blank: The federal law governing protection of patient health information is ________.
Answer: HIPAA
Rationale: HIPAA regulates privacy and security of protected health information.
A dental assistant posts a patient’s radiograph on social media without permission. This is a
violation of:
A. OSHA
B. HIPAA
C. Employment law
D. Billing regulations
Answer: B
Rationale: Radiographs contain protected health information.
True/False: Informed consent must be documented before invasive dental procedures.
Answer: True
Rationale: Documentation is required to validate patient understanding and agreement.
Fill in the blank: The legal doctrine that holds an employer responsible for employee actions
performed within their duties is ________.
Answer: Vicarious liability
Rationale: Employers may be liable for employee negligence.
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