California RDH Law and Ethics Exam Complete Practice Test

A dental hygienist can take radiographs when it is necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning. This aligns with the scope of practice for licensed dental hygienists, who are trained to provide services that are essential for assessing a patient’s oral health. Radiographs are a critical component in diagnosing dental conditions, which can only be effectively addressed through appropriate treatment plans based on accurate information.

Obtaining written consent from the patient is indeed an important aspect of patient care, but it is not the sole determining factor for taking radiographs. The necessity of the radiographs in relation to the diagnosis and treatment planning is more central to the hygienist's scope of work.

While emergencies may prompt the need for radiographs, they are not the only circumstance under which a hygienist may take them, so this option does not encompass the overall responsibilities of a dental hygienist. Lastly, stating that dental hygienists cannot take radiographs under any circumstances overlooks the lawful and professional scope of practice defined by the California Dental Practice Act, which allows them to perform this task when properly indicated.