RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam — 2026/2027 Update California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam
Latest Update — Questions and Verified Answers
100% Correct | Grade A | California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
50 Questions • Multiple Choice (A–D) • 60-Minute Time Limit
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
This examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions distributed across six content domains aligned with the California
RDHAP Law and Ethics Examination blueprint. Each question has four options (A, B, C, D) with exactly one correct answer.
The correct answer is marked [CORRECT] and is followed by a detailed rationale citing the controlling California Business
and Professions Code (BPC), California Code of Regulations (CCR), and applicable federal statutes (HIPAA, Penal Code,
Welfare and Institutions Code). You have 60 minutes to complete the examination. A passing score requires mastery of the
RDHAP scope of practice, California Dental Practice Act provisions, continuing education and license maintenance
requirements, professional and unprofessional conduct standards, patient confidentiality and informed consent rules,
mandated reporting obligations, and practice management requirements including prescriptions, referrals, and supervision.
SECTION 1: RDHAP Scope of Practice and Authorized Functions
BPC 1902, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1915 | Questions 1–15
Q1. An RDHAP has been asked by a patient’s family member to administer local anesthesia (infiltration) in a
private residence for a homebound patient. The RDHAP holds a valid anesthesia permit. Under BPC 1902 and
1910, which statement MOST accurately describes the RDHAP’s authority to perform this procedure?
A. The RDHAP may perform infiltration anesthesia in a homebound patient’s residence only when authorized in
writing by a supervising dentist and the procedure is within the scope of dental hygiene practice. [CORRECT]
B. The RDHAP is prohibited from administering any local anesthesia in any setting other than a licensed dental office.
C. The RDHAP may administer infiltration anesthesia in a residence without any dentist authorization because the
RDHAP license is fully independent.
D. The RDHAP may administer local anesthesia only in schools and residential facilities, never in private residences.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
BPC 1902 defines the RDHAP, and BPC 1910 authorizes the RDHAP to perform dental hygiene procedures in approved alternative
practice settings, including the residence of a homebound patient. Local anesthesia administration requires a valid anesthesia permit
(BPC 1915 / CCR 1095) and is permitted in these settings, but it must remain within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Options B,
C, and D reflect common misconceptions: the residence is a permitted setting, but the procedure still requires proper authorization
and scope adherence, not blanket independence.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 1
,RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam — 2026/2027 Update California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
Q2. Which of the following dental hygiene procedures is OUTSIDE the authorized scope of an RDHAP
practicing in a residential care facility for the elderly?
A. Scaling and root planing of a patient’s natural dentition with direct/general supervision appropriately met.
B. Application of topical and infiltration local anesthetic agents when properly permitted.
C. Placement of an interproximal restoration (Class II amalgam) on a carious molar. [CORRECT]
D. Cementation of a temporary crown that has dislodged from an abutment tooth as an interim measure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Restorative procedures such as Class II amalgam placement are within the scope of an RDA or dentist (BPC 1907, 1750.4), NOT an
RDHAP. The RDHAP scope is limited to dental hygiene procedures (BPC 1902, 1908), which include scaling, root planing,
polishing, sealants, topical anesthetics, and properly permitted infiltration anesthesia. Option D describes a temporary interim
measure that may fall under dental hygiene scope in certain contexts, but definitive restorative work is outside RDHAP scope and
requires referral to a dentist.
Q3. A newly licensed RDHAP wishes to provide services in a public school-based dental health program serving
low-income children. Which of the following BEST describes the RDHAP’s authority under BPC 1909 and 1910?
A. The RDHAP may provide dental hygiene education, screening, sealants, and prophylaxis to schoolchildren in
a school-based program without a dentist’s prescription for the first 18 months of practice if specific criteria are
met. [CORRECT]
B. The RDHAP may provide services in schools only if employed directly by the school district as a salaried employee.
C. The RDHAP may not provide services in schools under any circumstances; schools are restricted to dentists and
RDHs only.
D. The RDHAP may provide services only to children age 12 and older in a school setting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
BPC 1909 authorizes dental hygiene practice in school settings, and BPC 1910 specifically authorizes the RDHAP to practice in
schools, residential facilities, and dental health professional shortage areas. The RDHAP may provide services without a dentist’s
written prescription for the first 18 months of practice (BPC 1910(c)), after which written authorization/prescription is required.
