Under what circumstance may the NC State Board of Dental Examiners refuse to grant a license?

The correct answer pertains to the state board's concerns about public safety and the ability of the practitioner to perform competently. A person being addicted to alcoholic liquors or narcotic drugs poses a significant risk not only to themselves but also to their patients. Such addiction can impair judgment, motor skills, and the overall ability to provide safe and effective dental care.

Regulatory bodies, including the NC State Board of Dental Examiners, prioritize the safety and welfare of patients above all. Consequently, they are likely to take a strong stance against granting a license to individuals whose substance use could jeopardize their ability to practice medicine responsibly. This is consistent with broader health care policies aimed at ensuring that all practicing credentialed providers are fit to deliver care.

Other options might relate to less immediately disqualifying factors. For example, while being underage or not completing dental school directly relates to eligibility requirements, they don’t inherently compromise patient safety in the same way that active addiction can. Additionally, having a criminal record may depend on the nature of the offense and whether it affects the professional's fitness to practice, making it less clear-cut than substance addiction.