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Florida Dental Jurisprudence
Final Test Review
(Questions & Solutions)
- (Multiple Choice) In Florida, which of the following procedures is within a dental hygienist’s scope of practice when performed under direct supervision by a dentist? A. Administering local anesthesia B. Performing oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing) C. Fabricating temporary crowns D. Placing dental implants ANS: B Rationale: In Florida, dental hygienists are permitted to perform tasks such as oral prophylaxis under direct supervision. More invasive procedures (e.g., administering anesthesia, implant placement) require the dentist’s direct management.
- (Fill-in-the-Blank) In Florida, delegation of non-clinical tasks (such as record-keeping or the sterilization of instruments) to a dental assistant must occur under __________ supervision. ANS: indirect Rationale: Non-clinical tasks may be delegated under indirect supervision—meaning the dentist need not be physically present, but must be available for consultation and oversight per Florida regulations.
- (True/False) True or False: Florida regulations allow a dental assistant to perform operatory procedures independently if they have completed the required training and certification. ANS: False Rationale: Dental assistants in Florida must work under the supervision of a licensed dentist; they are not permitted to perform clinical procedures completely independently, regardless of training.
how many continuing education hours per renewal cycle (typically every two years)? A. 20 hours B. 30 hours C. 40 hours D. 50 hours ANS: C Rationale: Florida requires dentists to complete 40 continuing education hours per renewal cycle to ensure they remain current with advances in clinical practice and legal standards.
- (Fill-in-the-Blank) Florida law mandates that the current and active dental license must be __________ on display in the dental office. ANS: visibly Rationale: The license must be posted in a prominent location to demonstrate compliance and transparency regarding professional qualifications.
- (True/False) True or False: Dental assistants in Florida are required to complete state- approved continuing education courses at regular intervals in order to renew their registration. ANS: True Rationale: Florida mandates that dental assistants, like other dental professionals, complete continuing education to maintain their competency and comply with state regulatory requirements.
- (Multiple Response) Which of the following methods are acceptable for earning continuing education credits for Florida dental professionals? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Participating in accredited online courses
- B. Attending live seminars and workshops
- C. Independent study with no formal challenge or assessment
- D. Completing accredited hands-on training sessions ANSs: A, B, D Rationale: Acceptable methods include online accredited courses, live seminars/workshops, and hands-on training. Independent study without formal assessment is generally insufficient to count toward mandated continuing education.
- (Multiple Choice) Which of the following certifications is considered an advanced credential for a dental specialist in Florida? A. Certified Dental Technician B. Board Certification in Orthodontics C. Certified Dental Assistant D. Registered Dental Hygienist ANS: B Rationale: Board Certification in Orthodontics is an advanced credential that indicates specialized training and expertise; it goes beyond the base licensure required for all general dentists.
III. Patient Confidentiality and Record-Keeping
- (Multiple Choice) Protected Health Information (PHI) under Florida law includes which of the following data elements? A. Patient's favorite leisure activity B. Dental treatment notes and x-ray images C. Generic health statistics that are not linked to an individual D. Appointment dates with no identifying details
requirements.
- (Multiple Choice) In a legal dispute, high-quality patient records in Florida can help demonstrate that: A. The dentist directly admits fault B. The established standard of care was met C. Verbal promises were made during treatment D. Standard protocols were not followed ANS: B Rationale: Comprehensive and accurate records help show that the treatment provided was consistent with current expectations and standards, which may protect the provider against malpractice claims.
IV. Legal Terminology and the Nature of Dental Liability
- (Multiple Choice) Which legal concept describes a dental professional's duty to avoid actions that could foreseeably harm a patient? A. Sovereign immunity B. Negligence C. Contributory negligence D. Strict liability ANS: B Rationale: Negligence refers to failing to meet the standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Establishing negligence is key to dental liability claims in Florida.
- (Fill-in-the-Blank) The legal defense where a dentist argues that the patient’s own behavior contributed to an adverse outcome is called __________ negligence.
ANS: contributory Rationale: Contributory negligence is used when a patient’s actions partially contribute to the harm, potentially reducing the dentist’s liability.
