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Free California Dentistry Law and Ethics Examination Practice Questions

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Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the California Dentistry Law and Ethics Examination practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

  1. 1A patient asks to inspect her dental record during business hours. After receiving the request and reasonable costs, by when must the California provider permit inspection?

    1. A. Within 2 working days
    2. B. Within 5 working days
    3. C. Within 10 calendar days
    4. D. Within 15 working days

    Answer: B

    Explanation: California Health and Safety Code section 123110(a) requires inspection "within five working days after receipt of the request."

    Reference: Hsc 123110 — Health and Safety Code section 123110(a)

  2. 2Sterilizer test results required by California dental infection-control rules must be retained for how long?

    1. A. 30 days
    2. B. 6 months
    3. C. 12 months
    4. D. 5 years

    Answer: C

    Explanation: 16 CCR section 1005(b)(17) requires documentation of biological-indicator results and retention for 12 months. Direct text: "maintained for 12 months".

    Reference: TITLE 16. DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIFIC LANGUAGE — California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 1005(b)(17)

  3. 3Which confidentiality rule applies to California telehealth encounters?

    1. A. Only federal advertising law
    2. B. No confidentiality rules apply remotely
    3. C. All laws regarding confidentiality of health information apply
    4. D. Confidentiality applies only to video visits

    Answer: C

    Explanation: BPC section 2290.5(f) applies all laws regarding health-information confidentiality and patient access rights to telehealth interactions. Direct text: "All laws regarding the confidentiality of health care information".

    Reference: Bpc 2290 5 — Business and Professions Code section 2290.5(f)

  4. 4A dentist cannot explain the risks of two treatment plans in a patient's preferred language. No office staff member has been assessed as able to interpret clinical information accurately. Which communication resource should the dentist arrange?

    1. A. A trained health-care interpreter
    2. B. A bilingual scheduling coordinator
    3. C. An automatic translation application
    4. D. A patient's accompanying family member

    Answer: A

    Explanation: ADA guidance says "Dental offices may be required to provide trained interpreters for non-English speaking patients" and notes that trained interpretation improves accurate diagnosis and patient communication. The other resources may help with simpler exchanges, but none is established as trained for this clinical risk discussion.

    Reference: ADA Using an Interpreter in Your Dental Office — Using an Interpreter in Your Dental Office, trained interpreters

  5. 5Before discontinuing treatment, what notice must a California dentist give to avoid patient abandonment?

    1. A. Written notice
    2. B. No notice
    3. C. An advertisement
    4. D. Notice only to the insurer

    Answer: A

    Explanation: BPC section 1680(u) requires written notice that treatment is to be discontinued. Direct text: "without written notice to the patient that treatment is to be discontinued".

    Reference: California Code, BPC 1680. — Business and Professions Code section 1680(u)

  6. 6During office hours, a patient of record reports rapidly worsening dental pain and swelling. The regular dentist cannot see the patient promptly, and no hospital-level symptoms are reported. Which arrangement best fulfills the emergency-care duty?

    1. A. Arrange prompt dental assessment with an available covering dentist.
    2. B. Give telephone self-care advice and schedule the regular dentist tomorrow.
    3. C. Refer to a general medical clinic without arranging dental follow-up.
    4. D. Schedule a routine dental consultation later in the week.

    Answer: A

    Explanation: The ADA Code requires "reasonable arrangements for the emergency care" of patients of record. Prompt dental assessment through a covering dentist addresses this urgent dental problem; delayed or non-dental responses do not reliably provide emergency dental care.

    Reference: ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct — ADA Code §4.B, emergency service

  7. 7Protective attire is required for which nonclinical office procedures?

    1. A. Scheduling appointments only
    2. B. Disinfection, sterilization, and housekeeping involving germicides or contaminated items
    3. C. Answering telephones
    4. D. Reviewing insurance mail

    Answer: B

    Explanation: 16 CCR section 1005(b)(5) requires protective attire for those disinfection, sterilization, and housekeeping procedures. Direct text: "Protective attire shall be worn for disinfection, sterilization, and housekeeping procedures".

    Reference: TITLE 16. DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIFIC LANGUAGE — California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 1005(b)(5)

  8. 8Who may accompany a patient who inspects dental records under California Health and Safety Code section 123110?

    1. A. No one
    2. B. Only an attorney
    3. C. One chosen companion
    4. D. Any number of family members

    Answer: C

    Explanation: The inspection may be conducted by the patient or personal representative accompanied by one other person of that person's choosing. Direct text: "accompanied by one other person of their choosing".

    Reference: Hsc 123110 — Health and Safety Code section 123110(a)

  9. 9How must sealed packages of sterilized critical instruments be stored?

