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Law and Ethics for CA Dental
Hygiene
- Which organization is responsible for licensing Registered Dental Hygienists (RDHs) in California? A. American Dental Association (ADA) B. Dental Board of California (DBC) C. Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) D. California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Answer: C. Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC)
Rationale: The DHBC is responsible for licensing and regulating dental hygienists in California.
- How many hours of continuing education (CE) must an RDH complete every two years to renew their license in California? A. 12 B. 25 C. 30 D. 50 Answer: C. 30 Rationale: California law requires 30 hours of CE every 2 years for RDH license renewal.
- An RDH in California can perform which of the following duties without supervision? A. Administer local anesthesia B. Place restorations C. Provide fluoride treatments in public health settings D. Extract teeth Answer: C. Provide fluoride treatments in public health settings Rationale: Certain duties, such as fluoride application in public health settings, can be performed without supervision under specific conditions.
- What is the primary purpose of the Dental Hygiene Board of California? A. Advocate for dental hygienists B. Discipline dentists and assistants C. Protect the public D. Increase RDH salaries Answer: C. Protect the public
- A patient requests a copy of their dental records. What is the maximum number of days the provider has to respond? A. 7 days B. 15 days C. 30 days D. 60 days Answer: B. 15 days Rationale: California law requires providers to furnish records within 15 days of the request.
- What is the penalty for practicing dental hygiene with an expired license in California? A. Warning only B. Temporary suspension C. Fine and possible criminal charges D. No penalty if less than 90 days expired Answer: C. Fine and possible criminal charges Rationale: Practicing without a valid license can lead to disciplinary action and legal consequences.
- Which principle of ethics focuses on doing good and promoting the welfare of others? A. Autonomy B. Nonmaleficence C. Beneficence D. Justice Answer: C. Beneficence Rationale: Beneficence means promoting the well-being of patients.11. Which of the following duties can an RDH perform under direct supervision?
A. Placement of sealants B. Administration of nitrous oxide C. Oral health education D. Medical history review Answer: B. Administration of nitrous oxide Rationale: Nitrous oxide administration requires direct supervision in California.
- How long must dental records be retained in California after the patient’s last appointment? A. 2 years B. 5 years C. 6 years D. 10 years Answer: C. 6 years Rationale: Dental records must be kept for at least 6 years following the last patient visit.
- What is the main ethical principle violated when a patient is not informed about all treatment options? A. Nonmaleficence B. Veracity C. Autonomy D. Confidentiality Answer: C. Autonomy Rationale: Autonomy means allowing the patient to make informed decisions; withholding information violates this.
- What should an RDH do if they suspect child abuse? A. Wait for confirmation before reporting
C. 3 years D. 5 years Answer: B. 2 years Rationale: California RDH licenses must be renewed biennially.
- Which of the following duties can an RDH perform under general supervision? A. Scaling and root planing B. Adjusting dentures C. Surgical extractions D. Placing sutures Answer: A. Scaling and root planing Rationale: SRP is allowed under general supervision in California.
- If an RDH moves to a new address, they must notify the DHBC within: A. 7 days B. 14 days C. 30 days D. 60 days Answer: C. 30 days Rationale: Address changes must be reported within 30 days to the DHBC.
- What type of supervision is required for an RDH to perform local anesthesia? A. No supervision B. General supervision C. Indirect supervision D. Direct supervision Answer: D. Direct supervision Rationale: Local anesthesia must be administered under direct supervision in CA.
- Which ethical principle involves treating all patients fairly and equitably? A. Justice B. Autonomy C. Nonmaleficence D. Fidelity Answer: A. Justice Rationale: Justice refers to fairness and equality in patient care.
- Failing to get patient consent before treatment is a violation of: A. Law only B. Ethics only C. Both law and ethics D. Neither Answer: C. Both law and ethics Rationale: Performing treatment without informed consent violates both legal and ethical standards.
- Which of the following must be displayed in a dental hygiene office? A. Malpractice insurance certificate B. Schedule of fees C. Current license and photo ID D. CPR card Answer: C. Current license and photo ID Rationale: Dental hygienists must post their current license and a recent photograph in a conspicuous area.
- The RDH Code of Ethics was developed by which organization? A. ADA
Answer: B. Fee schedules Rationale: The Act does not dictate specific fees—those are left to individual practices.
- If an RDH is convicted of a felony, they must report it to DHBC within: A. 7 days B. 14 days C. 30 days D. 60 days Answer: C. 30 days Rationale: Convictions that impact licensure must be reported within 30 days.
- Practicing beyond the scope of your license may result in: A. A warning only B. License revocation C. Promotion D. Continuing education credits Answer: B. License revocation Rationale: Exceeding your legal scope can result in disciplinary action, including revocation.
- Which of the following is an example of patient abandonment? A. Refusing to treat a non-compliant patient B. Terminating treatment without giving the patient adequate notice or referral C. Referring a patient to a specialist D. Sending a bill for services Answer: B. Terminating treatment without giving the patient adequate notice or referral
Rationale: Abandonment occurs when care is ended without proper notice or transition.31. Which ethical principle is violated when a provider lies to a patient about the risks of a procedure? A. Beneficence B. Veracity C. Justice D. Fidelity Answer: B. Veracity Rationale: Veracity is the obligation to be honest and tell the truth.
