Free Washington State Dental Hygiene Drug and Law Exam Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the Washington State Dental Hygiene Drug and Law Exam practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1Which periodontal service is expressly within a Washington dental hygienist's licensed functions?

   1. A. Suturing oral tissue
   2. B. Root planing
   3. C. Elevating a soft-tissue flap
   4. D. Performing endodontic treatment

   Answer: B

   Explanation: RCW 18.29.050 states that a licensed dental hygienist "may perform root planing and soft-tissue curettage." Root planing is the listed licensed function.

   Reference: Revised Code of Washington — RCW 18.29.050

2. 2Which examination evidence must an initial Washington dental hygiene applicant submit as a state-specific licensing requirement?

   1. A. A dentist jurisprudence certificate
   2. B. Proof of passing the Washington dental hygiene drug and law jurisprudence exam
   3. C. A school sealant endorsement score
   4. D. A national dental assisting exam score

   Answer: B

   Explanation: WAC 246-815-020(3) requires "Proof of successful completion of the Washington state dental hygiene drug and law jurisprudence exam as required by the department." That is the state-specific examination evidence.

   Reference: Washington Administrative Code — WAC 246-815-020(3)

3. 3Which impression may a hygienist take under Washington's general-supervision delegation rule?

   1. A. A final implant prosthesis impression
   2. B. A final complete-denture impression
   3. C. A final cast-restoration impression
   4. D. An impression for diagnostic and opposing models

   Answer: D

   Explanation: WAC 246-817-550(22)(a) permits hygienists to take impressions for "Diagnostic and opposing models." The other options are final prosthetic or restorative impressions outside this listed purpose.

   Reference: Chapter 246-817 WAC — WAC 246-817-550(22)(a)

4. 4A hygienist whose Washington credential expired yesterday is asked to cover a shift today. What does Washington law require before the hygienist treats patients?

   1. A. Return the credential to active status before practicing
   2. B. Practice for up to 30 days while renewal is pending
   3. C. Practice only under close supervision until renewal
   4. D. Notify the department within 10 days after the shift

   Answer: A

   Explanation: WAC 246-12-040(1) states, "The practitioner must not practice until the credential is returned to active status." Because the credential is expired, supervision does not create authority to practice.

   Reference: Wac — WAC 246-12-040(1)

5. 5A hygienist was first licensed in Washington after April 19, 2001 and wants to provide services under the school sealant chapter. What is required?

   1. A. Only 200 hours of dental-assistant employment
   2. B. Annual renewal of an automatic endorsement
   3. C. A dentist's close supervision for every sealant
   4. D. A school sealant endorsement

   Answer: D

   Explanation: WAC 246-814-030(2) states, "Dental hygienists licensed after April 19, 2001, must obtain an endorsement to provide services under this chapter." The endorsement is required.

   Reference: Washington Administrative Code — WAC 246-814-030(2)

6. 6Under what supervision may a Washington dental hygienist apply a topical anesthetic agent?

   1. A. No supervision
   2. B. Offsite supervision only
   3. C. General supervision
   4. D. Close supervision only

   Answer: C

   Explanation: RCW 18.29.050 authorizes topical anesthetic application "under the general supervision" of a dentist or dental therapist. General supervision is sufficient.

   Reference: Revised Code of Washington — RCW 18.29.050

7. 7An applicant has an unopened official transcript and wants to mail it personally with the application. How must the transcript instead reach the Washington Department of Health?

   1. A. From the applicant's supervising dentist
   2. B. From the National Board testing service
   3. C. Directly from the dental hygiene education program
   4. D. From any state licensing board

   Answer: C

   Explanation: WAC 246-815-020(4) says official transcripts must be sent directly by the education program; the controlling text identifies the sender as "the dental hygiene education program(s)." An applicant-delivered copy does not satisfy that route.

   Reference: Washington Administrative Code — WAC 246-815-030

8. 8What is the minimum patient age for a hygienist to administer local anesthetic under general supervision when all other Washington conditions are met?

   1. A. 18 years
   2. B. 16 years
   3. C. 21 years
   4. D. 13 years

   Answer: A

   Explanation: WAC 246-817-550(15)(a) requires, "The patient is at least eighteen years of age." A younger patient requires close supervision.

   Reference: Chapter 246-817 WAC — WAC 246-817-550(15)(a)

9. 9A practitioner's initial credential is issued 45 days before the practitioner's birthday. When will that initial credential expire?

   1. A. On the upcoming birthday
   2. B. On the next birthday after the upcoming one
   3. C. Ninety days after issuance
   4. D. One year after issuance

   Answer: B

   Explanation: WAC 246-12-020(3) says, "Initial credentials issued within ninety days of the practitioner's birthday do not expire until the practitioner's next birthday." Issuance 45 days beforehand triggers this exception.

   Reference: Wac — WAC 246-12-020(3)

10. 10In a school-based program, what may an endorsed dental hygienist determine without making a dental diagnosis?

    1. A. The need for and acceptability of sealant or fluoride-varnish treatment
    2. B. A definitive diagnosis of caries requiring restoration
    3. C. A comprehensive treatment plan for every child
    4. D. A prescription regimen for silver diamine fluoride

    Answer: A

    Explanation: WAC 246-814-020(1) limits the assessment to "acceptability of dental sealant or fluoride varnish treatment" and expressly says the determination is not a diagnosis. Option A states that limited assessment.

    Reference: Washington Administrative Code — WAC 246-814-020(1)