• 95 questions

New Mexico Dental Jurisprudence Practice Test

Unofficial practice on New Mexico's Dental Health Care Act and board rules, every answer marked with its section.

Which New Mexico dental district holds Bernalillo, Valencia and Torrance counties?

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Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit, 19 right to pass (75%).

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care. Bank checked October 14, 2026.

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All 95 questions

The board, the committee and their records 15

  • A New Mexico board member is automatically removed after missing how many board or committee meetings in a term, unless excused? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(D). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • A partial term of how long counts as a full term toward the New Mexico board's two-term limit? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(E). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • A quorum of the New Mexico board is a simple majority that includes at least which members? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(I). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • At least how many times a year must the New Mexico board meet? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(G). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • For how long must a dentist have been a licensed practitioner and resident of New Mexico before appointment to the board? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • How are the two dental hygienist members of the New Mexico board chosen? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • How is the New Mexico board of dental health care made up? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
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The board, the committee and their records, continued

  • How long is a term for a dentist or public member of the New Mexico board? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(C). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • How many dental and dental hygiene districts does the New Mexico act create for selecting members? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-7. Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • How many members sit on the New Mexico board of dental health care? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • Regular meetings of the New Mexico board may be no more than how many days apart? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-8(G). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • Which board record is confidential under 16.5.1.14 NMAC and not open to public inspection? 16.5.1.14 NMAC. Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • Which is a ground on which the New Mexico board may decline to ratify a committee recommendation? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-11(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • Which New Mexico dental district holds Bernalillo, Valencia and Torrance counties? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-7(C). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.
  • Who sits on the nine-member New Mexico dental hygienists committee? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-9(A). Topic: The board, the committee and their records.

Licenses, renewal and continuing education 29

  • A New Mexico dentist files for renewal three weeks after July 1. What follows under section 61-5A-16? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-16(F). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • A New Mexico licensee never received a renewal form. Does that excuse a late renewal? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-16(C). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • After which date may the New Mexico board summarily revoke a license that has not been renewed? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-16(H). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • At most how many of a New Mexico dentist's continuing education hours may be on-line, webinars or self-study? 16.5.10.8 NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Besides national and clinical examinations, what test does section 61-5A-12 require for a general New Mexico dental license by examination? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-12(B). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • For a New Mexico dental hygiene license by credentials, how long must the applicant's license have been in good standing elsewhere? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-13(C). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • For a New Mexico dental license by credentials, how long must all of the applicant's dental licenses have been in good standing? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-12(C). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • For how long are clinical examination results valid for a New Mexico dental license by examination? 16.5.6.8(C) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • For how long may a New Mexico temporary license to practice dentistry be issued? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-14(A)(5). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How does an applicant arrange to take the New Mexico jurisprudence exam? 16.5.6.8(D) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How long a uniform service practice in the military or public health service supports a New Mexico license by credentials under 61-5A-12(D)? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-12(D)(1). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How long must a New Mexico dentist keep continuing education records after the renewal cycle in which they were earned? 16.5.10.10 NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How many hours of continuing education does a New Mexico dentist owe in each triennial renewal cycle? 16.5.10.8 NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How many hours of continuing education must a New Mexico dental hygienist prove at renewal? 16.5.24.10 NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How many hours on managing pain with controlled substances must a New Mexico dentist with a federal DEA registration complete? 16.5.10.9(D) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How often must New Mexico dental licenses be renewed? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-16(A). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • How soon must the New Mexico board process an application for an expedited license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-14(B). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • May a licensee whose New Mexico license is in inactive status practice dentistry in the state? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-17(C). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • On what date do New Mexico dental licenses expire in a renewal year? 16.5.11.9 NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Under whose sponsorship must a New Mexico temporary licensee practice? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-14(A)(2). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • What is the most continuing education credit New Mexico grants for a single day? 16.5.1.15(B) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • What limit does a New Mexico specialty license place on a dentist? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-12(E). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • What score passes the New Mexico jurisprudence exam for a dental license by examination? 16.5.6.8(D) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Where must a New Mexico license or certificate be displayed? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-15(E). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Which is true of the basic life support or CPR certification required for New Mexico dental license renewal? 16.5.10.9(A) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Whose signatures does a New Mexico dental hygienist license bear? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-15(C). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Within how long after retirement may a New Mexico licensee resume practice by notifying the board and meeting its reactivation requirements? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-17(A). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Within how long must a New Mexico inactive license be reactivated or permanently retired? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-17(F). Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.
  • Within how long must a New Mexico licensee report a change of practice address to the board in writing? 16.5.1.9(B) NMAC. Topic: Licenses, renewal and continuing education.

Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision 20

  • A New Mexico dental hygienist in a collaborative practice works in a cooperative relationship with whom? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(B). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • The drug formulary a New Mexico hygienist prescribes within is approved by the board in consultation with whom? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(F)(1)(c). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • For how long after a licensed New Mexico dentist's death may the spouse function as a non-dentist owner without a license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-5(I)(3). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • How many cases of local anesthesia must a New Mexico hygienist have competently administered before certification to do so under general supervision? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(E)(1). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Rubber cup coronal polishing by a New Mexico dental assistant must not be represented as what? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-5(F)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Under 16.5.39.10 NMAC, bleaching or whitening teeth may not be delegated to New Mexico auxiliary personnel without what? 16.5.39.10(H) NMAC. Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Under New Mexico general supervision, where is the dentist when the authorized procedures are carried out? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-3(U). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Under New Mexico's definition, direct supervision requires the dentist to do what? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-3(Q). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Under what supervision does a New Mexico expanded-function dental auxiliary place and shape direct restorations? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(H). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Under what supervision may a New Mexico dental hygienist who meets the criteria first administer local anesthesia? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(D). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • What does New Mexico's definition of teledentistry say about store-and-forward technologies? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-3(AA). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • What may a New Mexico dental hygienist apply without supervision in schools and long-term care facilities? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(C). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • What may a New Mexico expanded-function dental auxiliary do under general supervision when a dentist deems the situation an emergency? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(I). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • When may a New Mexico hygienist NOT decide, without a dentist's evaluation, whether a sealant is indicated? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(B)(3). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Which may a New Mexico community dental health coordinator do under section 61-5A-5(G)? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-5(G)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Which may a New Mexico licensee not delegate to auxiliary personnel under 16.5.39.10 NMAC? 16.5.39.10 NMAC. Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Which may function as a non-dentist owner in New Mexico without a license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-5(I). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Which New Mexico level of supervision means a dentist is present in the treatment facility while authorized treatments are performed? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-3(V). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Which procedure may a board-certified New Mexico dental assistant perform under general supervision under 16.5.39.9 NMAC? 16.5.39.9 NMAC. Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.
  • Who may use the title 'C.D.A.' in New Mexico? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-6(C). Topic: Hygienists, assistants, auxiliaries and supervision.

Records, advertising and duties of a practice 12

  • A marketing firm publishes a misleading advertisement for a New Mexico dental practice. Who answers for it under 16.5.1.29 NMAC? 16.5.1.29 NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • A New Mexico dentist closing a practice must tell the board where 'active treatment records' are kept. Which patients do those cover? 16.5.1.24(C) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • For how long must records of patient treatment be maintained in New Mexico? 16.5.1.24 NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • How long must a New Mexico licensee keep the record documenting approval of an advertisement? 16.5.1.29(B)(3) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • How often must instruments and hand pieces be sterilized under 16.5.1.16 NMAC? 16.5.1.16(B)(2) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • Infection control training is required for which of these under 16.5.1.16 NMAC? 16.5.1.16(C) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • Under New Mexico's act, is reviewing dental insurance claims for therapeutic appropriateness the practice of dentistry? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-4(A)(3). Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • What must a dentist hold to review insurance claims for patients being treated by a dentist in New Mexico? 16.5.1.21 NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • What must a retiring New Mexico dentist prove to the board about patients under active treatment? 16.5.1.24(B) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • Which code do New Mexico licensees refer to for guidance on ethics unless a rule or statute says otherwise? 16.5.1.25 NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • Who must be a current New Mexico licensed dentist in good standing under 16.5.1.22 NMAC? 16.5.1.22 NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.
  • Within how long must a claims-reviewing dentist give the New Mexico board office the license number and the payer's name? 16.5.1.21(B) NMAC. Topic: Records, advertising and duties of a practice.

Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports 19

  • A New Mexico license was revoked for discipline. For how long must active dental treatment records then be maintained? 16.5.16.12(C) NMAC. Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • A person who files a sworn complaint with the New Mexico board is immune from civil liability if the complaint is filed how? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-21(D). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • After a New Mexico motion for reinstatement is denied, how long before another will be considered? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-19(B). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • How are disciplinary proceedings instituted under section 61-5A-21 of the New Mexico act? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-21(B). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • How long after a New Mexico license revocation takes effect may a motion for reinstatement first be filed, unless the order says otherwise? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-19(A). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • How soon after a New Mexico reinstatement hearing must the board or committee file its findings and decision? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-19(E)(3). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • What grade of offense is practicing dentistry in New Mexico without a license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-18(A). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • What is the largest fine for practicing as a dental hygienist in New Mexico without a license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-18(B). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • What is the longest prison term for practicing dentistry in New Mexico without a license? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-18(A). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • What is the most a hospital or insurer may be penalized for failing to report a New Mexico dental malpractice payment? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-23(C). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • What may the New Mexico board do to a dentist who fails to comply with its anesthesia rules? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-22(C). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • When does information in a New Mexico complaint file become public? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-25(C). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Which adverse action must a New Mexico licensee report to the board to avoid a ground for discipline under 61-5A-21? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-21(A)(12). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Which conviction need NOT be reported to the New Mexico board under 16.5.3.8 NMAC? 16.5.3.8(A) NMAC. Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Which is a ground for discipline listed in section 61-5A-21 of the New Mexico act? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-21(A)(11). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Who bears the costs of New Mexico disciplinary proceedings? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-21(C). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Who carries the burden at a New Mexico reinstatement hearing? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-19(E)(2). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Who may bring an action to enjoin unlicensed dental practice in New Mexico? NMSA 1978, § 61-5A-24(A). Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.
  • Within how long must a New Mexico licensee report a malpractice settlement payment to the board office in writing? 16.5.3.8 NMAC. Topic: Unlicensed practice, discipline and reports.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the law the New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care's jurisprudence exam covers. NMSA 1978, 61-5A-12(B) requires applicants for a general dental license by examination to pass a test covering the laws and rules for the practice of dentistry in New Mexico; 16.5.6.8(D) NMAC (https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.005.0006.html, opened 2026-10-14) says the applicant completes the jurisprudence exam with a score of at least seventy five percent and schedules it through the board office. The rules give no question count, time limit or content outline, so the five topics here are this site's own sorting. Every fact was read on 2026-10-14 in the Dental Health Care Act on NMOneSource, the State's official laws site (Chapter 61, https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4397/index.do), and in Title 16, Chapter 5 of the New Mexico Administrative Code on the State Records Center and Archives' site (parts 1, 3, 6, 10, 11, 16, 24 and 39). Each question names its section. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site, written from the public text of the New Mexico statute and rules. Nothing is taken from the board's jurisprudence exam, a prep company or a review book.

How it works

An unofficial New Mexico dental jurisprudence practice test: 95 of our own questions on the Dental Health Care Act (NMSA 1978, 61-5A) and Title 16, Chapter 5 NMAC. The New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care gives the real exam and is not affiliated.

Read the full guide

What is left out

Law only, and each question cites its section. Fees, anesthesia and sedation permits, dental therapists, the impaired practitioner program and the Dental Amalgam Waste Reduction Act are not asked. Practice for an exam, not medical advice.

  • Licenses renew every three years and expire June 30; after August 31 an unrenewed license may be summarily revoked (NMSA 61-5A-16; 16.5.11.9 NMAC).
  • Dentists owe 60 hours of continuing education each triennial cycle and dental hygienists 45 (16.5.10.8 and 16.5.24.10 NMAC).
  • Records of patient treatment are kept at least six years (16.5.1.24 NMAC).

Questions and answers

What score passes the New Mexico dental jurisprudence exam?

At least 75 percent. 16.5.6.8 NMAC lists, among the prerequisites for a general license by examination, completing the jurisprudence exam with a score of at least seventy five percent.

How do I take the New Mexico dental jurisprudence exam?

The applicant schedules the exam through the board office, 16.5.6.8 NMAC says. An applicant who does not obtain a passing score pays the re-examination fee to take it again (16.5.6.11 NMAC).

How many questions are on the New Mexico dental jurisprudence exam?

The rules give no question count or time limit, so this page does not guess one. A scored run here asks 25 questions and applies the 75 percent mark, with no clock.

What does the New Mexico dental jurisprudence exam cover?

NMSA 1978, 61-5A-12 calls it a test covering the laws and rules for the practice of dentistry in New Mexico: the Dental Health Care Act and the board's rules in Title 16, Chapter 5 of the New Mexico Administrative Code.

Is this the board's exam?

No. The questions were written for this site from the public statute and rules, never from the exam. The New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care has not reviewed this page.

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