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CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics study materials
CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics study resources

CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics practice questions

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Question 1California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The California Dental Practice Act is codified in which body of law?

  1. Health and Safety Code, Division 2, Chapter 1
  2. California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Division 10
  3. Code of Civil Procedure, Part 1, Title 3
  4. Business and Professions Code, Division 2, Chapter 4 Correct answer.

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act is a statute set out in Division 2, Chapter 4 of the Business and Professions Code, the division that governs healing arts licensees. The regulations that implement the Act are published separately in the California Code of Regulations.

Question 2California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The Dental Board of California's rules implementing the Dental Practice Act are published in which source?

  1. California Code of Regulations, Title 16 Correct answer.
  2. California Rules of Court, Title 9
  3. Business and Professions Code, Division 2
  4. Health and Safety Code, Division 1

Explanation

Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations is the professional and vocational regulations title and contains the Board's adopted regulations, such as those governing infection control and the duties of dental auxiliaries. The Business and Professions Code supplies the enabling statute rather than the Board's own rules.

Question 3California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The Dental Board of California is a licensing board located within which state department?

  1. Department of Public Health
  2. Department of Consumer Affairs Correct answer.
  3. Department of Industrial Relations
  4. Department of Health Care Services

Explanation

The Board is a healing arts licensing board housed within the Department of Consumer Affairs, the umbrella agency that oversees California's professional licensing programs. It is not part of the state's public health, health care services, or labor departments.

Question 4California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Which activity falls within the statutory definition of the practice of dentistry?

  1. Providing physical therapy for orthopedic injuries
  2. Fitting and dispensing prescription eyeglasses to patients
  3. Diagnosing and treating diseases of the teeth, gums, and jaws Correct answer.
  4. Administering allergy tests and immunotherapy injections

Explanation

The Act defines dentistry broadly as the diagnosis or treatment, by surgery or other means, of diseases and lesions and the correction of malpositions of the human teeth, alveolar process, gums, jaws, and associated structures. The other listed activities belong to other licensed professions.

Question 5California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Which of the following occupational groups receives its license directly from the Dental Board of California?

  1. Dental insurance claims processors
  2. Dental laboratory technicians
  3. Registered dental assistants Correct answer.
  4. Dental equipment sales representatives

Explanation

The Board licenses dentists and registered dental assistants, including holders of extended functions and orthodontic assistant permits, and it issues related permits such as those for sedation and fictitious names. Laboratory technicians, equipment sales staff, and claims processors are not licensed by the Board.

Question 6California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

After finding unprofessional conduct, which action may the Board take against a dentist's license?

  1. Sentencing the dentist to county jail
  2. Revoking, suspending, or placing the license on probation Correct answer.
  3. Suspending the dentist's federal DEA registration
  4. Awarding the patient compensatory damages

Explanation

The Board's disciplinary authority runs to the license itself: it may revoke, suspend, or stay a revocation and impose probation with conditions. Money damages, criminal sentences, and federal controlled-substance registrations lie outside its power.

Question 7California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

How many hours of continuing education specifically in the Dental Practice Act must a California dentist complete in each renewal cycle?

  1. One hour
  2. Eight hours
  3. Two hours Correct answer.
  4. Fifteen hours

Explanation

Each renewal cycle includes a mandated two hours of coursework on the Dental Practice Act itself, in addition to the other required subject areas such as infection control. The requirement ensures licensees periodically review current statutory and regulatory duties.

Question 8California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A California dentist license is renewed every two years. How many total continuing education hours must be completed per renewal cycle?

  1. 12 hours
  2. 25 hours Correct answer.
  3. 40 hours
  4. 50 hours

Explanation

Dentists must complete 25 hours of continuing education every two years, with specified minimums within that total for subjects such as infection control and the Dental Practice Act. The total is fixed by statute and Board regulation rather than set by the licensee.

Question 9California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Within each renewal cycle, how many hours of continuing education in infection control must a California dentist complete?

  1. Two hours Correct answer.
  2. Ten hours
  3. Four hours
  4. Six hours

Explanation

Two hours of infection control education are required each renewal cycle, reflecting the Board's emphasis on safe practice and office asepsis. Courses must address current infection control standards applicable to dental practice.

