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100+ Free CA Dental Law & Ethics Practice Questions

Pass your California Dental Law and Ethics Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Which entity regulates the practice of dentistry in California?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CA Dental Law & Ethics Exam

75%

Passing Score

PSI administration

2 years

Score Validity

From passing date

25 CE/2yr

Dentist CE

Biennial renewal

B&P Code

Practice Act

Div. 2 Ch. 4

SB 1453

RDA Changes

Effective 7/2025

The CA Dental Law & Ethics Exam covers the Dental Practice Act (B&P Code Div. 2 Ch. 4), scope of practice for DDS/DMD, RDH, RDA, and RDAEF, SB 1453 RDA requirements, supervision levels, 25 CE units/biennium, sedation permits, prescribing laws, mandatory abuse reporting, infection control, HIPAA, patient rights, and Board disciplinary procedures.

Sample CA Dental Law & Ethics Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CA Dental 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 entity regulates the practice of dentistry in California?
A.Dental Board of California
B.California Department of Health
C.California Medical Board
D.California Board of Health Sciences
Explanation: The Dental Board of California is the regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene in California.
2The California dental practice act is primarily found in which legal code?
A.Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 4
B.Federal Dental Code Title 42
C.California Criminal Code
D.California Tax Code
Explanation: The California dental practice act is codified under Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 4, which governs the practice of dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting in the state.
3Under California law, practicing dentistry without a license is classified as what?
A.A civil infraction only
B.A criminal offense (misdemeanor or felony)
C.An administrative warning
D.No legal consequence
Explanation: Practicing dentistry without a valid license in California is a criminal offense, reflecting the serious public health and safety risks of unlicensed dental practice.
4What is the minimum passing score for the California dental jurisprudence exam?
A.70%
B.75%
C.80%
D.85%
Explanation: The California dental jurisprudence examination requires a minimum passing score of 75%, as set by the Dental Board of California.
5Under California dental law, which of the following best defines the practice of dentistry?
A.Only cleaning teeth
B.The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity and associated structures
C.Only prescribing medications
D.Only performing surgery
Explanation: California law broadly defines the practice of dentistry as the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area, and associated structures.
6Under California law, which of the following constitutes grounds for disciplinary action against a dentist?
A.Treating patients on weekends
B.Substance abuse, fraud, incompetence, or conviction of a felony
C.Working in multiple dental offices
D.Advertising dental services
Explanation: California law identifies substance abuse, fraud in obtaining a license, professional incompetence, and conviction of a felony as grounds for disciplinary action by the Dental Board of California.
7The Dental Board of California has authority to take which of the following disciplinary actions?
A.Only issue warnings
B.Revoke, suspend, or place conditions on licenses and impose penalties
C.Only refer to courts
D.No disciplinary authority
Explanation: The Dental Board of California has broad disciplinary authority including license revocation, suspension, probation, imposing conditions, civil penalties, and requiring additional education.
8California dental advertising regulations require that advertisements must:
A.Be pre-approved by the Board
B.Not be false, misleading, or deceptive
C.Only appear in print media
D.Be prohibited for all dental professionals
Explanation: California dental regulations require that all dental advertising must not be false, misleading, or deceptive. The content must be truthful and not create unjustified expectations.
9Under California law, dental practice ownership is restricted to:
A.Anyone can own a dental practice
B.Licensed dentists or dental professional entities with a dentist maintaining clinical control
C.Only government agencies
D.Dental hygienists independently
Explanation: California law restricts dental practice ownership to licensed dentists or dental professional entities where a licensed dentist maintains clinical control over treatment decisions.
10California dental law regarding fee splitting prohibits:
A.Paying staff salaries
B.Paying referral fees to non-dentists for patient referrals
C.Accepting insurance payments
D.Offering payment plans
Explanation: California dental law prohibits paying referral fees or commissions to non-dental professionals for patient referrals, as this may compromise patient care decisions.

About the CA Dental Law & Ethics Exam

The California Dental Law and Ethics Examination tests knowledge of the California Dental Practice Act under Business and Professions Code Division 2, Chapter 4. Administered by PSI Services LLC under contract with the Dental Board of California. Passing score valid for two years. Can be taken up to one year before graduation.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

1.5 hours

Passing Score

75%

Exam Fee

Varies by license type (Dental Board of California (via PSI Services LLC))

CA Dental Law & Ethics Exam Content Outline

45%

California Dental Practice Act

Business & Professions Code Division 2 Chapter 4, Dental Board authority, definitions, unlicensed practice, practice ownership, SB 1453 changes

20%

Scope of Practice

DDS/DMD, RDH, RDA, RDAEF roles, supervision levels, expanded duties, delegation rules, anesthesia permits

20%

Licensing & CE Requirements

Initial licensure pathways (WREB, ADEX, Residency), 25 CE units/biennium, license renewal, sedation permits

15%

Ethics & Patient Safety

Informed consent, patient records, HIPAA, infection control, mandatory reporting, prescribing laws, disciplinary procedures

How to Pass the CA Dental Law & Ethics Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75%
  • Exam length: 75 questions
  • Time limit: 1.5 hours
  • Exam fee: Varies by license type

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 Law & Ethics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study the California Dental Practice Act (B&P Code Division 2, Chapter 4) and related regulations thoroughly
2Know the scope of practice distinctions between DDS/DMD, RDH, RDA, and RDAEF categories
3Review SB 1453 changes affecting RDA requirements effective July 2025
4Understand mandatory abuse reporting requirements and prescribing law provisions
5Focus on sedation permit categories and supervision level definitions in California

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the California dental law and ethics exam?

The California Dental Law and Ethics Examination is administered by PSI Services LLC under contract with the Dental Board of California. It tests knowledge of the California Dental Practice Act and related regulations. A passing score is valid for two years.

Can I take the California dental law exam before graduating?

Yes, the California Dental Law and Ethics Examination can be taken up to one year prior to graduation from a dental program. Once the Board receives your application, you have two years to pass the exam.

What changed with SB 1453 for RDAs in California?

SB 1453 established new application requirements for Registered Dental Assistants effective July 1, 2025, including a mandatory 2-hour course in the California Dental Practice Act to be eligible for the RDA exam.

What are the CE requirements for California dentists?

California dentists must complete 25 units of continuing education during each biennial license renewal period, including specific requirements in infection control, California law, and other mandated topics.

Who administers dental licensing in California?

The Dental Board of California, part of the Department of Consumer Affairs, administers dental licensing. The Law and Ethics examination is contracted to PSI Services LLC. Contact: (916) 263-2300.