North Carolina
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Assessment Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. A dentist in Charlotte intends to advertise “pain-free” extractions.
Under North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners (NCBDE) rules, which
applies?
A. Permissible if backed by patient testimonials
B. Prohibited as misleading and unsubstantiated
C. Allowed with a disclaimer in 12-point font
D. Allowed only in direct mail campaigns
Correct ANS: B. Prohibited as misleading and unsubstantiated
Rationale: NCBDE Rule 16J .0103 bans deceptive or unsubstantiated
claims in advertising; “pain-free” extractions cannot be guaranteed.
2. A patient with limited English proficiency arrives for treatment. Which
legal obligation does the dentist have under federal and North Carolina
law?
A. Provide interpreter services at no charge
B. Require the patient to bring their own interpreter
C. Refuse treatment until a qualified interpreter is available
D. Provide only written consent forms in English
Correct ANS: A. Provide interpreter services at no charge
Rationale: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and NCBDE ethics guidelines
require reasonable accommodation, including interpreter services, to
ensure informed consent.
3. Under North Carolina law, which level of supervision is required before
a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia with nitrous oxide?
A. General supervision after additional injection permit
B. Direct supervision with the dentist in the room
C. Indirect supervision with the dentist immediately available
2
, D. No supervision if hygienist holds a master’s degree
Correct ANS: B. Direct supervision with the dentist in the room
Rationale: NCBDE Rule 16J .0102 mandates direct supervision for LA
with nitrous oxide—injection permit alone is insufficient without the
dentist physically present.
4. During a child’s dental exam, the dentist suspects abuse. What is the
dentist’s legal duty in North Carolina?
A. Report within 24 hours to county Department of Social Services
B. Discuss suspicion only with patient’s guardian
C. Notify the Board of Dentistry within 72 hours
D. File a civil suit against the abuser
Correct ANS: A. Report within 24 hours to county Department of Social
Services
Rationale: North Carolina General Statute §7B-301 requires mandatory
reporting of suspected child abuse to DSS within 24 hours.
5. A patient requests electronic copies of their dental records. According
to HIPAA and North Carolina retention laws, which is correct?
A. Deny request for originals but provide electronic copies within 30
days
B. Charge any fee and deliver within 60 days
C. Provide copies within 30 calendar days, charging only reasonable
copying costs
D. Require patient to request through a subpoena
Correct ANS: C. Provide copies within 30 calendar days, charging only
reasonable copying costs
Rationale: HIPAA mandates records must be delivered in the requested
format within 30 days; NC law permits reasonable, cost-based fees.
3
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Assessment Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. A dentist in Charlotte intends to advertise “pain-free” extractions.
Under North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners (NCBDE) rules, which
applies?
A. Permissible if backed by patient testimonials
B. Prohibited as misleading and unsubstantiated
C. Allowed with a disclaimer in 12-point font
D. Allowed only in direct mail campaigns
Correct ANS: B. Prohibited as misleading and unsubstantiated
Rationale: NCBDE Rule 16J .0103 bans deceptive or unsubstantiated
claims in advertising; “pain-free” extractions cannot be guaranteed.
2. A patient with limited English proficiency arrives for treatment. Which
legal obligation does the dentist have under federal and North Carolina
law?
A. Provide interpreter services at no charge
B. Require the patient to bring their own interpreter
C. Refuse treatment until a qualified interpreter is available
D. Provide only written consent forms in English
Correct ANS: A. Provide interpreter services at no charge
Rationale: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and NCBDE ethics guidelines
require reasonable accommodation, including interpreter services, to
ensure informed consent.
3. Under North Carolina law, which level of supervision is required before
a dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia with nitrous oxide?
A. General supervision after additional injection permit
B. Direct supervision with the dentist in the room
C. Indirect supervision with the dentist immediately available
2
, D. No supervision if hygienist holds a master’s degree
Correct ANS: B. Direct supervision with the dentist in the room
Rationale: NCBDE Rule 16J .0102 mandates direct supervision for LA
with nitrous oxide—injection permit alone is insufficient without the
dentist physically present.
4. During a child’s dental exam, the dentist suspects abuse. What is the
dentist’s legal duty in North Carolina?
A. Report within 24 hours to county Department of Social Services
B. Discuss suspicion only with patient’s guardian
C. Notify the Board of Dentistry within 72 hours
D. File a civil suit against the abuser
Correct ANS: A. Report within 24 hours to county Department of Social
Services
Rationale: North Carolina General Statute §7B-301 requires mandatory
reporting of suspected child abuse to DSS within 24 hours.
5. A patient requests electronic copies of their dental records. According
to HIPAA and North Carolina retention laws, which is correct?
A. Deny request for originals but provide electronic copies within 30
days
B. Charge any fee and deliver within 60 days
C. Provide copies within 30 calendar days, charging only reasonable
copying costs
D. Require patient to request through a subpoena
Correct ANS: C. Provide copies within 30 calendar days, charging only
reasonable copying costs
Rationale: HIPAA mandates records must be delivered in the requested
format within 30 days; NC law permits reasonable, cost-based fees.
3
