• 83 questions

Texas Jurisprudence Dental Exam Study Guide

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

See all 83 with answers
How long can the first registration period of a new Texas dental license run before biennial renewals begin?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 25 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 25 questions, no time limit.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Bank checked October 16, 2026.

Spotted a mistake? Report a wrong answer. Every question has this link under its explanation.

Next step Another state law bank: Arizona dentalAnother state law bank: Georgia dental

All 83 questions with answers

The Board, licenses and renewal 24

  • A dental hygienist changes employers. By when must the Board have the notice for it to be timely? Answer: The 60th day after the change. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.105. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • A dentist licensed in another state applies under Section 256.101. For how long must the dentist have practiced just before applying? Answer: Three years. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.101(a)(8). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • A dentist located in another state uses an electronic medium to perform an act of dentistry on a patient who is in Texas. What does Section 251.003 say? Answer: The dentist practices dentistry in Texas and needs a Texas license. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 251.003(d). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • A Texas dental hygiene license has been expired for six months. What does the holder pay to renew it? Answer: Two times the usual renewal fee. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 257.002(c-1). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
Show all 83 questions (79 more)

The Board, licenses and renewal, continued

  • A Texas dental license has been expired for 14 months and no exception applies. How does the holder return to practice? Answer: By obtaining a new license under the rules for an original license. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 257.002(d). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • A Texas dental license has been expired for 60 days. What does the holder pay to renew it? Answer: One and a half times the normal renewal fee. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 257.002(c). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • After written confirmation that an original license was issued, for how long may the new licensee practice without displaying the registration certificate? Answer: 30 days. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.103(c). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How early must the Board send written notice that a license is about to expire? Answer: By the 30th day before expiration. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 257.002(e). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How is the membership of the Texas dental board divided? Answer: Six dentists, three dental hygienists and two public members. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.001(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How long can the first registration period of a new Texas dental license run before biennial renewals begin? Answer: 18 to 30 months. Source: 22 TAC 101.5(b). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How long is a full term on the Texas dental board? Answer: Six years. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.004(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How many consecutive full terms may a member of the Texas dental board serve? Answer: Two. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.004(b). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How many members sit on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners? Answer: 11. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.001(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • How often must the Texas dental board meet, at the least? Answer: Twice a year. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.009. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Under Section 251.003, a person who owns an office and employs another person to practice dentistry there is doing what? Answer: Practicing dentistry. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 251.003(a)(4). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What is the minimum age of an applicant for a Texas dental hygiene license? Answer: 18. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.053(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What is the minimum age of an applicant for a Texas license to practice dentistry? Answer: 21. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.002(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What may a Texas dentist whose license is on retired status still do under Section 256.102? Answer: Provide voluntary charity care only. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.102(f). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What must a dentist or dental hygienist state about cardiopulmonary resuscitation when applying to renew? Answer: That a current course with a skills demonstration was completed. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 257.004(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • What sets the length of a new dentist's first registration period in Texas? Answer: The licensee's birth month. Source: 22 TAC 101.5(b). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Where is the Texas Dental Practice Act found? Answer: Occupations Code, Chapters 251 through 267. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 251.001. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Where must a Texas dentist or dental hygienist display the current registration certificate? Answer: In each office where the person provides dental services. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 256.103(a). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Which board members may take part in passing or failing a dental applicant on the clinical portion of the examinations? Answer: Only the dentist members. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.005. Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.
  • Who chooses the presiding officer of the Texas dental board, and who may hold the post? Answer: The governor designates a member, who must be a dentist. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 252.006(b). Topic: The Board, licenses and renewal.

Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment 15

  • After licensure, how often must a Texas dentist or dental hygienist complete the jurisprudence assessment? Answer: Every four years. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(4). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • For how long must a licensee keep documentation of completed continuing education that can be audited? Answer: At least three years. Source: 22 TAC 104.5(a). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • How does the jurisprudence assessment relate to the continuing education hours owed for renewal? Answer: It is owed in addition to the hours. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(4). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • How many hours of continuing education must a Texas dentist or dental hygienist complete for each biennial renewal? Answer: 24 hours. Source: 22 TAC 104.1. Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • How many of the renewal hours may be self-study? Answer: Up to 8. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(2)(D). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • How much continuing education does a registered dental assistant owe to renew a certificate of registration? Answer: 12 hours every two years, at least 6 of them clinical. Source: 22 TAC 114.12(a). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • How much continuing education on safe pain management and the prescribing of opioids does a dentist in direct patient care owe? Answer: At least 2 hours a year and 4 for each biennial renewal. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(2)(B). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • Of the hours owed for a biennial renewal, how many must be technical or scientific coursework related to clinical care? Answer: At least 16. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(2)(A). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • What is the most excess continuing education credit a licensee may carry forward? Answer: 24 hours. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(5). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • What share of licensees does Board staff audit at random for continuing education? Answer: 5%. Source: 22 TAC 104.6(b). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • When must an applicant for a first Texas dental or dental hygiene license have passed the jurisprudence assessment? Answer: Within one year before applying. Source: 22 TAC 101.1; 22 TAC 103.1. Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • Which course must every licensee complete as part of the renewal hours? Answer: A state-approved course in human trafficking prevention. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(3). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • Which courses count as risk management for the eight hours that 22 TAC 104.1 allows? Answer: Risk management, record-keeping and ethics. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(2)(C). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • Which of these courses may NOT be counted toward the renewal hours? Answer: A basic life support (CPR) course. Source: 22 TAC 104.1(2)(E). Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.
  • Who gives the jurisprudence assessment that 22 TAC 101.1 requires of an applicant for a Texas dental license? Answer: The Board or an entity the Board designates. Source: 22 TAC 101.1. Topic: Continuing education and the jurisprudence assessment.

Hygienists, assistants and delegation 19

  • A dental assistant gives interim treatment of a minor emergency under general supervision. Within how long must the dentist schedule a follow-up appointment under 22 TAC 114.1? Answer: 30 days. Source: 22 TAC 114.1(e)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • A person is hired as a dental assistant for the first time and has never held an x-ray registration. For how long may the assistant make dental x-rays without it? Answer: Until the first anniversary of the hire date. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 265.001(d). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • After treating a patient under Section 262.1515, for how long may the hygienist go on performing delegated tasks for that patient with no dentist examining the patient? Answer: Six months. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.1515(c). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Before a dental hygienist performs a delegated service in the dental office, how recently must the supervising dentist have examined the patient? Answer: At that visit or within the preceding 12 calendar months. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.151(a)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Before using a laser for non-diagnostic purposes, how much in-person laser education must a dental hygienist complete? Answer: 12 hours. Source: 22 TAC 115.2(b)(1). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • For a dental assistant, does direct supervision require the dentist to be in the treatment room? Answer: No, being in the dental office is enough. Source: 22 TAC 114.1(c)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • How may a dentist bill for coronal polishing that a dental assistant performed? Answer: Not as a prophylaxis. Source: 22 TAC 114.5(d). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • How much experience must a dental assistant have before a dentist may delegate the application of pit and fissure sealants? Answer: Two years. Source: 22 TAC 114.3(d). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • In which places may a dental hygienist work under Section 262.1515? Answer: A nursing facility, a school-based health center or a community health center. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.1515(a)(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Must the dentist be on the premises while a dental hygienist performs an act delegated under Section 262.151? Answer: No. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.151(c). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Section 262.1515 lets a dental hygienist treat certain patients the dentist has not examined in the past 12 months. How much experience must the hygienist have? Answer: At least two years. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.1515(a)(1). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Under 22 TAC 115.1, what does direct supervision of a dental hygienist require? Answer: The dentist is on the premises during patient care. Source: 22 TAC 115.1(7). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • What kind of act may a Texas dentist delegate to a dental assistant? Answer: Only an act or procedure that is reversible. Source: 22 TAC 114.1(a). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Which act may a Texas dentist NOT delegate to a dental assistant, though a dental hygienist may perform it? Answer: Removing calculus from exposed teeth. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 258.001(2). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Which act may not be delegated to anyone who is not a licensed dentist? Answer: Taking the impression for a final restoration. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 258.001(3)(D). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Which of these lies outside what a Texas dentist may delegate to a dental hygienist? Answer: Diagnosing a dental disease. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 262.151(a)(3). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Which two acts does Section 265.001 bar a dental assistant from doing unless registered? Answer: Making a dental x-ray and monitoring the administration of nitrous oxide. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 265.001(a). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Who answers for a dental act that a dentist has delegated? Answer: The delegating dentist. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 258.003. Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.
  • Who may place a final restoration in Texas? Answer: Only a licensed dentist. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 258.001(3)(H). Topic: Hygienists, assistants and delegation.

