100+ Free CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics Practice Questions
Pass your California Dental Hygiene Law and Ethics Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
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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.
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
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)
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
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
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
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.