• 80 questions

Maine Dental Jurisprudence Study Guide

Unofficial study practice on the Maine Dental Practice Act and the Board's rules, every answer marked with its section.

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How long is the term of a member of the Maine Board of Dental Practice?

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Maine Board of Dental Practice. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

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The Board, licenses and renewal 24

  • A Maine license has been expired for more than two years. What must the person do to be licensed again? Answer: Apply for initial licensure and meet all its qualifications. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 11, III(C). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • A person licensed in another jurisdiction applies by endorsement on the strength of a substantially equivalent license. For how long must it have been held just before applying? Answer: At least 3 consecutive years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18347(1)(A). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • After how many years of service on a dental examining board in Maine is a person no longer eligible for appointment to the board? Answer: 10 years or more. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(2). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • After the board tells an applicant what materials are still needed, how long does the applicant have to submit them? Answer: 90 days. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18341(3). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • An application to reinstate arrives more than 90 days after a license expired. Within what time from expiration may the board still waive examination? Answer: Within 2 years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18349(3). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
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The Board, licenses and renewal, continued

  • Besides a dental hygiene degree, which education can qualify an applicant for a Maine dental hygienist license? Answer: At least half the course of study in an accredited dental college. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18345(1)(A). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • For how long after it expires may a Maine license still be renewed late? Answer: Up to 90 days. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18349(2). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • For how long must a dental hygienist member of the Maine board have practiced in the State just before appointment? Answer: At least 6 years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(1)(B). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • For how long must a dentist member of the Maine board have practiced in the State just before appointment? Answer: At least 10 years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(1)(A). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How long is the license term of a Maine expanded function dental assistant? Answer: Five years. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How long is the term of a member of the Maine Board of Dental Practice? Answer: 5 years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(2). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How many members sit on the Maine Board of Dental Practice? Answer: 9. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(1). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How many work hours of clinical practice must a dental hygienist verify to receive independent practice authority in Maine? Answer: 2,000. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18345(2)(A). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How old must an applicant for a license from the Maine Board of Dental Practice be? Answer: 18 or older. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18341(2). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What does a Maine licensee on inactive status still owe? Answer: License renewal and the renewal fee. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18351. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What does the statute name as the sole purpose of the Board of Dental Practice? Answer: To protect the public health and welfare. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18321(1). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What grade passes the jurisprudence examination that the Maine Board of Dental Practice gives? Answer: 90 percent. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 6, I(C). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What may follow when an applicant does not pass the Maine jurisprudence examination in three attempts? Answer: A preliminary denial of licensure. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 6, I(C). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • When does the biennial license term of a Maine dental hygienist end? Answer: December 31 of even-numbered years. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • When does the biennial license term of a Maine dentist end? Answer: December 31 of odd-numbered years. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • When does the Board accept an online basic life support training from an applicant for a dentist license? Answer: Only when hands-on participation with the instructor is verified. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 6, I(D). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Where may the holder of a Maine limited dentist license practice? Answer: Only in a nonprofit clinic, without compensation. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18302(25). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Which certification must every applicant for an initial or renewed Maine license show? Answer: Basic life support. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18341(4). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Who are the members of the Maine Board of Dental Practice? Answer: Five dentists, two dental hygienists, one denturist and one public member. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18322(1). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.

Continuing education 12

  • A Maine dentist holds a sedation permit. How many of the 40 credit hours must be in sedation or anesthesia, physical diagnosis, complications and techniques? Answer: At least 6. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • As a condition of prescribing opioid medication, how many of a Maine dentist's 40 credit hours must be earned on the prescription of opioid medication? Answer: At least 3. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • Chapter 13 caps the credit from a set of activities that includes teaching, writing and distance learning with no exit examination. What is the cap? Answer: No more than 10 credit hours. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, II(B). Topic: Continuing education.
  • For a late renewal, how are continuing education hours earned after the license expired treated? Answer: They are not applied to the late renewal. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 11, III(B). Topic: Continuing education.
  • For how long after renewal must a licensee keep documentation of the continuing education earned in the last license term? Answer: Two years. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, V. Topic: Continuing education.
  • How many credit hours must an expanded function dental assistant complete in the five-year license term? Answer: 50. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • How many credit hours of basic life support training may count toward a license term? Answer: No more than 3. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, II(C). Topic: Continuing education.
  • How many credit hours of continuing education must a Maine dental hygienist complete in a biennial license term? Answer: 30. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • How many credit hours of continuing education must a Maine dentist complete in a biennial license term? Answer: 40. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • What does a failed continuing education audit constitute under Chapter 13? Answer: Unprofessional conduct. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, VII. Topic: Continuing education.
  • What must a dental radiographer show to renew a license under Chapter 13? Answer: A current basic life support certification. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, I. Topic: Continuing education.
  • Which activity earns no continuing education credit under Chapter 13? Answer: A business meeting of a professional association. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 13, III. Topic: Continuing education.