Records, patients and office duties 17

  • A dentist decides to stop a course of treatment already begun. How much written notice must the patient get? Answer: At least 30 days. Source: 22 TAC 108.5(b). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A dentist judges that a parent's presence would harm a child's treatment and keeps the parent out of the treatment room. What else does 22 TAC 108.13 require? Answer: The decision is documented in the patient's record. Source: 22 TAC 108.13(a). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A dentist leaving a practice signs a written agreement transferring records to the succeeding dentist. How soon must the Board be notified in writing? Answer: Within 15 days. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(f)(2). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient asks for a copy of the dental records. How soon must the copies, radiographs included, be furnished? Answer: Within 30 days of the request. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(h). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient asks in writing about charges on a bill. What must the dentist provide under the fair dealing rule? Answer: A written explanation of the charges in plain language. Source: 22 TAC 108.2(c). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient dies, possibly as a consequence of dental services. How soon must the dentist report it to the Board in writing? Answer: Within 72 hours. Source: 22 TAC 108.6(1). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient is admitted to a hospital as a possible consequence of dental services. How soon must the dentist report it to the Board? Answer: Within 30 days of the hospitalization. Source: 22 TAC 108.6(2). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient was younger than 18 when last treated. Until when must the dentist keep the dental records? Answer: Age 21, or five years from the last treatment if that is later. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(b). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • A patient who owes money for past treatment asks for a copy of the dental records. What does 22 TAC 108.8 allow the dentist to do? Answer: Hold the copies until the copying costs are paid. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(h). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • During the notice period before treatment is discontinued, what must the dentist remain available to provide? Answer: Emergency treatment needed to prevent patient harm. Source: 22 TAC 108.5(c). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • For how long must a Texas dentist keep the dental records of an adult patient? Answer: Five years from the last date of treatment. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(b). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • How must the notice that a dentist is discontinuing treatment reach the patient? Answer: By hand delivery or by certified mail, return receipt requested. Source: 22 TAC 108.5(b). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • How often must a dentist update the written policies and procedures for responding to emergencies? Answer: Annually. Source: 22 TAC 108.15. Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • How often, at a minimum, should a patient's medical history be reviewed and updated under 22 TAC 108.7? Answer: Annually. Source: 22 TAC 108.7(3). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • What must a Texas dentist tell patients under the consumer information rule, 22 TAC 108.3? Answer: That complaints can be directed to the Board. Source: 22 TAC 108.3(a). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • Who owns the dental records of a patient in Texas? Answer: The dentist who performs the dental service. Source: 22 TAC 108.8(e). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.
  • Whom must the owner of a clinic that provides dental services to the public designate as dental custodian of records? Answer: A licensed Texas dentist. Source: 22 TAC 108.72(a). Topic: Records, patients and office duties.