Question 10California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Under the Board's citation and fine program, what is the maximum administrative fine for each violation?

  1. $250
  2. $1,000
  3. $10,000
  4. $2,500 Correct answer.

Explanation

The citation statute authorizes an administrative fine of up to $2,500 for each violation cited by the Board. A citation is a lesser enforcement tool than a formal accusation and does not by itself suspend or revoke a license.

Question 11California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Which remedy may the Board pursue against a person who practices dentistry without a license?

  1. Order the unlicensed person to pay patient restitution
  2. Require completion of continuing education courses
  3. Seek an injunction to stop the unlicensed activity Correct answer.
  4. Issue a license retroactive to the start of the practice

Explanation

Unlicensed practice is unlawful, and the Board may petition a court for injunctive relief to halt it; criminal prosecution may also follow. The Board cannot retroactively license someone, order restitution from a non-licensee, or impose CE on a person it does not license.

Question 12California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

As a general rule in California, who may own a dental practice?

  1. A dentist licensed in California Correct answer.
  2. A physician and surgeon may own the practice as an extension of a medical practice
  3. A general business corporation may own the practice if a dentist serves as president
  4. Any adult may own the practice if a licensed dentist directs the clinical care

Explanation

California follows the corporate practice doctrine: a dental practice may be owned only by a licensed dentist, and shares of a professional dental corporation must be held by licensed dentists except in limited statutory situations. Lay ownership or control of a practice is prohibited because it would allow unlicensed persons to influence clinical judgment.

Question 13California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A dentist divides a portion of the fee for a crown with an unlicensed marketing company in exchange for patient referrals. This arrangement is best characterized as:

  1. Acceptable patient marketing
  2. Permissible if disclosed to the patient in writing
  3. A lawful independent contractor arrangement
  4. Prohibited fee splitting that is grounds for discipline Correct answer.

Explanation

Paying or receiving compensation for the referral of patients, or splitting fees with a party that did not furnish clinical services, is prohibited and constitutes a disciplinary violation. Written disclosure to the patient does not cure the prohibition.

Question 14California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A dentist who wishes to administer general anesthesia in the dental office must first:

  1. Complete any weekend course on anesthesia offered by a dental society
  2. Obtain a general anesthesia permit from the Board Correct answer.
  3. Notify the nearest hospital emergency department
  4. Register only with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration

Explanation

Administration of general anesthesia or deep sedation in a dental office requires a permit issued by the Board, which imposes training, equipment, and inspection requirements. A course completion certificate or DEA registration alone does not authorize anesthesia practice.

Question 15California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Who appoints the majority of the members of the Dental Board of California?

  1. The Governor Correct answer.
  2. The Speaker of the Assembly acting alone
  3. The State Public Health Officer
  4. The Chief Justice of California

Explanation

The Governor appoints the professional members and at least one public member, while the Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of the Assembly each appoint a public member. Because the Governor appoints most seats, the Governor appoints the majority of the Board.

Question 16California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

How long is the term of office for a member of the Dental Board of California?

  1. Four years Correct answer.
  2. Six years
  3. Three years
  4. Two years

Explanation

Board members are appointed to four-year terms and continue to serve until a successor is appointed. Terms are staggered so that the Board retains institutional experience.

Question 17California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The day-to-day operations of the Dental Board, including personnel and budget administration, are managed by the:

  1. Board's executive officer Correct answer.
  2. Director of the Department of Public Health
  3. Attorney General
  4. President of the Board

Explanation

The Board's executive officer is the staff administrator responsible for day-to-day operations, including personnel, budget, and licensing functions. Elected Board officers set policy direction but do not administer staff operations.

Question 18California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A licensee who receives a citation from the Board and wishes to dispute it must:

  1. Request an administrative hearing within the time stated in the citation Correct answer.
  2. Send a written objection to the local dental society
  3. Pay the fine and then appeal to the Governor
  4. File a superior court lawsuit within 10 days of receipt

Explanation

A citation becomes final unless the cited person timely requests an administrative hearing, which is typically held before an administrative law judge. Filing a court action is premature before exhausting the administrative process, and a dental society has no authority over citations.