- (True/False) True or False: In Florida, dental liability claims can be based on both negligence and strict liability depending on the circumstances of the patient's injury. ANS: True Rationale: Florida law permits claims based on negligence as well as, in certain circumstances, strict liability where harm occurs regardless of the provider’s caution.
- (Multiple Response) Select all factors that are considered when determining the standard of care in a Florida dental malpractice case:
- A. Compliance with current professional guidelines
- B. The dentist’s level of experience and training
- C. The patient’s demographic background
- D. The latest advancements in dental technology ANSs: A, B, D Rationale: The standard of care is based on professional guidelines, the provider’s experience, and the technology available. The patient’s demographic background is not a factor in determining professional standards.
- (Multiple Choice) Which document is most critical in establishing a legal agreement between a dentist and a patient regarding treatment in Florida? A. Advertising brochure B. Informed consent form
potential risks of a procedure if doing so will increase patient acceptance of the treatment. ANS: False Rationale: Ethical practice requires complete and accurate disclosure of all risks; withholding information undermines informed consent and violates ethical standards.
- (Multiple Response) Select all ethical obligations that should govern dentist–patient interactions:
- A. Providing full and honest disclosure of treatment options
- B. Maintaining transparency about all fees and costs
- C. Withholding unfavorable information to improve treatment acceptance
- D. Respecting patient autonomy in decision-making ANSs: A, B, D Rationale: Ethical practice mandates honesty, transparency, and respect for patient autonomy. Withholding critical information is unethical and undermines trust.
- (Multiple Choice) Which ethical principle in dental practice is primarily concerned with fair access to care and the equitable distribution of resources? A. Autonomy B. Justice C. Beneficence D. Nonmaleficence ANS: B Rationale: Justice pertains to fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources and ensuring that all patients have equitable access to dental care.
VI. State‑Specific Regulations
- (Multiple Choice) Which entity is the primary regulatory authority overseeing dental practice and licensure in Florida? A. Florida Dental Association B. Florida Department of Health C. American Dental Association D. Florida Board of Dentistry ANS: B Rationale: The Florida Department of Health is the primary state agency responsible for regulating dental practice and ensuring that practitioners comply with state laws.
- (Fill-in-the-Blank) Florida regulations require that disciplinary actions against dental professionals be reported to the __________ to ensure public safety and transparency. ANS: Department of Health Rationale: Reporting disciplinary actions to the Department of Health is mandated by Florida law to protect public welfare and maintain professional standards.
- (True/False) True or False: In Florida, dental professionals are completely exempt from confidentiality requirements when they are mandated to report certain communicable disease cases. ANS: False Rationale: Even when reporting communicable diseases, dental professionals must follow confidentiality guidelines; only the minimum
a) Inform the patient's spouse immediately. b) Report the status to the Florida Department of Health. c) Maintain the confidentiality of the information. d) Share the information with the dentist without the patient's consent. Correct ANS: c) Maintain the confidentiality of the information. Rationale: Florida law strictly protects patient confidentiality, including sensitive health information like HIV status. Disclosure without proper consent is a breach of patient privacy. Fill-in-the-Blank: In Florida, the \_\_\_\_\_\ is the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. Correct ANS: Florida Board of Dentistry Rationale: The Florida Board of Dentistry is the state agency that licenses, regulates, and disciplines dentists and dental hygienists. True/False: A Florida-licensed dentist can legally delegate the administration of nitrous oxide to a dental assistant without any specific training or certification. Correct ANS: False Rationale: Florida law requires specific training and certification for dental assistants to administer nitrous oxide. Multiple Response: Which of the following are considered grounds for disciplinary action by the Florida Board of Dentistry? (Select all that apply)
