California Dental Jurisprudence
Final Test Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
1
, 1. (Multiple Choice)
In California, which of the following procedures is within a dental
hygienist’s scope of practice when performed under the appropriate
supervision of a licensed dentist?
A. Administering injectable local anesthesia without extra certification
B. Performing oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing)
C. Preparing and placing composite restorations
D. Fabricating indirect restorations in the dental laboratory
ANS: B
Rationale: California law permits dental hygienists to perform
non‑invasive preventive procedures such as scaling and polishing under
dentist supervision. Invasive operative procedures fall within the
dentist’s scope or require additional certification.
---
2. (Fill-in-the-Blank)
In California, non‑clinical duties (e.g., instrument sterilization and data
entry) may be delegated to a dental assistant under __________
supervision.
ANS: indirect
Rationale: “Indirect supervision” means that the overseeing dentist
need not be in the operatory at all times but must be available for
consultation as required by California regulations.
---
3. (True/False)
True or False: A dental assistant in California may independently perform
operative procedures if they have received on‑the‑job training.
2
, ANS: False
Rationale: California regulations require that dental assistants perform
clinical tasks only under either direct or indirect supervision by a licensed
dentist; independent practice is not permitted.
---
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all tasks that a California dentist may delegate to a licensed dental
hygienist:
• Taking intraoral radiographs
• Applying prophylactic fluoride treatments
• Placing pit and fissure sealants
• Administering local anesthesia without specialized certification
ANSs: Taking intraoral radiographs; Applying prophylactic fluoride;
Placing pit and fissure sealants
Rationale: Under California law, dental hygienists may perform
diagnostic and preventive procedures (e.g., taking radiographs, fluoride
application, sealants) under proper supervision. Administering anesthesia
typically requires additional credentials.
---
5. (Multiple Choice)
In a California dental office, which level of supervision mandates that the
dentist be physically present in the operatory during the procedure?
A. Indirect supervision
B. General supervision
C. Direct supervision
D. Remote supervision
ANS: C
Rationale: “Direct supervision” requires the dentist to be physically
present in the room during the procedure, ensuring immediate
3
Final Test Review
(Questions & Solutions)
2025
1
, 1. (Multiple Choice)
In California, which of the following procedures is within a dental
hygienist’s scope of practice when performed under the appropriate
supervision of a licensed dentist?
A. Administering injectable local anesthesia without extra certification
B. Performing oral prophylaxis (scaling and polishing)
C. Preparing and placing composite restorations
D. Fabricating indirect restorations in the dental laboratory
ANS: B
Rationale: California law permits dental hygienists to perform
non‑invasive preventive procedures such as scaling and polishing under
dentist supervision. Invasive operative procedures fall within the
dentist’s scope or require additional certification.
---
2. (Fill-in-the-Blank)
In California, non‑clinical duties (e.g., instrument sterilization and data
entry) may be delegated to a dental assistant under __________
supervision.
ANS: indirect
Rationale: “Indirect supervision” means that the overseeing dentist
need not be in the operatory at all times but must be available for
consultation as required by California regulations.
---
3. (True/False)
True or False: A dental assistant in California may independently perform
operative procedures if they have received on‑the‑job training.
2
, ANS: False
Rationale: California regulations require that dental assistants perform
clinical tasks only under either direct or indirect supervision by a licensed
dentist; independent practice is not permitted.
---
4. (Multiple Response)
Select all tasks that a California dentist may delegate to a licensed dental
hygienist:
• Taking intraoral radiographs
• Applying prophylactic fluoride treatments
• Placing pit and fissure sealants
• Administering local anesthesia without specialized certification
ANSs: Taking intraoral radiographs; Applying prophylactic fluoride;
Placing pit and fissure sealants
Rationale: Under California law, dental hygienists may perform
diagnostic and preventive procedures (e.g., taking radiographs, fluoride
application, sealants) under proper supervision. Administering anesthesia
typically requires additional credentials.
---
5. (Multiple Choice)
In a California dental office, which level of supervision mandates that the
dentist be physically present in the operatory during the procedure?
A. Indirect supervision
B. General supervision
C. Direct supervision
D. Remote supervision
ANS: C
Rationale: “Direct supervision” requires the dentist to be physically
present in the room during the procedure, ensuring immediate
3