Question 19California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

Which conduct is a ground for discipline because it undermines the licensing system?

  1. Referring a patient to a specialist for treatment
  2. Employing a licensed registered dental assistant to perform authorized duties
  3. Charging a fee for a consultation visit
  4. Permitting an unlicensed employee to perform clinical procedures on patients Correct answer.

Explanation

A licensee may not aid or abet unlicensed practice; allowing an unlicensed employee to perform clinical procedures is unprofessional conduct and exposes the licensee to discipline. Delegating to a properly licensed auxiliary within authorized duties is lawful.

Question 20California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A dentist's criminal conviction is a basis for Board discipline when the crime is:

  1. A crime substantially related to dental practice Correct answer.
  2. Any infraction conviction, regardless of subject matter
  3. Any conviction for a crime committed outside California
  4. A misdemeanor conviction for which the dentist was granted probation

Explanation

Discipline for a criminal conviction requires that the crime be substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a dentist, so that the conviction bears on fitness to practice. Minor or unrelated offenses do not automatically support a licensing sanction.

Question 21California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

When the Board believes a licensee's continued practice poses an imminent risk of harm to patients, it may seek:

  1. A default judgment in the Board's favor
  2. An interim suspension order Correct answer.
  3. A lien against the dental practice
  4. A criminal indictment from the district attorney

Explanation

An interim suspension order allows a license to be suspended immediately, before a full administrative hearing, when continued practice would endanger the public. A hearing must follow promptly, and the Board cannot obtain a default judgment, an indictment, or a lien through its own motion.

Question 22California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

A dentist who intends to practice under a name other than her own must first obtain:

  1. A fictitious name permit from the Board Correct answer.
  2. Approval from the local dental society
  3. A county business license
  4. A federal trademark registration

Explanation

The Board issues fictitious name permits so the public can identify the responsible licensee behind an assumed practice name. A business license or trademark does not satisfy the Board's requirement.

Question 23California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

When the Board files an accusation against a licensee, the matter is heard by:

  1. A peer review committee of the local dental society
  2. A jury empaneled in the superior court of the county where the dentist practices
  3. An administrative law judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings Correct answer.
  4. The Board's executive officer acting alone

Explanation

Adjudicatory hearings under the Administrative Procedure Act are conducted by an administrative law judge of the Office of Administrative Hearings, who prepares a proposed decision for the Board to adopt, modify, or reject. Juries and private peer review bodies play no role in the Board's disciplinary adjudication.

Question 24California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The Board's enforcement program includes authority to:

  1. Inspect an office only after a patient has filed a written complaint
  2. Enter a dental office only after obtaining a criminal search warrant
  3. Delegate all office inspections to the county health department
  4. Conduct routine inspections of dental offices Correct answer.

Explanation

The Board operates an inspection program that reviews dental offices for compliance with the Act and Board regulations, including infection control practices. Inspections are not limited to complaint-driven visits and are not delegated entirely to local health agencies.

Question 25California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

How does the Board adopt the regulations that carry out the Dental Practice Act?

  1. By majority vote at a Board meeting with no public notice
  2. By executive order of the Governor
  3. Through formal notice-and-comment rulemaking Correct answer.
  4. Only after the Legislature enacts a separate statute for each rule

Explanation

The Board's rulemaking is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act, which requires public notice, an opportunity for comment, and review by the Office of Administrative Law before a regulation takes effect. A Board vote alone, legislative re-enactment, or a gubernatorial order is not a valid substitute for that process.

Question 26California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The California Dental Practice Act, which establishes the Dental Board of California and governs licensure and discipline, is codified in which body of law?

  1. California Code of Regulations
  2. Business and Professions Code Correct answer.
  3. Health and Safety Code
  4. Code of Civil Procedure

Explanation

The Dental Practice Act appears in Division 2, Chapter 4 of the Business and Professions Code, beginning at Section 1600, and it creates the Board and sets licensing and disciplinary rules. Regulations that implement the Act are placed in Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations, but the Act itself is a statute. The Health and Safety Code and the Code of Civil Procedure govern unrelated subject matter.

Question 27California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The Dental Board of California carries out its licensing and enforcement functions as a board within which state entity?

