California RDH Law and Ethics Exam Prep | Practice
Questions & Review | Latest Update 2026 | Graded A+
1. Dental Hygiene licensees must complete _____ continuing education units every
two years.
50
25
15
35
2. What is the primary reason a dentist may not be liable for failing to obtain informed
consent?
The patient is unconsciousness.
The patient has verbally agreed to the treatment.
Consent for a minor is obtained from the babysitter.
Emergency treatment is performed on a patient that is not capable of giving
consent and there is not enough time to obtain it from someone who can.
3. If a dentist in California advertises a discount on a dental procedure, what potential
consequences could they face under state regulations?
They could be praised for attracting new patients.
They would be required to attend additional training.
They would receive a warning but no penalties.
They could face penalties for unprofessional conduct.
,4. The definition of unprofessional conduct:
Includes any conduct that may be harmful to the public
Includes all misdemeanor offenses
Is limited to acts committed in this state
Is limited to acts performed on duty as a licensee or certificate holder
5. All of the following are considered unprofessional conduct except one, which one is
the exception?
Advertising that a practice is limited to Periodontics if its a Specialty office.
Allowing a dental assistant to provide a simple prophylaxis
Filing an insurance claim for services not rendered
Treating your client in an unsafe environment
6. Which of the following fundamental principles of the American Dental Hygiene
Association is a characteristic that states that if two or more people consider the
same action or trait in the same situation, the same conclusion would be drawn?
Universality
Community
Responsibility
Ethics
Complementarity
7. Describe the importance of confidentiality in the context of a dental hygienist's
practice, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information.
, Confidentiality can be ignored if the patient is a public figure.
Confidentiality only applies to financial information.
Confidentiality is crucial as it protects patient privacy and fosters trust in the
patient-provider relationship.
Confidentiality is less important than informed consent.
8. The number of continuing education units required for license renewal is as follows:
50 units every 5 years
25 units every 2 years
24 units every 24 months
20 units every year
9. What is the status of a dental hygienist's license if it is expired, cancelled, or
inactive?
Not valid for practicing licensed duties
Valid with restrictions
Valid for practicing licensed duties
Requires additional training
10. If a dental hygienist encounters a situation where a patient cannot afford necessary
treatment, what ethical principle should guide their response to ensure compliance
with professional standards?
, Beneficence
Autonomy
Justice
Veracity
11. If a dental hygienist in California is found to be practicing without a license, what
are the potential consequences they may face?
They may continue practicing under supervision.
Legal penalties and possible loss of professional license.
A warning from the dental board only.
No consequences if they have experience.
12. What describes the legal restrictions and controls for the practice of dentistry?
ADA
Expanded functions
None of the other answers
Dental Practice Act
13. What must an RDH do in the patient record after performing a service?
Leave the record blank
Sign the record as a witness
Identify themselves
Document the patient's insurance
14. Why is it important for an RDH to identify themselves in a patient's record?
Questions & Review | Latest Update 2026 | Graded A+
1. Dental Hygiene licensees must complete _____ continuing education units every
two years.
50
25
15
35
2. What is the primary reason a dentist may not be liable for failing to obtain informed
consent?
The patient is unconsciousness.
The patient has verbally agreed to the treatment.
Consent for a minor is obtained from the babysitter.
Emergency treatment is performed on a patient that is not capable of giving
consent and there is not enough time to obtain it from someone who can.
3. If a dentist in California advertises a discount on a dental procedure, what potential
consequences could they face under state regulations?
They could be praised for attracting new patients.
They would be required to attend additional training.
They would receive a warning but no penalties.
They could face penalties for unprofessional conduct.
,4. The definition of unprofessional conduct:
Includes any conduct that may be harmful to the public
Includes all misdemeanor offenses
Is limited to acts committed in this state
Is limited to acts performed on duty as a licensee or certificate holder
5. All of the following are considered unprofessional conduct except one, which one is
the exception?
Advertising that a practice is limited to Periodontics if its a Specialty office.
Allowing a dental assistant to provide a simple prophylaxis
Filing an insurance claim for services not rendered
Treating your client in an unsafe environment
6. Which of the following fundamental principles of the American Dental Hygiene
Association is a characteristic that states that if two or more people consider the
same action or trait in the same situation, the same conclusion would be drawn?
Universality
Community
Responsibility
Ethics
Complementarity
7. Describe the importance of confidentiality in the context of a dental hygienist's
practice, especially when dealing with sensitive patient information.
, Confidentiality can be ignored if the patient is a public figure.
Confidentiality only applies to financial information.
Confidentiality is crucial as it protects patient privacy and fosters trust in the
patient-provider relationship.
Confidentiality is less important than informed consent.
8. The number of continuing education units required for license renewal is as follows:
50 units every 5 years
25 units every 2 years
24 units every 24 months
20 units every year
9. What is the status of a dental hygienist's license if it is expired, cancelled, or
inactive?
Not valid for practicing licensed duties
Valid with restrictions
Valid for practicing licensed duties
Requires additional training
10. If a dental hygienist encounters a situation where a patient cannot afford necessary
treatment, what ethical principle should guide their response to ensure compliance
with professional standards?
, Beneficence
Autonomy
Justice
Veracity
11. If a dental hygienist in California is found to be practicing without a license, what
are the potential consequences they may face?
They may continue practicing under supervision.
Legal penalties and possible loss of professional license.
A warning from the dental board only.
No consequences if they have experience.
12. What describes the legal restrictions and controls for the practice of dentistry?
ADA
Expanded functions
None of the other answers
Dental Practice Act
13. What must an RDH do in the patient record after performing a service?
Leave the record blank
Sign the record as a witness
Identify themselves
Document the patient's insurance
14. Why is it important for an RDH to identify themselves in a patient's record?
