Ace the California RDH Law & Ethics Exam 2026 – Smile Bright and Rule Right!

A dental hygienist should explain the process and facilitate access to a patient's records according to legal standards because patients have a right to access their own health information under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and California state regulations. This right is fundamental, as it empowers patients to be informed about their own health care, review their treatment, and make educated decisions regarding their overall dental health.

In practice, this means that when a patient requests to view their records, the dental hygienist should not only comply with the request but also ensure that the patient understands the steps involved in accessing these records. This may include verifying the patient’s identity, informing them of any relevant timelines, and outlining any necessary paperwork that needs to be completed. By adhering to these procedures, the dental hygienist upholds legal requirements and fosters a trusting relationship with the patient through transparency and cooperation.

Other responses, such as refusing the request, directing the patient elsewhere, or delaying the response, would not only violate regulations but could also damage the rapport between the patient and the dental care team, potentially resulting in negative feelings about the practice. Therefore, the ethical and legal response to such a request is to facilitate the access appropriately and responsibly.