  1. State Board of Equalization
  2. Department of Consumer Affairs Correct answer.
  3. Office of Administrative Hearings
  4. Department of Public Health

Explanation

The Dental Board of California is a licensing board within the Department of Consumer Affairs, the umbrella agency that oversees California's professional licensing programs. The Department of Public Health and the State Board of Equalization have no role in dental licensure. The Office of Administrative Hearings supplies administrative law judges but does not house the Board.

Question 28California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

The Board believes a dentist has committed gross negligence in patient care. Which step is required before the Board may impose discipline such as license revocation?

  1. Secure a court injunction closing the dental practice
  2. Publish the proposed discipline in the Board newsletter
  3. Serve an accusation and provide an evidentiary hearing Correct answer.
  4. Obtain a criminal conviction based on the same facts

Explanation

Discipline is imposed through an administrative adjudication: the Board serves an accusation stating the charges and the licensee receives notice and an opportunity for an evidentiary hearing before a decision issues. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite to administrative discipline, and the Board does not need a court injunction in order to act on a license.

Question 29California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

After an administrative hearing, the Board revokes a dentist's license and adopts its decision. What is the proper route for the dentist to obtain court review?

  1. A new jury trial in the superior court
  2. A petition for writ of administrative mandate Correct answer.
  3. A direct appeal to the Court of Appeal
  4. A reconsideration motion to the Department of Consumer Affairs

Explanation

Judicial review of a licensing agency's adjudicatory decision is obtained by a petition for writ of administrative mandamus in superior court under Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.5, which examines the administrative record. There is no direct appeal from an agency decision and no right to a new jury trial on the facts.

Question 30California Dental Practice Act: statutory and regulatory framework, Board authority, and enforcement

An administrative law judge has issued a proposed decision in a disciplinary accusation against a dentist. What may the Board do with that proposed decision?

  1. The proposed decision is final unless the Governor disapproves it.
  2. The Board must adopt it exactly as written.
  3. The Board may adopt it, reduce the penalty, or reject it. Correct answer.
  4. The Board may reject it only for a clear error of law.

Explanation

Under the Administrative Procedure Act, the agency itself decides the case; an administrative law judge's proposed decision is not self-executing. The Board may adopt the proposed decision, reduce the penalty, or reject it and decide the matter itself on the record. Only the agency's action constitutes the final decision.

Question 31Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Under California law, a registered dental hygienist providing care under direct supervision requires that the supervising dentist be:

  1. scheduled to examine the patient the same day
  2. on the premises where the services are performed Correct answer.
  3. reachable by telephone during the appointment
  4. available within one hour of being paged

Explanation

Direct supervision means the dentist has given instructions and is physically present in the treatment facility while the service is performed; the dentist need not be in the operatory itself. Telephone availability, later examination, or a response-time standard do not satisfy the requirement.

Question 32Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

General supervision of a registered dental hygienist means the supervising dentist:

  1. must countersign the patient record within 24 hours
  2. must examine the patient before every hygiene appointment
  3. must remain inside the office but not in the operatory
  4. has authorized the services but need not be on site Correct answer.

Explanation

General supervision rests on the dentist's prior instructions and permits the dentist to be absent while the services are delivered. Direct supervision is the stricter level that requires the dentist to be physically present in the facility.

Question 33Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Which responsibility belongs to the licensed dentist rather than the registered dental hygienist?

  1. teaching the patient a modified brushing technique
  2. diagnosing disease and prescribing treatment Correct answer.
  3. applying fluoride varnish after a prophylaxis
  4. charting existing restorations and probing depths

Explanation

Diagnosis of dental disease and prescription of a treatment plan are reserved to the dentist. The hygienist gathers assessment data, identifies conditions, educates the patient, and delivers hygiene services within the authorized scope.

Question 34Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A registered dental hygienist in alternative practice (RDHAP) is authorized to:

  1. place restorations without a dentist present
  2. prescribe antibiotics for a periodontal infection
  3. supervise assistants performing restorative procedures
  4. practice without supervision in specified settings Correct answer.