Scope of practice and supervision 15

  • A Maine dentist delegates an activity to an unlicensed person. Who is legally liable for it? Answer: The dentist, with the unlicensed person treated as the dentist's agent. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18371(3). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Through a written practice agreement, how many people may a dental therapist be delegated to supervise in any one practice setting? Answer: Up to 2 dental hygienists and 3 unlicensed persons. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18377(2). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under general supervision in Maine, what must the supervisor have given before a task is performed? Answer: Prior knowledge and consent. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18302(22). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under what arrangement does a Maine dental therapist practice? Answer: General supervision of a dentist, under a written practice agreement signed by both. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18377(3)(B). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under what arrangement does a public health dental hygienist deliver services in a public health setting? Answer: A written supervision agreement with a dentist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18302(30). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under what supervision may an authorized Maine dental hygienist administer local anesthesia? Answer: General supervision of a dentist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18374(1-A). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under what supervision may an authorized Maine dental hygienist administer nitrous oxide analgesia? Answer: Direct supervision by a dentist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18374(1). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Under whose general supervision may a licensed dental radiographer practice in Maine? Answer: A dentist or an independent practice dental hygienist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18372(1). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • What does direct supervision require under the Maine Dental Practice Act? Answer: The supervisor is physically present in the practice setting. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18302(18). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • What must an independent practice dental hygienist give a patient for dental care that the patient needs? Answer: A written plan for referral to a dentist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18375(2)(B). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • What must an independent practice dental hygienist obtain before an initial patient visit? Answer: A written acknowledgment that the hygienist is not a dentist. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18375(2)(A). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • When an expanded function dental assistant applies pit and fissure sealants, what must the dentist do? Answer: Evaluate the teeth at the time of sealant placement. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18373(1)(B). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • When may a Maine dentist administer botulinum toxin or dermal fillers? Answer: When the patient has a diagnosed dental condition or it is part of the dental treatment plan. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18371(1)(O). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Which activities may a Maine dentist NOT delegate to an unlicensed person? Answer: Activities that require a license under the chapter. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18371(4). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.
  • Which limit does the statute place on a denturist who fits a denture? Answer: No alteration of natural or reconstructed tooth structure. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18378(1)(B). Topic: Scope of practice and supervision.

Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements 17

  • A licensee dismisses a patient. For how long from the date of the notice must emergency care be offered? Answer: 30 days. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • A licensee sells or closes a practice. How soon must the Board be given the required documentation in writing? Answer: Within 10 days of the sale or closure. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • A patient asks in writing for a copy of the dental record. How soon must it be provided? Answer: Within 21 days of the request. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • A patient dies within 48 hours after a dental practice procedure. How soon must the licensee report it to the Board? Answer: Within 72 hours of the death. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • After training when first hired, how often must staff be trained to carry out the office's emergency protocols? Answer: At least annually. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • For how long must a Maine dentist keep a patient's original dental record and radiographs? Answer: At least 7 years from the last patient treatment. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • How far ahead of a practice closure must patients be notified? Answer: At least 30 days. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • How must a written notice of dismissal be sent to a patient under Chapter 12? Answer: By certified return receipt mail. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • How often must a licensee ask about and record changes in a patient's medical history? Answer: At each patient visit. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • May a Maine licensee make payment for services rendered a condition of giving a patient a copy of the record? Answer: No. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • Outside its exceptions, how large a supply of opioid medication may be prescribed within a 7-day period to a patient under treatment for acute pain? Answer: No more than a 7-day supply. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18308(1)(D). Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • Outside its exceptions, what daily limit does 32 M.R.S. 18308 set on the opioid medication prescribed to a patient? Answer: 100 morphine milligram equivalents. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18308(1)(A). Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • Under Chapter 12, whose signatures does written informed consent include, at the least? Answer: The licensee's and the patient's or legal guardian's. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • What does Chapter 12 require of electronic patient records? Answer: That they be unalterable and producible in paper form on request. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • What must a licensee place on or over a patient before exposing the patient to ionizing radiation? Answer: Radiation barriers, such as protective aprons and thyroid shields. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • Which infection control guidelines must all Maine licensees use under Chapter 12? Answer: The CDC Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 12, I. Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.
  • With what must a complete denture fabricated by a Maine dentist or denturist be marked? Answer: The patient's name and social security number. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18392(1). Topic: Patient records, prescribing and practice requirements.

Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties 12

  • A conviction is a ground for discipline in Maine when the crime carries possible incarceration of how long? Answer: One year or more. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18325(1)(F). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • A licensee does not comply with a board order to submit to a mental or physical examination. What may the board do? Answer: Petition the District Court for immediate suspension of the license. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18323(9). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Apart from service animals, which living animals may be kept in a Maine practice setting without unprofessional conduct? Answer: Fish in aquariums. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 9, I(N). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • For how long, at most, may the board keep a letter of guidance or concern in a licensee's file? Answer: 10 years. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18325(3). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • What does a person commit who violates the license requirement of 32 M.R.S. 18304? Answer: A Class E crime. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18304(3). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • What is a letter of guidance or concern from the Maine board? Answer: A letter that is not a disciplinary action of any form. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18325(3). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • When is splitting a fee for the referral of a patient unprofessional conduct under Chapter 9? Answer: When the patient or the patient's representative does not know of it. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 9, I(D). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Which act toward a patient is unprofessional conduct under Chapter 9? Answer: Abandonment before a phase of treatment is complete. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 9, I(O). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Which advertising does Chapter 9 list as unprofessional conduct? Answer: Advertising professional superiority. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 9, I(H). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Which court reviews a nonconsensual revocation of a license issued by the board? Answer: The Superior Court. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18325(2). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Which of these does 32 M.R.S. 18304 list as unlawful practice? Answer: Practicing dentistry under a false or assumed name. Source: 32 M.R.S. 18304(2)(A). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.
  • Which prescribing does Chapter 9 list as unprofessional conduct? Answer: Prescribing narcotic medication for oneself. Source: 02-313 C.M.R. ch. 9, I(E). Topic: Unprofessional conduct, discipline and penalties.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the law the Maine Board of Dental Practice's jurisprudence examination covers. The Board's Jurisprudence Examinations page (https://www.maine.gov/dental/jurisprudence-examinations.html, opened 2026-10-16) says an applicant must pass a written, open book jurisprudence examination on the Board's statutes and rules, that the passing score is 90 percent and that failure after three attempts may result in a preliminary denial of licensure; Board rules Chapter 6, Section I(C) and Chapter 2, Section I(D) say the same. The Board publishes no content outline, so the five topics here are this site's own sorting. Every fact was read on 2026-10-16 in the two texts the Board's Statutes and Rules page (https://www.maine.gov/dental/statutes-rules/statutes-rules.html) points to: the Maine Dental Practice Act, 32 M.R.S. Chapter 143, on the Maine Legislature's site (https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/32/title32ch143sec0.html, text generated 10.05.2026), and the Board's rules, 02-313 C.M.R. Chapters 1 to 15, in the files on the Secretary of State's rules page. Each question names its section or chapter and links to it. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site, written from the public text of the Maine statutes and rules. Nothing is taken from the Board's jurisprudence examination, a prep company or a review book.

How it works

An unofficial Maine dental jurisprudence study guide in question form: 80 of our own questions on 32 M.R.S. Chapter 143 and the Board's rules. The Maine Board of Dental Practice gives the real examination and is not affiliated.

Read the full guide

What is left out

Law only, and each question cites its section or chapter. Fees, sedation and general anesthesia permits, teledentistry rules and the licensure compact are not asked. The statute is read as the Legislature printed it on October 5, 2026. Practice for an exam, not medical advice.

  • Dentists owe 40 credit hours of continuing education each biennial term and dental hygienists 30 (Board rules, Chapter 13).
  • Original records and radiographs are kept at least seven years from the last patient treatment (Board rules, Chapter 12).
  • Direct supervision puts the supervisor in the practice setting; general supervision needs prior knowledge and consent (32 M.R.S. 18302).

Questions and answers

Is there a Maine dental jurisprudence study guide?

The Board's page names none. It says the examination tests knowledge of the Board's statutes and rules, which its Statutes and Rules page links: 32 M.R.S. Chapter 143 and the Board's rule chapters. This page drills both, with the section after each answer.

What is the passing score on the Maine dental jurisprudence exam?

90 percent, the Board's Jurisprudence Examinations page says, and Board rules Chapter 6 and Chapter 2 agree. Failure to pass after three attempts may result in a preliminary denial of licensure.

Is the Maine dental jurisprudence exam open book?

Yes. The Board calls it a written, open book examination. It is not an online examination: the applicant prints the examination for the license sought, completes it and uploads it with the online license application.

Who has to take the Maine jurisprudence exam?

An applicant seeking licensure, the Board says. Its page lists a separate examination for dentist, dental hygiene, denturist, dental radiography and expanded function dental assistant licensure.

Is this the Board's examination?

No. The questions were written for this site from the public statutes and rules, never from the examination. The Maine Board of Dental Practice has not reviewed this page.

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