FLORIDA DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE EXAM 2026/2027 |
Dental Laws and Rules | Complete Questions & Answers |
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Section 1: Florida Dental Practice Act - Chapter 466, F.S.
(Questions 1-20)
Q1. Under Chapter 466, Florida Statutes, the Florida Board of Dentistry is composed
of how many members, and what is the required composition?
A. 9 members: 6 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 layperson
B. 11 members: 7 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 2 laypersons
C. 11 members: 8 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 1 layperson
D. 7 members: 5 dentists, 1 dental hygienist, and 1 layperson
B. 11 members: 7 dentists, 2 dental hygienists, and 2 laypersons [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.004(1), F.S., the Board consists of eleven members appointed by
the Governor: seven dentists actively engaged in practice, two dental hygienists
actively engaged in practice, and two laypersons who are not licensed dentists or
dental hygienists. All members serve four-year terms and may not serve more than
two consecutive terms.
Correct Answer: B
Q2. A dentist in Miami has just been appointed to the Florida Board of Dentistry. She
previously served two full consecutive four-year terms but took a two-year break
before this new appointment. Is this appointment valid?
A. No, because no person may ever serve more than two terms on the Board
B. Yes, because she took a break and the two-term limit applies only to consecutive
terms
C. No, because the maximum total service on the Board is eight years regardless of
breaks
D. Yes, but only if the Governor grants a special waiver under s. 466.004
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B. Yes, because she took a break and the two-term limit applies only to
consecutive terms [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.004(3), F.S., members may not serve more than two consecutive
terms; however, after a break in service, a former member may be reappointed. The
statute does not impose a lifetime cap, only a consecutive term restriction.
Correct Answer: B
Q3. Which of the following acts constitutes the "practice of dentistry" under Florida
law?
A. Fabricating a complete denture in a commercial dental laboratory based on a
dentist's prescription
B. A dental hygienist performing periodontal scaling and root planing under general
supervision
C. A non-licensed individual applying over-the-counter whitening strips to a friend's
teeth
D. A dental assistant taking dental radiographs under the direct supervision of a
licensed dentist
B. A dental hygienist performing periodontal scaling and root planing under
general supervision [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.003(7), F.S., the practice of dentistry includes diagnosis,
treatment planning, and operative procedures. Dental hygienists practicing within
their scope under supervision are engaged in the delegated practice of dentistry.
Laboratory technicians (A) and unlicensed individuals performing OTC procedures (C)
do not practice dentistry. Dental assistants taking radiographs (D) are performing
delegated tasks but the "practice of dentistry" is defined at the professional level of
diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Correct Answer: B
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Q4. Under Florida law, what is the minimum age requirement for a person to be
eligible for licensure as a dentist?
A. 18 years of age
B. 19 years of age
C. 21 years of age
D. There is no statutory minimum age requirement
C. 21 years of age [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.007(1), F.S., an applicant for dental licensure must be at least 21
years of age, of good moral character, and a graduate of a dental school accredited
by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Correct Answer: C
Q5. The Florida Board of Dentistry has the authority to do all of the following
EXCEPT:
A. Adopt rules pursuant to Chapter 120, F.S., to implement Chapter 466
B. Set fees for licensure, renewal, and examination by administrative rule
C. Issue cease and desist orders against unlicensed practitioners without a hearing
D. Approve examinations for licensure and determine passing scores
C. Issue cease and desist orders against unlicensed practitioners without a
hearing [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.006, F.S., the Board has broad disciplinary, rulemaking, and fee-
setting authority. However, cease and desist orders for unlicensed practice typically
require due process procedures under Chapter 120, F.S. The Board cannot summarily
issue such orders without following administrative hearing requirements or statutory
emergency provisions.
Correct Answer: C
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Q6. A dental hygienist in Tampa wishes to open an independent practice providing
only preventive dental services without any dentist supervision. Under Chapter 466,
F.S., is this permissible?
A. Yes, if the hygienist has been licensed for at least five years
B. Yes, but only in underserved areas designated by the Department of Health
C. No, dental hygienists may not practice independently without dentist supervision
in Florida
D. Yes, if the hygienist obtains a special independent practice permit from the Board
C. No, dental hygienists may not practice independently without dentist
supervision in Florida [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per s. 466.023, F.S., dental hygienists must practice under the supervision
of a licensed dentist. Florida does not currently authorize independent dental
hygiene practice, though the 2025-2026 legislative updates include discussion of
dental therapy pilot programs which differ from independent hygiene practice.
Correct Answer: C
Q7. Which of the following best describes "general supervision" of a dental hygienist
under Florida law?
A. The dentist must be physically present in the office suite during the performance
of delegated procedures
B. The dentist examines the patient and delegates procedures, which may be
performed when the dentist is not physically present but is available for consultation
C. The dentist must be in the operatory and personally observe all procedures
performed by the hygienist
D. The dentist delegates tasks but must review every radiograph before the patient is
dismissed
B. The dentist examines the patient and delegates procedures, which may be
performed when the dentist is not physically present but is available for
consultation [CORRECT]
Rationale: Per Rule 64B5-17.001, F.A.C., general supervision means the dentist has
examined the patient and delegated specific procedures, and need not be physically