Minnesota Dental Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Does a dental technician who repairs a patient's denture at the request of the patient practice dentistry without a license?

1. True

2. False

3. Only if the technician is certified

4. Depends on the repair

The correct answer is: True

A dental technician who repairs a patient's denture at the request of the patient does indeed practice dentistry without a license. In Minnesota, as in many other states, the practice of dentistry encompasses not only the examination and diagnosis of dental conditions but also includes performing procedures related to the restoration of oral function. This means that certain activities, such as denture repairs, require the technician to operate under a licensed dentist's supervision or guidance. When a technician directly takes a request from a patient to perform a repair, they are essentially providing a dental service without the necessary licensure, which violates state regulations governing dental practices. In contrast, when considering the other choices, the idea that this practice could be lawful only under certain conditions, such as being certified or depending on the nature of the repair, doesn't align with the strict licensing requirements for dental practices as outlined by Minnesota law. Therefore, the assertion that this constitutes practicing dentistry without a license is accurate.