CA Dental Law & Ethics flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Direct supervision

A dentist is physically present in the office, has authorized the procedure, and evaluates the patient before and after the delegated task.

Indirect supervision

A dentist is in the office but not necessarily in the treatment room; the procedure is performed under the dentist's authorization and follow-up.

General supervision

A dentist has authorized the procedure but is not required to be physically present in the office; availability by phone may be required.

RDA scope of practice

A Registered Dental Assistant may perform only duties authorized by California law and regulations, including specified expanded functions under the required supervision level.

Informed consent elements

Informed consent requires disclosure of diagnosis, proposed treatment, material risks and benefits, alternatives, and consequences of refusing treatment, documented in the record.

Emancipated minor consent

A minor who is legally emancipated may consent to dental treatment without a parent or guardian, and the dentist should document the basis for emancipation.

Patient abandonment

Unilateral termination of the dentist-patient relationship without reasonable notice, an opportunity to transfer care, and emergency arrangements can constitute abandonment.

Material risk disclosure

A dentist must disclose risks that a reasonable patient would consider significant in deciding whether to accept treatment, not every remote possibility.

Record retention rule

California dentists must retain dental records for at least seven years after the last treatment; for minors, records are kept until age eighteen plus seven years.

Patient record access

A patient may inspect and obtain copies of dental records; the dentist must respond within the statutory period and may charge reasonable copying costs.

HIPAA minimum necessary

Covered dental practices must limit uses and disclosures of protected health information to the minimum necessary to accomplish the intended purpose, except for treatment.

CMIA confidentiality

The California Confidentiality of Medical Information Act imposes duties and penalties for unauthorized release of medical information that can be stricter than HIPAA.

Exposure control plan

A written Cal/OSHA-required plan that identifies bloodborne pathogen risks, safe work practices, PPE, hepatitis B vaccination, training, and post-exposure procedures.

Biological indicator testing

An autoclave must be tested with biological indicators at least weekly to verify sterilization; results and maintenance are documented in a log.

Dental unit waterlines

Dental waterlines must be maintained and treated so that nonsurgical cooling water meets the standard of no more than 500 colony-forming units per milliliter.

Sharps handling rule

Used needles and sharp instruments must be placed immediately in closable, puncture-resistant sharps containers; hand recapping is prohibited unless a safety device is used.

CURES consultation

Before prescribing a Schedule II, III, or IV controlled substance, and at least every six months thereafter, a California prescriber must check the CURES database.

Schedule II refills

A Schedule II prescription may not be refilled; it is valid for a limited period and requires a new prescription for additional medication.

Electronic prescribing mandate

California requires controlled substance prescriptions to be transmitted electronically, subject to statutory exceptions such as system failure or emergency circumstances.

Prescription required elements

A valid prescription identifies the patient, drug, strength, quantity, directions, date, prescriber name and license, DEA number, and permitted refills.

Truthful advertising

Dental advertising must be truthful and not misleading; claims of guaranteed results, false specialties, or deceptive pricing violate the Dental Practice Act.

Specialty title use

A dentist may announce a specialty only if certified by an ADA-recognized specialty board and licensed by the Dental Board of California.

Unprofessional conduct

Conduct including gross negligence, incompetence, fraud, substance impairment, false advertising, and failure to maintain records that can lead to Dental Board discipline.

Child abuse reporting

A California dentist who reasonably suspects child abuse or neglect must report to child protective services or law enforcement, followed by a written report within 36 hours.

Elder abuse reporting

Suspected abuse or neglect of an elder or dependent adult must be reported to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement, with a written report within two working days.

Good faith immunity

A mandated reporter who reports suspected abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability, even if the suspicion is later unconfirmed.

Fee splitting prohibition

Dentists may not divide fees with unlicensed persons or pay for patient referrals, though salaries, fair rent, and permitted business arrangements are allowed.

Fictitious name permit

A dentist practicing under a name other than the licensee's own name must obtain a fictitious name permit from the Dental Board, unless an exemption applies.

Dental corporation ownership

A California dental corporation must be owned by licensed dentists, and non-dentist investors may not control clinical decisions or share in professional fees.

Dental Board complaint

The Dental Board of California receives and investigates complaints against licensees and may resolve them through citation, settlement, or formal accusation.

Administrative accusation

A formal charging document filed by the Attorney General on behalf of the Dental Board that initiates disciplinary proceedings and states the alleged violations.

Peer review immunity

Peer review participants acting in good faith and within statutory scope are protected from liability for reviewing quality of care and professional conduct.