a) Practicing dentistry with an expired license. b) Failing to maintain adequate patient records. c) Advertising services in a misleading manner. d) Providing treatment outside the scope of practice. Correct ANS: a, b, c, and d Rationale: All the listed options represent violations of Florida dental practice regulations and can lead to disciplinary actions. Multiple Choice: A dentist in Florida is sued for malpractice. The legal term that describes the failure to provide the standard of care is: a) Res ipsa loquitur b) Negligence c) Battery d) Assault Correct ANS: b) Negligence Rationale: Negligence is the legal term for failing to meet the required standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. Fill-in-the-Blank: Continuing education requirements for Florida-licensed dentists must include courses on \_\_\_\_\_\. Correct ANS: Florida laws and rules Rationale: Dentists in Florida are required to take courses on Florida laws and rules as part of their continuing education to ensure they stay current with legal and ethical standards. True/False:
Correct ANS: c) Beneficence Rationale: Beneficence is the ethical principle of acting in a way that benefits the patient. Fill-in-the-Blank: In Florida, a dentist must maintain patient records for a minimum of \_\_\_\_\_\ years from the date of the last treatment. Correct ANS: four Rationale: Florida law requires dentists to keep patient records for at least four years. True/False: A dentist in Florida can legally advertise that they are "board certified" without providing the specific certifying board. Correct ANS: False Rationale: Advertising must be truthful and not misleading. Specific certification details are required. Multiple Response: Which of the following are considered elements of informed consent in Florida? (Select all that apply) a) Discussion of the proposed treatment. b) Explanation of alternative treatment options. c) Discussion of the risks and benefits of the proposed treatment. d) Obtaining the patient's signature on a consent form. Correct ANS: a, b, c, and d Rationale: Informed consent requires a comprehensive explanation of
the treatment, alternatives, risks, and benefits, and the patient's voluntary agreement. Multiple Choice: The legal term for a wrongful act that causes harm to another person is: a) Contract b) Tort c) Subpoena d) Affidavit Correct ANS: b) Tort Rationale: A tort is a civil wrong that results in legal liability. Fill-in-the-Blank: The standard of care in Florida dental practice is defined as the level of skill and care that a \_\_\_\_\_\ dentist would exercise under similar circumstances. Correct ANS: reasonably prudent Rationale: The standard of care is based on what a reasonably prudent dentist would do. True/False: In Florida, a dental assistant can perform coronal polishing under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist without any specific training or certification. Correct ANS: False Rationale: Dental assistants in Florida must have specific training and certification to perform coronal polishing.
Rationale: A subpoena is a legal order to appear in court. True/False: In Florida, a dentist can delegate the taking of radiographs to a dental assistant without any specific training or certification. Correct ANS: False Rationale: Florida requires dental assistants to have specific training and certification to take radiographs. Multiple Response: Which of the following actions would be considered a violation of the ethical principle of non-maleficence in a Florida dental practice? (Select all that apply) a) Providing treatment that is not in the patient's best interest. b) Failing to inform the patient of the risks associated with a procedure. c) Recommending unnecessary treatment to increase revenue. d) Providing treatment without obtaining informed consent. Correct ANS: a, b, c, and d Rationale: Non-maleficence is the principle of "do no harm." All the listed actions violate this principle.
- MCQ: A Florida dental hygienist observes incipient caries during a prophylaxis appointment. Which of the following actions can the hygienist lawfully take under their scope of practice? A) Diagnose caries and initiate restorative treatment B) Inform the dentist of the findings C) Prescribe fluoride supplements
D) Remove caries with rotary instruments ANS: B Rationale: Only dentists have diagnostic and prescriptive authority; hygienists must collaborate and inform.
- Fill-in-the-blank: Under Florida law, a dental assistant may perform retraction of the patient’s lips, cheeks, and tongue __________ (with/without) direct supervision by a licensed dentist. ANS: with Rationale: Dental assistants must perform certain expanded duties, such as tissue retraction, only under direct supervision.
- True/False: In Florida, the administration of local anesthesia by dental hygienists is permitted. ANS: True Rationale: Since 2012, properly trained and certified dental hygienists in Florida may administer local anesthesia.
- Multiple Response: Which of the following procedures may a Florida dental hygienist perform under general supervision? (Select all that apply) A) Removal of calculus deposits B) Placement of temporary restorations C) Application of sealants D) Fabrication of orthodontic appliances ANS: A, C Rationale: Calculus removal and sealant application may be performed under general supervision; others require direct supervision.