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

What constitutes conclusive evidence of conviction for a licensee?

1. A personal statement from the licensee

2. A letter from the dental hygiene board

3. A certified copy of the record of conviction

4. An oral testimony in court

The correct answer is: A certified copy of the record of conviction

The correct answer is a certified copy of the record of conviction, as it is an official document issued by the court that provides an authoritative account of the legal proceedings and the outcome of a case. This document carries weight because it is derived from a recognized legal authority, ensuring its authenticity and accuracy. In the context of licensure, having a certified copy serves as definitive evidence that a conviction has occurred, which is critical for regulatory bodies when determining a licensee's fitness to practice. Other types of evidence, such as personal statements or letters from the dental hygiene board, do not possess the same level of verifiable proof. While personal statements may convey information regarding a situation, they lack the formal legal standing required as evidence. Similarly, letters from regulatory bodies might provide context or commentary but do not substitute for the definitive nature of a court-ordered record. Oral testimony in court, while potentially valuable, depends on the circumstances and does not alone offer a reliable documentation of a conviction without accompanying legal records. Thus, the certified copy of the record of conviction stands out as the only choice that fulfills the criterion of conclusive evidence for licensees.