Explanation

The RDHAP license allows a hygienist to deliver services without on-site supervision to homebound patients, in schools, in residential facilities, and in dental health professional shortage areas. Restorative treatment, supervising restorative care, and prescribing remain outside hygiene scope.

Question 35Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Licensure and discipline of registered dental hygienists in California is administered by:

  1. the Dental Hygiene Board Correct answer.
  2. the Dental Board of California
  3. the Board of Registered Nursing
  4. the Department of Consumer Affairs

Explanation

The Dental Hygiene Board of California issues, renews, and disciplines hygiene licenses, including the RDH, RDHAP, and extended functions credentials. The Dental Board of California licenses dentists rather than hygienists.

Question 36Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Before a registered dental hygienist may administer local anesthesia, the hygienist must:

  1. be employed where an anesthesiologist is on staff
  2. hold a separate dental license issued by the Dental Board
  3. obtain written consent from the patient's physician
  4. hold a current local anesthesia certification Correct answer.

Explanation

California requires the hygienist to complete approved education and pass the required examination to be certified before administering local anesthesia, which is then delivered under direct supervision. Certification is an additional credential attached to the hygiene license.

Question 37Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A registered dental hygienist exposes a set of bitewing radiographs. This is lawful when:

  1. the patient signs a separate radiography consent form
  2. the dentist authorized the images and training is complete Correct answer.
  3. a dental assistant is present to confirm exposure settings
  4. the hygienist reads the images before the dentist sees them

Explanation

Exposing radiographs falls within hygiene scope when the supervising dentist authorizes the images and the hygienist has completed the required radiation safety education. Interpreting the images and diagnosing from them remains the dentist's responsibility.

Question 38Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Which service is within the scope of practice of a registered dental hygienist?

  1. removing calculus and polishing tooth surfaces Correct answer.
  2. preparing a tooth to receive a crown
  3. extracting a mobile primary tooth
  4. adjusting occlusion on a new restoration

Explanation

Scaling to remove calculus and polishing tooth surfaces are classic preventive and therapeutic hygiene services. Tooth preparation, extraction, and occlusal adjustment are restorative or surgical functions reserved to the dentist.

Question 39Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

During a hygiene visit under general supervision, a patient reports a new painful swelling and a fever. The hygienist should:

  1. prescribe an antibiotic and continue the appointment
  2. drain the swelling and document the findings
  3. complete the prophylaxis and advise the patient to call tomorrow
  4. arrange for the dentist to examine the patient promptly Correct answer.

Explanation

Conditions requiring diagnosis or treatment beyond hygiene scope must be referred to the supervising dentist. Prescribing medication and incising tissue are outside hygiene practice, and deferring a sign of acute infection risks patient harm.

Question 40Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A dentist leaves written instructions authorizing a prophylaxis for a recall patient and is out of the office when the patient arrives. The hygienist may:

  1. perform the prophylaxis only if another dentist is present
  2. perform the prophylaxis only after the dentist returns
  3. not treat the patient because the dentist is absent
  4. perform the prophylaxis as authorized Correct answer.

Explanation

General supervision permits an authorized service to be performed while the dentist is away from the office, because the dentist's prior instructions supply the authorization. Waiting for the dentist is required only where a procedure demands direct supervision.

Question 41Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

An RDHAP treating a homebound patient detects a large carious lesion and a fractured tooth. The appropriate action is to:

  1. refer the patient to a dentist and document the referral Correct answer.
  2. extract the remaining tooth structure to relieve pain
  3. place a temporary restoration and schedule a recall
  4. advise the patient that no treatment is available at home

Explanation

The RDHAP scope is limited to hygiene services, so restorative and surgical needs must be referred to a dentist. Identifying needs beyond scope and arranging referral, with documentation, is part of the RDHAP's obligation.

Question 42Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A dentist asks the hygienist to place a composite restoration while the dentist treats another patient. The hygienist should:

  1. place the restoration if the patient signs a consent form
  2. place the restoration and ask the dentist to check it later
  3. place the restoration because the dentist is on the premises
  4. decline because restorative care is outside hygiene scope Correct answer.

Explanation

A dentist may delegate only services that fall within the auxiliary's scope at the required supervision level. Restorative treatment is not a hygiene function, so the dentist's presence or later verification cannot authorize it.