- A patient refuses X-rays but still wants a cleaning. What should the RDH do? A. Proceed without documentation B. Refuse treatment entirely C. Educate the patient on the risks and document refusal D. Take the X-rays anyway Answer: C. Educate the patient on the risks and document refusal Rationale: Patients have the right to refuse treatment, but it must be documented after education.
- Which entity is responsible for investigating complaints against RDHs in California? A. ADHA B. Dental Hygiene Board of California C. CDC D. State Attorney General Answer: B. Dental Hygiene Board of California Rationale: The DHBC investigates and disciplines licensees.
- What is the minimum age to apply for an RDH license in California?
D. Apply fluoride Answer: C. Diagnose caries Rationale: Diagnosis is the responsibility of the dentist, not the RDH.
- What is the ethical responsibility of an RDH who sees a coworker practicing while impaired? A. Ignore it B. Report it to the Board C. Discuss it with the patient D. Cover for the coworker Answer: B. Report it to the Board Rationale: RDHs are ethically and legally obligated to report impaired practitioners.
- Failure to renew your RDH license results in it becoming: A. Revoked B. Terminated C. Inactive D. Suspended for life Answer: C. Inactive Rationale: An expired license becomes inactive until renewed or reactivated.
- How often must an RDH complete infection control training in California? A. Every year B. Every 2 years C. Every 3 years D. Only once Answer: B. Every 2 years Rationale: CE in infection control is required every license renewal cycle (2 years).
- What should an RDH do if a patient wants to know their treatment options? A. Only discuss what the dentist prescribed B. Give advice based on cost C. Explain all options within their scope and refer if necessary D. Decline to answer Answer: C. Explain all options within their scope and refer if necessary Rationale: Informed consent requires explanation of all appropriate options.
- When must a dental office offer a HIPAA privacy policy notice to a patient? A. Every year B. Only when requested C. At the first appointment D. During emergencies only Answer: C. At the first appointment Rationale: The HIPAA notice must be provided at the first visit.
- Which of the following is not a requirement for RDH license renewal in California? A. CPR certification B. 30 units of continuing education C. Proof of employment D. Infection control CE Answer: C. Proof of employment Rationale: Employment is not a requirement for renewal.
- In the ethical decision-making model, what is the first step? A. Make a decision B. Identify the ethical dilemma
Rationale: Elder abuse must be reported within 2 working days.
- Who is legally allowed to interpret radiographs in California? A. RDH B. Dental assistant C. Dentist D. Office manager Answer: C. Dentist Rationale: Only licensed dentists can diagnose and interpret radiographs.
- What is the maximum penalty for failing to report child abuse? A. Community service B. Civil fine only C. Misdemeanor with jail time and/or fine D. License suspension only Answer: C. Misdemeanor with jail time and/or fine Rationale: Failing to report can result in criminal charges.
- Which supervision level allows a dentist to authorize treatment but does not require the dentist to be present? A. Indirect supervision B. General supervision C. Direct supervision D. Personal supervision Answer: B. General supervision Rationale: Under general supervision, the RDH may perform certain duties without the dentist being physically present.51. Which term best describes an RDH’s obligation to protect patient information? A. Justice
B. Autonomy C. Confidentiality D. Fidelity Answer: C. Confidentiality Rationale: Confidentiality is the ethical and legal duty to protect private patient information.
- What should you do if a patient asks you to alter their dental records? A. Do it as a courtesy B. Refer them to the dentist C. Refuse and document the request D. Tell them it's not your responsibility Answer: C. Refuse and document the request Rationale: Altering records is unethical and illegal. The request should be documented.
- A hygienist discusses a patient’s treatment in a public hallway. This is a violation of: A. OSHA B. ADA C. HIPAA D. DHBC Answer: C. HIPAA Rationale: HIPAA protects patient privacy, including oral communications.
- What must an RDH do before performing any clinical service? A. Check blood pressure B. Obtain informed consent C. Ask for a co-payment
- A patient with limited English proficiency has difficulty understanding treatment. What is the best response? A. Proceed since consent was signed B. Use pictures only C. Provide a translator or translated materials D. Have them bring a family member Answer: C. Provide a translator or translated materials Rationale: Proper understanding is critical for informed consent; language support must be provided.
- A dental hygienist spreads gossip about a colleague’s personal life. This violates which ethical principle? A. Beneficence B. Veracity C. Fidelity D. Justice Answer: C. Fidelity Rationale: Fidelity refers to loyalty and maintaining trust in professional relationships.
- What is the primary purpose of the California Dental Practice Act? A. Promote employment for dental professionals B. Regulate dental office income C. Protect the public D. Limit practice settings Answer: C. Protect the public Rationale: The Dental Practice Act is designed to safeguard public health and safety.
- If a dental hygienist makes an error during treatment, what is the ethical course of action? A. Ignore it B. Inform the patient and document it C. Report it to the front desk only D. Wait until the next visit Answer: B. Inform the patient and document it Rationale: Transparency and documentation are ethical obligations in the event of an error.
- What does the ethical principle of nonmaleficence mean? A. Do no harm B. Do good C. Respect autonomy D. Maintain confidentiality Answer: A. Do no harm Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the duty to avoid causing harm.
- When should an RDH renew their CPR certification? A. Every year B. Every 2 years C. Every 3 years D. Only once for licensure Answer: B. Every 2 years Rationale: CPR must be kept current for license renewal.
- Which task may be performed by an RDH without the patient being seen first by a dentist? A. Diagnosing periodontal disease
