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

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 review concepts for the CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 120+ 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 and how much time are given for the California RDH law and ethics exam?
A.50 questions, 60 minutes
B.60 scored questions plus up to 10 unscored pretest questions, 90 minutes
C.75 questions, 120 minutes
D.100 questions, 150 minutes
Explanation: Per the PSI/DHBC Candidate Information Bulletin, the RDH written examination consists of 60 questions with a 90-minute time limit, and a small number (five to ten) of additional unscored pretest questions may be administered that do not count against examination time.
8How are results of the California RDH law and ethics exam reported to candidates?
A.As a percentage score mailed 4-6 weeks later
B.As pass or fail, received at the PSI test center on the day of the exam
C.Only as a scaled numerical score between 200 and 800
D.Results are sent only to the employer, not the candidate
Explanation: Per the PSI/DHBC Candidate Information Bulletin, candidates receive their written examination results at the PSI test center, and the results are also sent to DHBC. The DHBC establishes the passing standard; a specific passing percentage is not published in the candidate bulletin.
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.

Exam sponsor: Dental Hygiene Board of California (DHBC). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

60 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

75% (38/50 scored)

Exam / Certification Fees

$125 application + PSI testing fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not publicly reported. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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

Preparing for 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 / certification fees: $125 application + PSI testing fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 120 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CA Dental Hygiene Law & Ethics: Suggested Study Strategy

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.