Options B, C, and D introduce artificial restrictions not found in California law.
Q4. An RDHAP working in a skilled nursing facility is asked by the nursing staff to remove a fixed bridge to
relieve the patient’s pain. The RDHAP should:
A. Remove the bridge using appropriate instruments because the patient is in pain and consent is implied.
B. Decline because removal of a fixed prosthesis is outside the RDHAP scope of practice; document, refer, and
arrange urgent dental consultation. [CORRECT]
C. Remove the bridge if the patient signs an informed consent form waiving liability.
D. Remove only the loose pontic and leave the retainers in place.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Removal of a fixed prosthesis is a restorative/surgical procedure outside the RDHAP scope (BPC 1902, 1908). Even when a patient is
in pain, scope limits cannot be exceeded; the appropriate action is to document, refer the patient for urgent dental care, and arrange
emergency consultation consistent with BPC 1910 referral requirements. Options A, C, and D all violate scope-of-practice limits and
would constitute unprofessional conduct under BPC 1950.5.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 2
, RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam — 2026/2027 Update California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
Q5. Under BPC 1902, which of the following is the MOST accurate distinction between a Registered Dental
Hygienist (RDH) and a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP)?
A. An RDH may work only under direct supervision of a dentist, while an RDHAP works only under general
supervision.
B. An RDHAP is authorized to practice in alternative settings such as residences of homebound patients, schools,
residential facilities, and dental health professional shortage areas, while an RDH typically practices in a
traditional dental office under appropriate supervision. [CORRECT]
C. An RDHAP may perform all procedures an RDH performs plus restorative procedures such as amalgam placements.
D. An RDHAP may prescribe medications for dental infections, whereas an RDH may not.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
BPC 1902 distinguishes the RDHAP by practice SETTING and prescription requirements, not by expanded restorative scope. The
RDHAP is authorized to practice in alternative settings (BPC 1910): residences of homebound patients, schools, residential facilities,
and dental health professional shortage areas. RDHs typically practice in dental offices under supervision (BPC 1908). The RDHAP
does NOT gain restorative authority (Option C is incorrect) nor prescribing authority (Option D is incorrect; prescribing is reserved to
dentists and physicians under BPC 2050-2055).
Q6. A dentist who employs an RDHAP in a dental office is called away for a medical emergency. The dentist has
previously authorized a prophylaxis for the patient and remains reachable by telephone. Under California law,
what level of supervision applies?
A. Direct supervision, because the dentist authorized the procedure in advance and is reachable by phone.
B. General supervision, because the dentist has authorized the procedure and need not be physically present
on-site. [CORRECT]
C. No supervision is required because the RDHAP is independently licensed.
D. Personal supervision, because the dentist must observe the procedure in real time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
California defines general supervision (CCR 1067) as supervision requiring the dentist’s authorization but NOT the dentist’s physical
presence on-site. Direct supervision (CCR 1067) requires the dentist to be physically present in the facility and available to respond.
Personal supervision requires the dentist to be in the operatory. Option A confuses telephone reachability with direct supervision.
Option C incorrectly treats the RDHAP as fully unsupervised in the office setting. Option D describes personal supervision.
Q7. An RDHAP is providing teledentistry-enabled dental hygiene services to a patient in a rural dental health
professional shortage area. Which technology usage is consistent with California Dental Hygiene Board
telehealth guidance?
A. Audio-only telephone call with no patient record review; documentation unnecessary.
B. Synchronous two-way audio-video consultation with the patient, integration with the dentist of record via
telehealth, and full documentation in the patient record. [CORRECT]
C. Text-message-only communication with the patient to limit liability.
D. Asynchronous email exchange alone, with no live interaction or follow-up documentation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
California Dental Hygiene Board telehealth guidance (consistent with BPC 2290.5 — the Telehealth Act) requires synchronous
two-way audio-video interaction or appropriate store-and-forward technology, integration with the dentist of record, and complete
documentation in the patient record. Audio-only without documentation (Option A) is insufficient. Text-message-only (Option C) and
asynchronous email alone (Option D) do not meet the standard of care for telehealth-enabled dental hygiene practice and create
documentation gaps that violate BPC 1953 records requirements.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 3
RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam
Latest Update — Questions and Verified Answers
100% Correct | Grade A | California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
50 Questions • Multiple Choice (A–D) • 60-Minute Time Limit
INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATE
This examination consists of 50 multiple-choice questions distributed across six content domains aligned with the California
RDHAP Law and Ethics Examination blueprint. Each question has four options (A, B, C, D) with exactly one correct answer.