    1. A. Open to permit drying
    2. B. In a manner preventing contamination
    3. C. Only in the treatment room
    4. D. Mixed with used instruments

    Answer: B

    Explanation: 16 CCR section 1005(b)(12) requires processed critical items to remain sealed and stored to prevent contamination. Direct text: "remain sealed and stored in a manner so as to prevent contamination".

    Reference: TITLE 16. DENTAL BOARD OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIFIC LANGUAGE — California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 1005(b)(12)

  10. 10What equipment feature is required when administering nitrous oxide in California dental practice?

    1. A. A fail-safe machine with an appropriate exhaust system
    2. B. A standard machine with a portable barrier
    3. C. A fail-safe machine without an exhaust system
    4. D. A standard machine with an air purifier

    Answer: A

    Explanation: BPC section 1680(ab) identifies failure to use a fail-safe machine with an appropriate exhaust system as unprofessional conduct. Direct text: "a fail-safe machine with an appropriate exhaust system".

    Reference: California Code, BPC 1680. — Business and Professions Code section 1680(ab)

Topics in this practice bank

These topics describe the available practice for California Dentistry Law and Ethics Examination. Review the examination outline and its sources for scope and allocation details.

  • 1. Law - 1A. Patient Information
    • Comply with legal requirements regarding the release of patient information.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing HIV status of patients.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing patient information with guardians.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing patient information with financially responsible parties.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing patient information with collection agencies.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing patient information when records are audited.
    • Knowledge of laws related to sharing patient information when records are subpoenaed.
    • Knowledge of criteria to determine if information is confidential according to HIPAA.
    • Comply with legal requirements when documenting dental treatment.
    • Knowledge of laws related to documentation of patient prescriptions.
    • Knowledge of laws related to alterations of medical and dental records.
    • Comply with legal requirements for storage and disposal of patient records.
    • Knowledge of laws related to storage and disposal of records when closing a dental practice.
    • Knowledge of laws related to the security of stored records.
    • Comply with legal requirements in the event of suspected unauthorized access to patient medical or dental records.
    • Knowledge of obligation to inform patients in the event of suspected unauthorized access to their records.
    • Knowledge of required information to disclose to patients in the event of suspected unauthorized access to their records.
    • Respond to requests for records in accordance with legal requirements.
    • Knowledge of legal criteria which prohibit dentists from sharing records.
    • Knowledge of criteria which require dentists to share records.
    • Knowledge of laws that define timelines to comply with records requests.
    • Knowledge of methods for sharing dental records.
  • 1. Law - 1B. Dental Practice Owners
    • Comply with legal requirements for advertisement of services and professional qualifications.
    • Knowledge of laws related to advertisement of specialization.
    • Knowledge of laws related to the use of patients in advertising.
    • Knowledge of laws related to fees in advertisements.
    • Knowledge of required disclosures in advertisements.
    • Knowledge of laws related to the use of fictitious names.
    • Supervise dental auxiliaries in accordance with regulations.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations defining the scope of practice for auxiliaries.
    • Knowledge of procedures used to supervise auxiliaries.
    • Comply with OSHA standards regarding management of hazardous and biohazardous materials.
    • Knowledge of laws related to the disposal of hazardous waste.
    • Knowledge of laws related to the disposal of bio-hazardous waste.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations related to disinfection and sanitation in the dental setting.
    • Knowledge of methods for disposing of amalgam.
    • Comply with laws requiring posted documentation in dental settings.
    • Knowledge of laws defining the documents that must be posted in a dental setting.
    • Prepare for medical emergencies in accordance with the law.
    • Knowledge of laws establishing the requirements for a dental patient emergency kit.
    • Knowledge of OSHA requirements for employee emergency kits.
    • Knowledge of training requirements to prepare for medical emergencies.
    • Record and report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with mandated reporting laws.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations related to mandated reporting of suspected abuse.
    • Knowledge of methods for recording evidence of abuse.
    • Comply with legal requirements regarding sexual harassment.
    • Knowledge of laws related to allegations of sexual harassment.
  • 1. Law - 1C. Patient Care
    • Comply with legal requirements regarding scope of practice in the provision of services.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations that define dentist scope of practice.
    • Knowledge of procedures general dentists can perform that require additional certification.
    • Comply with legal requirements involving protected classes (e.g., race, gender) when providing dental care.
    • Knowledge of laws establishing protected classes and their application to accepting new patients and ending patient-dentist relationships.
    • Knowledge of laws requiring accommodation (e.g., sign language interpreter) for protected classes.
    • Comply with legal requirements when estimating fees and billing patients for dental treatments.
    • Knowledge of laws that require an estimate of fees prior to dental treatment.
    • Knowledge of laws that limit the fee based on the initial estimate.
    • Knowledge of laws related to fees for dental treatment.
    • Comply with legal standards regarding guidelines for consent to treat patients.
    • Knowledge of legal criteria that allow a minor to give consent for dental treatment.
