# North Carolina practice questions: Jurisprudence exam

Ten original North Carolina practice questions on jurisprudence exam, each answered on this page with a rationale and a source.

Last updated: 2026-09-08.

## Question 1

A candidate scores 79% in jurisprudence and 91% in sterilization. Which conclusion follows from the passing-score rule?

- A. The jurisprudence result remains below the requirement.
- B. The combined average satisfies both examinations.
- C. The sterilization result removes the need for a retake.
- D. The candidate passes because each score exceeds 75%.

**Answer A:** The jurisprudence result remains below the requirement.

Rule .0303(a) requires at least 80% on each. It does not authorize averaging, an offset from the stronger result, or a75% threshold.

**Common trap:** Attach the threshold to each exam.

Source: [21 NCAC 16B current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20b/subchapter%20b%20rules.pdf)

## Question 2

When is the dentist's normal electronic renewal application due?

- A. Before midnight December 31
- B. Before midnight January 31
- C. Before midnight March 31
- D. Before midnight June 30

**Answer B:** Before midnight January 31

Rule .0101 uses January 31. December 31 ends the CE calendar year, March 31 is tied to the void-license consequence, and June 30 is not the ordinary renewal date.

**Common trap:** Do not merge CE, renewal, and void-license dates.

Source: [21 NCAC 16R current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20r/subchapter%20r%20rules.pdf)

## Question 3

A patient requests records for a new dentist but owes a treatment balance. What is required?

- A. Hold the records until the outstanding treatment balance is paid.
- B. Require a new paid examination before releasing radiographs.
- C. Provide the requested records within the applicable access period.
- D. Release only a payment ledger until the balance is settled.

**Answer C:** Provide the requested records within the applicable access period.

The dental rule prohibits conditioning production on payment or treatment and requires the specified records within 30 days. Each other option adds an unauthorized condition or withholds required information.

**Common trap:** Access and collection are separate issues.

Source: [21 NCAC 16T current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20t/subchapter%20t%20rules.pdf)

## Question 4

A DA I has the two required topic courses but not all experience hours. What can .0104(b) permit?

- A. Automatic completion of every requirement for full DA II classification
- B. Independent performance of hygiene without a dentist in the office
- C. Radiography without satisfying its separate training requirement
- D. Dentist training and DA II functions under direct control and supervision

**Answer D:** Dentist training and DA II functions under direct control and supervision

The rule allows conditional trained performance of DA II functions under direct supervision. It does not award completed experience, authorize independent hygiene, or waive radiology training.

**Common trap:** Task permission and completed classification are distinct.

Source: [21 NCAC 16H current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20h/subchapter%20h%20rules.pdf)

## Question 5

What ceiling applies to the specified immediate postoperative acute-pain prescription?

- A. Two days
- B. Seven days
- C. Ten days
- D. Fourteen days

**Answer B:** Seven days

The statute permits no more than seven days in the described postoperative circumstance. The other figures are not its ceiling, and the ceiling is not a default duration for every patient.

**Common trap:** Keep the postoperative conditions attached.

Source: [G.S. 90-106 Prescriptions and labeling](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_90/GS_90-106.html)

## Question 6

Which is expressly included in teledentistry consent duties?

- A. Promise that electronic communication cannot expose information.
- B. Waive ordinary record-retention requirements for the encounter.
- C. Allow every auxiliary task merely because video is available.
- D. Explain electronic-communication privacy risks and limitations.

**Answer D:** Explain electronic-communication privacy risks and limitations.

The statute requires disclosure and acknowledgment of risks and limitations. It does not permit a false privacy guarantee, record waiver, or expansion of auxiliary scope.

**Common trap:** Technology adds disclosure duties rather than erasing existing duties.

Source: [North Carolina Dental Practice Act, G.S. Chapter 90 Article 2](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_90/Article_2.html)

## Question 7

After failing the first written attempt, a credentials applicant plans another attempt. Which minimum interval appears in .0317(b)?

- A. 24 hours
- B. 48 hours
- C. Seven days
- D. 72 hours

**Answer D:** 72 hours

The minimum is 72 hours. The 24-hour and 48-hour options are too short; seven days is longer than the minimum stated by the rule.

**Common trap:** A preparation recommendation is different from the legal minimum.

Source: [21 NCAC 16B current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20b/subchapter%20b%20rules.pdf)

## Question 8

A complete renewal and required fees have not reached the Board before midnight March 31. What does .0108 provide?

- A. The license renews automatically once a late fee is promised.
- B. The license becomes void and reinstatement is required.
- C. The license stays active until the next annual CE audit.
- D. The license converts automatically into a volunteer permit.

**Answer B:** The license becomes void and reinstatement is required.

Rule .0108 makes the license void and directs reinstatement. It does not provide renewal by promise, extension through an audit, or automatic permit conversion.

**Common trap:** An incomplete file can have the same consequence as nonpayment.

Source: [21 NCAC 16R current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20r/subchapter%20r%20rules.pdf)

## Question 9

What deadline does 16T .0102 state for providing requested patient records?

- A. Within 90 days of the request
- B. Within 30 days of the request
- C. At the next annual chart audit
- D. Only after the receiving dentist sends a second request

**Answer B:** Within 30 days of the request

The stated period is 30 days. Ninety days, the next audit, and a second-request condition are not the rule.

**Common trap:** Track the patient's request date.

Source: [21 NCAC 16T current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20t/subchapter%20t%20rules.pdf)

## Question 10

For an assistant's ordinary direct control and supervision, where must the dentist be?

- A. Present in the office while personally supervising and evaluating
- B. At any location if reachable by telephone within one hour
- C. At another clinic with an assistant designated as acting dentist
- D. Offsite if the patient signs a form waiving supervision

**Answer A:** Present in the office while personally supervising and evaluating

Rule .0206 requires office presence and personal supervision and evaluation. Phone reachability, substitution of an assistant, and patient waiver do not satisfy it.

**Common trap:** A patient cannot consent to expanded staff scope.

Source: [21 NCAC 16H current codified rules](http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2021%20-%20occupational%20licensing%20boards%20and%20commissions/chapter%2016%20-%20dental%20examiners/subchapter%20h/subchapter%20h%20rules.pdf)

## Next step

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Official reference: [North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners — online examinations](https://www.ncdentalboard.org/onlineexams.htm). Original exam-style questions written for study, never recalled exam content. Independent educational preparation, not legal or clinical advice, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. Follow the instructions issued with your own Board exam registration.