The correct answer is marked [CORRECT] and is followed by a detailed rationale citing the controlling California Business
and Professions Code (BPC), California Code of Regulations (CCR), and applicable federal statutes (HIPAA, Penal Code,
Welfare and Institutions Code). You have 60 minutes to complete the examination. A passing score requires mastery of the
RDHAP scope of practice, California Dental Practice Act provisions, continuing education and license maintenance
requirements, professional and unprofessional conduct standards, patient confidentiality and informed consent rules,
mandated reporting obligations, and practice management requirements including prescriptions, referrals, and supervision.
SECTION 1: RDHAP Scope of Practice and Authorized Functions
BPC 1902, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1915 | Questions 1–15
Q1. An RDHAP has been asked by a patient’s family member to administer local anesthesia (infiltration) in a
private residence for a homebound patient. The RDHAP holds a valid anesthesia permit. Under BPC 1902 and
1910, which statement MOST accurately describes the RDHAP’s authority to perform this procedure?
A. The RDHAP may perform infiltration anesthesia in a homebound patient’s residence only when authorized in
writing by a supervising dentist and the procedure is within the scope of dental hygiene practice. [CORRECT]
B. The RDHAP is prohibited from administering any local anesthesia in any setting other than a licensed dental office.
C. The RDHAP may administer infiltration anesthesia in a residence without any dentist authorization because the
RDHAP license is fully independent.
D. The RDHAP may administer local anesthesia only in schools and residential facilities, never in private residences.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
BPC 1902 defines the RDHAP, and BPC 1910 authorizes the RDHAP to perform dental hygiene procedures in approved alternative
practice settings, including the residence of a homebound patient. Local anesthesia administration requires a valid anesthesia permit
(BPC 1915 / CCR 1095) and is permitted in these settings, but it must remain within the scope of dental hygiene practice. Options B,
C, and D reflect common misconceptions: the residence is a permitted setting, but the procedure still requires proper authorization
and scope adherence, not blanket independence.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 1
,RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam — 2026/2027 Update California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
Q2. Which of the following dental hygiene procedures is OUTSIDE the authorized scope of an RDHAP
practicing in a residential care facility for the elderly?
A. Scaling and root planing of a patient’s natural dentition with direct/general supervision appropriately met.
B. Application of topical and infiltration local anesthetic agents when properly permitted.
C. Placement of an interproximal restoration (Class II amalgam) on a carious molar. [CORRECT]
D. Cementation of a temporary crown that has dislodged from an abutment tooth as an interim measure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Restorative procedures such as Class II amalgam placement are within the scope of an RDA or dentist (BPC 1907, 1750.4), NOT an
RDHAP. The RDHAP scope is limited to dental hygiene procedures (BPC 1902, 1908), which include scaling, root planing,
polishing, sealants, topical anesthetics, and properly permitted infiltration anesthesia. Option D describes a temporary interim
measure that may fall under dental hygiene scope in certain contexts, but definitive restorative work is outside RDHAP scope and
requires referral to a dentist.
Q3. A newly licensed RDHAP wishes to provide services in a public school-based dental health program serving
low-income children. Which of the following BEST describes the RDHAP’s authority under BPC 1909 and 1910?
A. The RDHAP may provide dental hygiene education, screening, sealants, and prophylaxis to schoolchildren in
a school-based program without a dentist’s prescription for the first 18 months of practice if specific criteria are
met. [CORRECT]
B. The RDHAP may provide services in schools only if employed directly by the school district as a salaried employee.
C. The RDHAP may not provide services in schools under any circumstances; schools are restricted to dentists and
RDHs only.
D. The RDHAP may provide services only to children age 12 and older in a school setting.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
BPC 1909 authorizes dental hygiene practice in school settings, and BPC 1910 specifically authorizes the RDHAP to practice in
schools, residential facilities, and dental health professional shortage areas. The RDHAP may provide services without a dentist’s
written prescription for the first 18 months of practice (BPC 1910(c)), after which written authorization/prescription is required.
