Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What constitutes a misdemeanor for a dental hygienist under this law?

1. Complying with subpoena requests

2. Failing to display their license in an office

3. Providing excessive treatment

4. Completing continuing education credits

The correct answer is: Failing to display their license in an office

Failing to display their license in an office is considered a misdemeanor for a dental hygienist because licensing laws typically require that practitioners visibly post their license in the office where they provide services. This requirement serves several important functions: it assures patients of the hygienist’s credentials and promotes transparency in the practice of dental hygiene. Being licensed indicates that the practitioner has met specific educational and professional standards to ensure patient safety and ethical practice. In contrast, fulfilling subpoena requests, providing excessive treatment, and completing continuing education credits do not generally carry misdemeanor classifications. While excessive treatment may raise ethical concerns or lead to other forms of disciplinary action, it does not directly relate to the violation of license display regulations. Similarly, complying with subpoenas and completing required continuing education are important but do not constitute misdemeanors under dental practice laws. Thus, the requirement to display the license in the office is a clear regulatory expectation, and failure to comply with it leads to potential legal repercussions.