Question 43Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A patient asks the hygienist to prescribe a chlorhexidine rinse because the patient cannot reach the dentist. The hygienist should explain that:

  1. hygienists may prescribe non-controlled topical agents only
  2. a prescription may be issued if the patient is a patient of record
  3. a prescription may be issued when the dentist is out of the office
  4. prescribing is outside the hygienist's scope of practice Correct answer.

Explanation

Prescribing medication requires prescriptive authority, which the hygiene license does not confer. The hygienist should refer the patient to the dentist or another lawfully authorized prescriber.

Question 44Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A hygienist is hired to provide sealants at an elementary school. For this work to be lawful, the hygienist must have:

  1. an RDHAP license in every case
  2. dentist authorization and the required supervision Correct answer.
  3. a separate public health license issued by the state board
  4. a physician's order for each child treated

Explanation

Services delivered outside a dental office still require the dentist's authorization and whatever supervision level the law specifies for that setting. An RDHAP license is required only for unsupervised practice in the settings the statute lists.

Question 45Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A hygienist's license lapsed two weeks ago while renewal is being processed. The hygienist may:

  1. work while the renewal is pending if the fee has been paid
  2. work if the employer verifies the application was filed
  3. not practice until the license is renewed Correct answer.
  4. work under direct supervision until the license arrives

Explanation

Practicing on a lapsed license is unlicensed practice, regardless of a pending renewal application or payment. The hygienist may resume only once a valid license is in effect.

Question 46Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A dentist has diagnosed moderate periodontitis and prescribed scaling and root planing. Which arrangement is consistent with California law?

  1. An RDA must assist at chairside during SRP.
  2. The hygienist must obtain a separate board permit for SRP.
  3. The hygienist may perform SRP only with the dentist in the operatory.
  4. Scaling and root planing may be performed under general supervision. Correct answer.

Explanation

Scaling and root planing is within hygiene scope and may be performed under general supervision once the dentist has diagnosed the condition and authorized treatment. Direct supervision is not required for this service.

Question 47Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

Residents of a rural nursing facility have no access to a dentist, and no dentist is available to supervise. Which licensee may lawfully deliver hygiene services there without supervision?

  1. an RDH with five years of clinical experience
  2. any licensed RDH, because nursing facilities are exempt from supervision
  3. an RDA who holds a sealant certificate
  4. an RDHAP, in the settings the statute authorizes Correct answer.

Explanation

Unsupervised hygiene practice is limited to the RDHAP license, which is valid in specified settings such as residential facilities and homes of homebound patients. A standard RDH license requires the applicable dentist authorization or supervision.

Question 48Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A new patient arrives for a prophylaxis, but the dentist has not yet examined the patient or given instructions. The hygienist should:

  1. obtain the dentist's authorization first Correct answer.
  2. treat the patient and have the dentist review the chart tomorrow
  3. treat the patient, since a prophylaxis requires no authorization
  4. treat only the areas the patient identifies as sensitive

Explanation

General supervision still requires that the dentist direct the care, so the hygienist cannot initiate treatment without authorization. The dentist's examination and instructions establish the basis for the services.

Question 49Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A hygienist certified in nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia may administer it:

  1. under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist Correct answer.
  2. under general supervision with a written dentist's order
  3. only when an anesthesiologist is available
  4. independently in an RDHAP practice setting

Explanation

Nitrous oxide-oxygen analgesia is among the procedures a certified hygienist may perform only under direct supervision, so the dentist must be physically present in the facility. A written order or an anesthesiologist does not change the supervision level.

Question 50Scope of practice for registered dental hygienists, including supervision levels, delegation, settings, and extended functions

A certified hygienist is administering local anesthesia. The supervising dentist leaves the operatory to treat a patient in an adjacent room of the same office. This arrangement is:

  1. impermissible, because the dentist must observe the injection
  2. permissible only if a second dentist is on site
  3. impermissible, because anesthesia requires general supervision
  4. permissible, because the dentist remains in the facility Correct answer.

Explanation

Direct supervision requires the dentist to be physically present in the treatment facility, not necessarily in the operatory, while the service is performed. Remaining in the same office therefore satisfies the requirement.