Options B, C, and D introduce artificial restrictions not found in California law.
Q4. An RDHAP working in a skilled nursing facility is asked by the nursing staff to remove a fixed bridge to
relieve the patient’s pain. The RDHAP should:
A. Remove the bridge using appropriate instruments because the patient is in pain and consent is implied.
B. Decline because removal of a fixed prosthesis is outside the RDHAP scope of practice; document, refer, and
arrange urgent dental consultation. [CORRECT]
C. Remove the bridge if the patient signs an informed consent form waiving liability.
D. Remove only the loose pontic and leave the retainers in place.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Removal of a fixed prosthesis is a restorative/surgical procedure outside the RDHAP scope (BPC 1902, 1908). Even when a patient is
in pain, scope limits cannot be exceeded; the appropriate action is to document, refer the patient for urgent dental care, and arrange
emergency consultation consistent with BPC 1910 referral requirements. Options A, C, and D all violate scope-of-practice limits and
would constitute unprofessional conduct under BPC 1950.5.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 2
, RDHAP Law and Ethics Exam — 2026/2027 Update California Dental Hygiene Board Blueprint
Q5. Under BPC 1902, which of the following is the MOST accurate distinction between a Registered Dental
Hygienist (RDH) and a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP)?
A. An RDH may work only under direct supervision of a dentist, while an RDHAP works only under general
supervision.
B. An RDHAP is authorized to practice in alternative settings such as residences of homebound patients, schools,
residential facilities, and dental health professional shortage areas, while an RDH typically practices in a
traditional dental office under appropriate supervision. [CORRECT]
C. An RDHAP may perform all procedures an RDH performs plus restorative procedures such as amalgam placements.
D. An RDHAP may prescribe medications for dental infections, whereas an RDH may not.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
BPC 1902 distinguishes the RDHAP by practice SETTING and prescription requirements, not by expanded restorative scope. The
RDHAP is authorized to practice in alternative settings (BPC 1910): residences of homebound patients, schools, residential facilities,
and dental health professional shortage areas. RDHs typically practice in dental offices under supervision (BPC 1908). The RDHAP
does NOT gain restorative authority (Option C is incorrect) nor prescribing authority (Option D is incorrect; prescribing is reserved to
dentists and physicians under BPC 2050-2055).
Q6. A dentist who employs an RDHAP in a dental office is called away for a medical emergency. The dentist has
previously authorized a prophylaxis for the patient and remains reachable by telephone. Under California law,
what level of supervision applies?
A. Direct supervision, because the dentist authorized the procedure in advance and is reachable by phone.
B. General supervision, because the dentist has authorized the procedure and need not be physically present
on-site. [CORRECT]
C. No supervision is required because the RDHAP is independently licensed.
D. Personal supervision, because the dentist must observe the procedure in real time.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
California defines general supervision (CCR 1067) as supervision requiring the dentist’s authorization but NOT the dentist’s physical
presence on-site. Direct supervision (CCR 1067) requires the dentist to be physically present in the facility and available to respond.
Personal supervision requires the dentist to be in the operatory. Option A confuses telephone reachability with direct supervision.
Option C incorrectly treats the RDHAP as fully unsupervised in the office setting. Option D describes personal supervision.
Q7. An RDHAP is providing teledentistry-enabled dental hygiene services to a patient in a rural dental health
professional shortage area. Which technology usage is consistent with California Dental Hygiene Board
telehealth guidance?
A. Audio-only telephone call with no patient record review; documentation unnecessary.
B. Synchronous two-way audio-video consultation with the patient, integration with the dentist of record via
telehealth, and full documentation in the patient record. [CORRECT]
C. Text-message-only communication with the patient to limit liability.
D. Asynchronous email exchange alone, with no live interaction or follow-up documentation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
California Dental Hygiene Board telehealth guidance (consistent with BPC 2290.5 — the Telehealth Act) requires synchronous
two-way audio-video interaction or appropriate store-and-forward technology, integration with the dentist of record, and complete
documentation in the patient record. Audio-only without documentation (Option A) is insufficient. Text-message-only (Option C) and
asynchronous email alone (Option D) do not meet the standard of care for telehealth-enabled dental hygiene practice and create
documentation gaps that violate BPC 1953 records requirements.
Grade A | Verified Answers | 100% Correct Page 3