    • Knowledge of legal criteria to acquire consent for the treatment of patients with cognitive impairment.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding consent to treat patients.
    • Comply with telehealth laws and regulations when providing dental treatment or consultations remotely.
    • Knowledge of criteria for accepting new patient using telehealth.
    • Knowledge of laws related to acquiring consent for telehealth consultation and treatment.
    • Knowledge of laws and regulations establishing security requirements for telehealth dental treatment and consultations.
    • Prescribe medications to patients in accordance with laws and regulations.
    • Knowledge of laws for using Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES).
    • Knowledge of laws regarding the prescription of opioids to minors.
    • Knowledge of laws that limit prescriptions to conditions within the dentist's scope of practice.
  • 2. Ethics - 2A. Patient Education
    • Confirm understanding of risks, benefits, and alternatives to treatment by all interested parties.
    • Knowledge of methods for communicating with patients with barriers to understanding their treatment plan.
    • Inform patients of current oral conditions.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines that apply to the presentation of treatment options.
    • Knowledge of ethical obligation to notify patients of iatrogenic changes in their oral health.
    • Inform patients of oral health conditions that require future dental care.
    • Knowledge of obligation to share associated risk of non-treatment.
    • Knowledge of obligation to educate patients on dental conditions and their associated risks.
    • Knowledge of methods to educate patients concerning common misconceptions regarding dental materials and treatments.
    • Knowledge of obligation to manage patient expectations regarding the outcome of dental treatments.
    • Provide information about alternative treatments.
    • Knowledge of obligation to educate patient about alternative treatments.
    • Knowledge of methods to involve the patient in treatment planning when multiple parties are involved in the decision-making process.
    • Comply with telehealth ethical guidelines when providing dental treatment or consultations.
    • Knowledge of criteria to determine when telehealth is clinically appropriate.
    • Knowledge of methods for providing telehealth treatment and consultations.
    • Knowledge of ethical requirements related to date of treatment when billing insurance.
  • 2. Ethics - 2B. Continuity of Care
    • Manage communications between dentist, patient, and previous dentist in accordance with ethical standards.
    • Knowledge of ethical concerns when discussing the treatment from another dentist with patients.
    • Follow ethical principles related to managing referred patients.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines that promote continuity of care for referred patients.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines that prioritize patient autonomy for referred patients.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines related to accepting gifts or compensation for referrals.
    • Maintain continuity of care for dental patients.
    • Knowledge of protocol for discontinuing a dentist-patient relationship.
    • Knowledge of methods for promoting continuity of care when there is an interruption in the dentist's ability to provide care.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines regarding patient records when accepting a new patient.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines relating to continuity of care when a dental provider relocates.
  • 2. Ethics - 2C. Emergency Treatment
    • Provide patients access to emergency treatment.
    • Knowledge of ethical obligations in the event of a dental emergency during business hours.
    • Knowledge of methods for providing access to emergency treatment outside of business hours.
  • 2. Ethics - 2D. Community Welfare
    • Refer patients to another professional when patient welfare will be safeguarded or advanced.
    • Knowledge of obligation to refer when patient needs exceed dentist level of competence.
    • Knowledge of medical conditions that necessitate additional medical information or referral.
    • Knowledge of obligation to establish network of professional support.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines related to offering gifts or compensation for referrals.
    • Acknowledge and address dentist impairment that could endanger patients or dental staff.
    • Knowledge of the ethical obligation to seek physician advice when dentist ability to practice has been impaired.
    • Knowledge of obligation to modify activities of practice based on dentist impairment to ensure patient and staff safety.
    • Knowledge of conditions that require dentist enrollment in a diversion program.
    • Inform dental community of observations of serious adverse reactions to drugs or dental materials and devices.
    • Knowledge of requirements to inform community when serious adverse reactions are observed.
    • Comply with ethical guidelines when billing insurance for services.
    • Knowledge of ethical requirements related to accuracy of information when billing insurance.
    • Promote a respectful workplace to encourage collaboration with and optimal outcomes for patients.
    • Report other professionals to enforcement agencies to protect patient health.
    • Knowledge of situations that require dentists to report professionals to enforcement agencies.
    • Comply with requirements associated with possible patient exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other infectious material.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines regarding possible exposure of patients to bloodborne pathogens or other infectious materials.
    • Knowledge of conditions in which a dentist must disclose their test results and medical history with patients who were possibly exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
    • Treat patients at or above the standard of care for diagnosed conditions.
    • Knowledge of criteria used to evaluate new or experimental treatment.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines that define overtreatment.
    • Knowledge of ethical guidelines that define unnecessary treatment.
    • Knowledge of criteria for evaluation of patient reactions.

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These are independent study questions, not actual examination items. For examination requirements and official information, view California Dentistry Law and Ethics Examination details.