10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
A California dental office receives a subpoena signed by an attorney requesting a patient's entire record. It is not accompanied by a judge-signed order, patient authorization, proof of notice, or a qualified protective order. Which response complies with privacy law?
Correct answer: D - Withhold disclosure until a valid HIPAA route is established
A former patient submits a written request for copies of her dental record, pays the lawful copying charge, and still owes the practice $900 for treatment. Ten days later, the office manager asks whether that treatment balance changes the response deadline. The office manager should:
Correct answer: A - Provide the copies within 15 days and pursue the debt separately
An unencrypted spreadsheet containing names, diagnoses, and account numbers for 720 California patients is sent to the wrong recipient. A documented risk assessment does not support a low probability that the information was compromised. Which notification plan meets HIPAA requirements?
Correct answer: C - Notify affected patients, HHS, and prominent media without unreasonable delay and within 60 days
An otherwise qualified unlicensed dental assistant has completed the Board-approved coronal-polishing course. The dentist gives instructions, leaves the facility for lunch, and plans to inspect the teeth after returning. May the assistant perform the polishing while the dentist is away?
Correct answer: B - No; the dentist must be physically present for this direct-supervision duty
During an infection-control audit, a reusable mouth mirror is classified as an instrument that contacts oral mucosa without penetrating tissue. After each patient, the instrument must be:
Correct answer: A - Cleaned, packaged, and heat sterilized
An eight-year-old has a patterned palatal injury, and the caregiver's account conflicts with the child's statement. The dentist has reasonable suspicion of abuse but no proof. What is the dentist's reporting obligation?
Correct answer: C - Telephone an authorized agency immediately and submit a written report within 36 hours
A 16-year-old rents a room apart from both parents, controls wages from a job, and pays personal expenses. The proposed care is ordinary dental treatment, not an emergency. Which conclusion is legally sound?
Correct answer: D - The minor may consent after the three statutory criteria are verified
A Deaf patient who ordinarily communicates in American Sign Language is considering implant surgery and needs a detailed discussion of risks and alternatives. Her adult daughter offers to interpret, but the patient asks for an independent interpreter. The practice's best response is to:
Correct answer: B - Arrange an effective qualified interpreter without charging the patient
On Monday morning, a dentist plans the first Schedule III prescription for a patient. The dentist reviewed a 12-month CURES report obtained the preceding Friday, and no statutory exception is needed. Which statement about the Friday report is correct?
Correct answer: C - Use it because it satisfies the previous-business-day currency rule
For care furnished in 2026, a self-pay patient received a valid $1,600 good-faith estimate from a dental practice. The initial bill is $2,065, and the patient starts the federal dispute process 95 calendar days after that bill. Which assessment is correct?
Correct answer: A - Yes; the bill is $465 above the estimate and the dispute was started within 120 days
The California Dentistry Law and Ethics Examination (CA-DLE) exam is organized into 2 knowledge domains. These free practice questions are drawn from across them so you can see where you're strong and where to study:
The full bank has 1,020 more CA-DLE questions with explanations.
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