Complaints, discipline and penalties 8

  • After how long is a complaint too old for the Board to consider? Answer: After the fourth anniversary of the act or its discovery. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 255.006(b). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • After notice of a first violation of the advertising restrictions, how long does the person have to cure it? Answer: 30 days. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 259.006(c). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • How soon after receiving a complaint within its jurisdiction must the Board finish the preliminary investigation? Answer: By the 60th day. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 255.006(a). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • On what form must a complaint to the Board be submitted under 22 TAC 107.102? Answer: The official complaint form. Source: 22 TAC 107.102(a). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • What grade of offense is a first conviction for practicing dental hygiene in Texas without a license? Answer: A Class A misdemeanor. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 264.151(b). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • What grade of offense is practicing dentistry in Texas without a license? Answer: A felony of the third degree. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 264.151(a). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • What is the most the Board may set as an administrative penalty for one violation? Answer: $5,000. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 264.002(a). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.
  • Which conviction is a ground for discipline under Section 263.002? Answer: A misdemeanor involving fraud, or a felony. Source: Tex. Occ. Code 263.002(a)(2). Topic: Complaints, discipline and penalties.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions on the law behind the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners' Jurisprudence Assessment. The Board's rules require it: 22 TAC 101.1 and 103.1 (an applicant has passed the jurisprudence assessment administered by the Board or an entity designated by the Board within one year before applying) and 22 TAC 104.1(4) (each licensee completes it every four years). The Board's page for the assessment (https://tsbde.texas.gov/licensing/jurisprudence-assessment/, opened 2026-10-16) explains how to reach it and publishes no question count, time limit, pass mark or content outline, so the five topics here are this site's own sorting and no exam format is printed. Every fact was read on 2026-10-16 in the two texts the Board's Laws and Rules page (https://tsbde.texas.gov/laws-rules/dental-practice-act-tsbde-rules/) points to: the Dental Practice Act, Texas Occupations Code Chapters 251 to 267, in the Texas Legislature's files, and the Board's rules, Texas Administrative Code Title 22, Part 5 (Chapters 100 to 115), on the Secretary of State's rules site (https://texas-sos.appianportalsgov.com/rules-and-meetings?interface=VIEW_TAC&part=5&title=22). Each question names its section and links to its chapter. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site, written from the public text of the Texas statutes and rules. Nothing is taken from the Board's Jurisprudence Assessment, a prep company or a review book.

How it works

An unofficial Texas jurisprudence dental exam study guide in question form: 83 of our own questions on the Dental Practice Act and Board rules. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners owns the real Jurisprudence Assessment and is not affiliated.

Read the full guide

What is left out

Law only, and each question cites its section. Fees, sedation and anesthesia permits, prescribing rules, dental laboratories and mobile facilities are not asked. Practice for an exam, not medical advice.

  • Renewal takes 24 hours of continuing education every two years, at least 16 of them technical or scientific (22 TAC 104.1).
  • Adult records are kept at least five years from the last date of treatment (22 TAC 108.8).
  • Removing calculus may be delegated to a dental hygienist but never to a dental assistant (Occupations Code 258.001).

Questions and answers

Is there a Texas dental jurisprudence study guide?

The Board's Laws and Rules page points to two texts: the Dental Practice Act, Occupations Code Chapters 251 through 267, and its rules in Title 22, Part 5 of the Texas Administrative Code. This page drills both and names the section after each answer.

How often do you take the Texas dental jurisprudence assessment?

An applicant must have passed it within one year before applying (22 TAC 101.1 and 103.1). After that each licensee completes it every four years, in addition to the 24 hours of continuing education (22 TAC 104.1).

How many questions are on the Texas dental jurisprudence exam?

The Board's rules and its assessment page give no question count, time limit or pass mark, so this page does not guess them. A mock run here asks 25 questions and gives a score with no verdict.

Who gives the Texas dental jurisprudence assessment?

The Board or an entity it designates, the rules say. The Board's page says a new applicant is invited to open an account in its Lifelong Learning Portal on filing an application, and registers for the assessment there.

Is this the real Texas jurisprudence assessment?

No. The questions were written for this site from the public statutes and rules, never from the assessment. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has not reviewed this page.

More tests

Show 7 more

Browse Civics and Law