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Free SC Jurisprudence Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the SC Jurisprudence Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A South Carolina dental hygienist is asked whether root planing falls within the statutory practice of dental hygiene. Which response is correct?

    1. A. It is included as a preventive dental hygiene procedure
    2. B. It is reserved to a registered dental technician
    3. C. It is permitted only in a mobile dental facility
    4. D. It is treated as a dental laboratory procedure

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 40-15-80(A) includes "root planing" among clinical procedures considered the practice of dental hygiene. The request therefore falls within the statutory scope, subject to applicable supervision.

    Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 15- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-15-80(A)

  2. 2Beyond procedures named specifically for hygienists, which auxiliary procedure set may a licensed South Carolina hygienist perform?

    1. A. Only procedures listed for dentists
    2. B. All procedures listed for dental assistants and expanded duty dental assistants
    3. C. Only procedures listed for dental technicians
    4. D. No additional auxiliary procedures

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Regulation 39-14 states that dental hygienists "may perform all procedures listed above for dental assistants and expanded duty dental assistants."

    Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — Section 39-14

  3. 3An unlicensed office employee plans to advertise herself to patients as a dental hygienist. Under South Carolina law, who may use that title?

    1. A. Any employee who performs chairside duties
    2. B. Only a licensed dentist or dental hygienist
    3. C. Any expanded duty dental assistant
    4. D. Only the supervising dentist

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Section 40-15-80(G) states, "No person other than a licensed dentist or dental hygienist may use the title “dental hygienist”." An unlicensed employee may not use it.

    Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 15- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-15-80(G)

  4. 4A hygienist charts existing restorations, clinically missing teeth, and appliances. Is that an approved delegated procedure?

    1. A. No, because hygienists may chart only after making the diagnosis
    2. B. No, because every form of intraoral charting is reserved to dentists
    3. C. Yes, it is listed as an approved dental-assistant procedure inherited by hygienists
    4. D. Yes, but only after the hygienist also creates the treatment plan

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 39-12(2) authorizes staff to "Chart existing restorations, clinically missing teeth, and appliances within the oral cavity." Section 39-14 extends the listed procedures to hygienists.

    Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — Sections 39-12(2) and 39-14

  5. 5A hygienist proposes opening an independent South Carolina dental hygiene practice without dentist involvement. What does the Dental Practice Act provide?

    1. A. Independent practice is allowed after five years
    2. B. Independent practice is allowed in rural counties
    3. C. The dental hygiene section does not establish independent practice
    4. D. Independent practice requires only liability insurance

    Answer: C

    Explanation: Section 40-15-80(F) provides, "This section is not intended to establish independent dental hygiene practice." The proposed arrangement is not authorized by that section.

    Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 15- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-15-80(F)

  6. 6A dentist prescribes a topical drug and asks a hygienist to apply it. Which statement is correct?

    1. A. The hygienist may apply it as an approved auxiliary procedure
    2. B. Topical drugs may be applied only by a dentist
    3. C. The task is allowed only in schools
    4. D. The task requires a mobile-facility registration

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Regulation 39-12(3) permits applying topical drugs "as prescribed by the dentist," and Regulation 39-14 makes that approved procedure available to hygienists.

    Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — Sections 39-12(3) and 39-14

  7. 7A dentist asks a hygienist to diagnose caries and create the patient's treatment plan. How should the hygienist respond?

    1. A. Accept if the dentist later signs the plan
    2. B. Accept only under general supervision
    3. C. Accept if the patient is established
    4. D. Decline because diagnosis and treatment planning may not be delegated

    Answer: D

    Explanation: Section 40-15-82(1) says dental examinations, dental diagnoses, and dental treatment planning "must not be delegated to dental hygienists." The hygienist must decline.

    Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 15- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-15-82(1)

  8. 8A directly supervised hygienist is asked to remove sutures. Is the procedure within the approved auxiliary list?

    1. A. Only for a restricted volunteer hygienist
    2. B. Only if performed without instruments
    3. C. No, suture removal is never delegable
    4. D. Yes, suture removal is an approved auxiliary procedure

    Answer: D

    Explanation: Regulation 39-12(10) lists "Remove sutures." Regulation 39-14 permits hygienists to perform all procedures listed for assistants and expanded duty assistants.

    Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — Sections 39-12(10) and 39-14

  9. 9During treatment, a dentist directs a hygienist to cut gingival tissue. Which rule controls?

    1. A. Cutting hard or soft tissue may not be delegated to a hygienist
    2. B. It is allowed after a radiation safety course
    3. C. It is allowed whenever a dentist is on the premises
    4. D. It is allowed under general supervision

    Answer: A

    Explanation: Section 40-15-82(2) prohibits delegation of "cutting or performing surgical procedures on hard and soft tissues." Dentist presence does not remove that prohibition.

    Reference: Code of Laws - Title 40 - Chapter 15- - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS — Section 40-15-82(2)

  10. 10While treating patients in a portable dental operation, what must the hygienist do with the authorization to practice in South Carolina?

    1. A. Keep it only at the central office
    2. B. Display it prominently in plain view of patients
    3. C. File it with each patient's insurer
    4. D. Send it to the Board after each session

    Answer: B

    Explanation: Regulation 39-18(J)(3) requires each dentist and hygienist providing mobile or portable services to "prominently display his or her authorization to practice ... in plain view of patients."

    Reference: South Carolina Legislature Online - Search — Section 39-18(J)(3)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for SC Jurisprudence Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • S.C. Code of Laws Title 40, Chapter 15 — Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Technicians (Dental Practice Act)
  • S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 39 — State Board of Dentistry

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view SC Jurisprudence Examination details.