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

Which body administers the continuing education requirements for dental hygiene in California?

1. The American Dental Association

2. The Dental Board of California

3. The California Medical Board

4. The State Department of Health

The correct answer is: The Dental Board of California

The Dental Board of California is the entity responsible for administering the continuing education requirements for dental hygiene in California. The board oversees the licensure and regulation of dental professionals, including dental hygienists, and sets forth the standards for continuing education that professionals must meet to maintain their licensure. This ensures that dental hygienists stay updated on current practices, techniques, and standards in the field. Other organizations, such as the American Dental Association, primarily focus on advocacy and support for dental professionals but do not directly regulate or administer continuing education requirements. The California Medical Board regulates medical professionals rather than dental hygiene, and the State Department of Health generally oversees broader public health initiatives rather than specific professional education requirements for dental hygiene. This delineation of responsibilities makes it clear that the Dental Board of California is the correct authority regarding continuing education for dental hygienists in the state.