The student will be able to:

1. Explain the testing process for the California Law and Ethics licensure exam for dental assistants
2. Recognize ethical principles as related to the practice of dentistry
3. Explain the purpose for the Dental Practice Act
4. Compare and contrast licensing requirements for dental personnel regulated by the Dental Board of California
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the Dental Practice Act in regards to scope of practice
6. Explain disciplinary actions that can be taken by the Dental Board of California
7. Avoid infection control violations deemed as unprofessional behavior as outlined in the Dental Practice Act

1. Explain the testing process for the California Law and Ethics licensure exam for dental assistants
   1. Computerized test
      1. Exam rules and regulations
      2. Exam format
2. Recognize ethical principles as related to the practice of dentistry
   1. Terminology
      1. Ethics vs. the law
   2. Code of ethics
      1. Definition
         1. American Dental Assistants Association
         2. American Dental Association
         3. California Dental Association
   3. Ethical principles
      1. Autonomy
         1. Respect patient's decisions/choices
         2. Requires informed consent
            1. Nature of proposed treatment
            2. Prognosis
            3. Benefits
            4. Risks
            5. Reasonable alternatives
         3. Obligation to inform patient about oral health status
      2. Nonmaleficence
         1. Personal impairments limiting ability to practice
         2. Physical impairments limiting ability to practice
         3. Patients if exposed to bloodborne pathogen
         4. Personal relationships in office
         5. Refrain from harming patient
         6. Report abuse and neglect
            1. Signs of abuse and neglect
            2. Mandated reporting
      3. Justice
         1. Infectious disease status of patient
         2. Negative comments about other dental professionals
         3. Reporting gross or faulty treatment
            1. Contributory negligence
         4. Standard of care
            1. Usual and customary practice
      4. Veracity
         1. False or misleading treatment
         2. Fees
            1. Co-payment
            2. Fee differentials
         3. Altering treatment dates
         4. False or misleading advertising
         5. False or misleading degrees
      5. Compassion
         1. Definition
      6. Competence
         1. Need for referral
      7. Integrity
         1. Patient confidentiality
         2. Gift giving
         3. Public statements
         4. Volunteer titles
      8. Professionalism
         1. Volunteering and community service
      9. Tolerance
         1. Cultural beliefs
3. Explain the purpose for the Dental Practice Act
   1. Definition
   2. Statutes
   3. Regulations
   4. Terminology
      1. Due care
      2. Malpractice
      3. Res ipsa loquitur
      4. HIPAA
      5. Statutory law
         1. Criminal law
         2. Felony
         3. Misdemeanor
         4. Infraction
      6. Civil law
         1. Contract law
         2. Tort law
         3. Administrative law
4. Compare and contrast licensing requirements for dental personnel regulated by the Dental Board of California
   1. Definition of dental personnel
      1. Unlicensed dental assistant
         1. Requirements
      2. Registered dental assistant
         1. Requirements
      3. Registered dental assistant in extended functions
         1. Requirements
      4. Orthodontic assistant permit
         1. Requirements
      5. Dental sedation assistant permit
         1. Requirements
      6. Registered dental hygienist
         1. Requirements
      7. Registered dental hygienist in alternative practice
         1. Requirements
      8. Dentist
         1. Requirements
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the Dental Practice Act in regards to scope of practice
   1. Supervision by the dentist
      1. Direct supervision
      2. General supervision
      3. Supervision to be determined by the dentist
   2. List of allowable duties
   3. Supervision by a dental hygienist
      1. Supportive duties
      2. Conditional duties
   4. Continuing education requirements
      1. Renewal requirements
         1. Hours required
         2. Acceptable courses
         3. Continuing education provider
6. Explain disciplinary actions that can be taken by the Dental Board of California
   1. Disciplinary actions
      1. Reprimand
      2. Probation: disciplinary costs, terms, and conditions
      3. Suspension
      4. Revocation
      5. Voluntary surrender
   2. Violations
      1. Unprofessional conduct: controlled substances, professional identify, release of patient records, inappropriate treatment
      2. Incompetence
      3. Gross negligence
      4. Repeated acts of gross negligence
   3. Notification to Dental Board of California
   4. Time limitations
   5. Diversion program
      1. Purpose
      2. Requirements
7. Avoid infection control violations deemed as unprofessional behavior as outlined in the Dental Practice Act
   1. Personal protective clothing
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   2. Gloves
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   3. Masks
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   4. Sterilization
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
         1. Spore test
   5. Disinfection
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   6. Dental unit waterlines
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   7. Single use disposable instruments
      1. Requirements
      2. General rules
   8. Lab areas and waste
      1. General rules

Not applicable.

Quizzes
Final exam

Lecture
Discussion

Bird and Robinson. Modern Dental Assisting, 13th ed. (ISBN: 9780323624855). 2022.

1. Reading and reviewing course lecture manual
2. Review practice test in lecture manual