100+ Free CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Practice Questions

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Which board regulates dental hygiene practice in California?

Dental Board of California (DBC)

Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC)

California Department of Consumer Affairs

California Medical Board

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Free Dental Hygiene Jurisprudence Exam by State 2026: 4,500+ Questions18 min read

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Exam

75%

Passing Score

38/50 scored questions

25h/2yr

CE Hours

Biennial renewal

3 categories

License Types

RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF

DHBC

Regulatory Board

Separate from DBC

60 min

Exam Time

60 questions via PSI

The CA Dental Hygiene Law and Ethics Exam covers the Business and Professions Code, DHBC regulations (Title 16 CCR), three licensure categories (RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF), RDH allowable duties, RDHAP direct access provisions (18-month rule, written prescriptions), RDHEF expanded functions, supervision levels, local anesthesia administration, informed consent, patient confidentiality, excessive treatment laws, 25 CE hours/2 years with mandatory topics, infection control, and disciplinary procedures.

Sample CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which board regulates dental hygiene practice in California?

A.Dental Board of California (DBC)

B.Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC)

C.California Department of Consumer Affairs

D.California Medical Board

Explanation: The Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) is the separate regulatory board responsible for licensing, regulating, and enforcing dental hygiene practice in California. This is unique as most states regulate hygienists under a single dental board.

2How many licensure categories exist for dental hygienists in California?

A.One (RDH only)

B.Two (RDH and RDHAP)

C.Three (RDH, RDHAP, and RDHEF)

D.Four (RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF, and RDHS)

Explanation: California has three dental hygiene licensure categories: RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice), and RDHEF (Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions). Each has different scope and supervision requirements.

3What does RDHAP stand for in California dental hygiene?

A.Registered Dental Hygienist Advanced Practice

B.Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice

C.Registered Dental Health Assessment Professional

D.Regional Dental Hygiene Advanced Practitioner

Explanation: RDHAP stands for Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice. RDHAPs are authorized to provide dental hygiene services with direct access in community settings without direct dentist supervision, serving underserved populations.

4How many CE hours must California dental hygienists complete per renewal period?

A.15 hours annually

B.20 hours every 2 years

C.25 hours every 2 years

D.30 hours every 3 years

Explanation: California dental hygienists must complete 25 hours of continuing education every two-year renewal period. Of these, up to 12.5 hours may be completed through home study.

5What mandatory CE topics are required for California dental hygienists?

A.Only CPR certification

B.2 hours infection control and 2 hours California Dental Practice Act

C.5 hours ethics only

D.No mandatory topics

Explanation: California requires a minimum of 2 hours in infection control and 2 hours in the California Dental Practice Act every two-year renewal period. These mandatory topics are part of the 25-hour total CE requirement.

6How is the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam administered?

A.As an open-book mail-in exam

B.As a computer-based test at PSI testing centers

C.At DHBC offices only

D.At dental hygiene schools only

Explanation: The California dental hygiene law and ethics exam is a computer-based test administered at PSI (Psychological Services Inc.) testing centers. Applicants register directly with PSI and pay a separate testing fee.

7How many questions are on the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam?

A.50 questions

B.60 questions (50 scored + 10 pilot)

C.75 questions

D.100 questions

Explanation: The California exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, of which 50 are scored and 10 are unscored pilot questions being evaluated for future exams. The passing score is based on the 50 scored questions.

8What passing score is required on the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam?

A.70% (35/50)

B.75% (38/50)

C.80% (40/50)

D.85% (43/50)

Explanation: The California exam requires a passing score of 75%, which means getting 38 out of 50 scored questions correct. The 10 pilot questions are not counted toward the score.

9What is the application fee for the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam?

A.$50

B.$75

C.$100

D.$125

Explanation: The DHBC charges a $125 application fee for the dental hygiene law and ethics examination. A separate testing fee is paid directly to PSI when scheduling the exam.

10How long is a passing score valid on the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam?

A.1 year

B.2 years

C.3 years

D.5 years

Explanation: A passing score on the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam is valid for two years from the date the passing score is received. Applicants must complete all other licensure requirements within this window.

About the CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Exam

The California Dental Hygiene Law and Ethics Exam is a computer-based test administered through PSI testing centers. It assesses knowledge of California dental hygiene laws, regulations, and ethical standards. Required for all RDH, RDHAP, and RDHEF licensure applicants in California.

Questions

60 scored questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

75% (38/50 scored)

Exam Fee

$125 application + PSI testing fee (Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC))

CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Exam Content Outline

35%

Dental Hygiene Scope of Practice & Supervision

Three licensure categories (RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF), RDH allowable duties under direct/general supervision, RDHAP direct access and alternative settings, RDHEF expanded functions, local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, mobile dental hygiene clinics (16 CCR 1116)

30%

California Laws & Regulations

Business and Professions Code dental hygiene provisions, DHBC authority and rulemaking, Title 16 CCR regulations, Dental Practice Act provisions, ethical standards, excessive treatment laws, informed consent requirements

20%

Licensing & Continuing Education

25 CE hours every 2 years, 2 hours infection control, 2 hours California Dental Practice Act, biennial renewal, BREEZE online system, PSI exam administration, $125 application fee, RDHAP 150-hour program, score validity 2 years

15%

Ethics & Patient Safety

Informed consent, patient confidentiality, excessive treatment, mandatory reporting, infection control, professional conduct, disciplinary procedures, advertising standards

How to Pass the CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 75% (38/50 scored)
Exam length: 60 questions
Time limit: 60 minutes
Exam fee: $125 application + PSI testing fee

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the three licensure categories (RDH, RDHAP, RDHEF) and understand the scope differences, supervision requirements, and practice settings for each

2Know the RDHAP direct access rules including the 18-month examination requirement, written prescription validity (2 years), and approved practice settings

3Review the Business and Professions Code sections governing dental hygiene, particularly allowable duties (BPC 1907, 1908, 1910) and informed consent requirements

4Memorize the CE requirements: 25 hours/2 years, 2 hours infection control, 2 hours California Dental Practice Act, and the 12.5-hour home study limit

5Understand that the DHBC is a separate board from the Dental Board of California, and know its composition, authority, and regulatory functions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three dental hygiene licensure categories in California?

California licenses three categories: RDH (Registered Dental Hygienist), RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) who can practice with direct access in community settings, and RDHEF (Registered Dental Hygienist in Extended Functions) who can perform additional restorative procedures.

How is the California dental hygiene law and ethics exam structured?

The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (50 scored, 10 pilot/unscored) to be completed in 60 minutes. A passing score requires getting 38 of the 50 scored questions correct (75%). The exam is computer-based and administered at PSI testing centers.

What is an RDHAP and how does it differ from an RDH?

An RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice) can practice with direct access in settings like nursing homes, schools, and residences without direct dentist supervision. RDHAPs must have a bachelor's degree, 2,000 hours of clinical experience, and complete a 150-hour RDHAP program.

What are the California dental hygiene CE requirements?

California dental hygienists must complete 25 CE hours every 2 years. Of those, a minimum of 2 hours must be in infection control and 2 hours in the California Dental Practice Act. Up to 12.5 hours may be completed through home study.

Which board regulates dental hygienists in California?

The Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC) is the separate regulatory board for dental hygienists. Unlike most states where a single dental board regulates both dentists and hygienists, California has a dedicated board for dental hygiene at 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1350, Sacramento, CA 95815.