Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I have to take this course to get a California Dental Hygiene License?
A: Purple Pen Seminars does not determine your specific requirements to take the course in order to apply for CA licensure. It is recommended to contact the DHBC to make such determinations.
Q: I had local anesthesia in my dental hygiene program. Why do I have to take this course?
A: Because the RDH in California is allowed to administer/perform three direct supervision duties (Local Anesthesia, N2O, and soft tissue curettage), the CA dental practice act requires education in all three disciplines. California dental hygiene graduates gain this education within their programs. Other states may provide education in one, two, or none of the disciplines. Until all educational programs outside California have courses accepted by DHBC, RDHs from other states are required to take the course.
Q: I have been giving injections and have been educated in nitrous oxide administration - can I just take the curettage portion of the course without taking the other parts?
A: No. The RDH license designates these three expanded duties, and the language in California statutes does not allow the course provider to split the duties and educate through three different/separate courses.
Q. Do I need to bring my own patients?
A. YES, you must bring THREE of your own patients (18+ years old) for the second on-campus weekend. This course does not provide patients due to conflict of interest situations.
Q: Will the 51 hours of this course be applicable to the CEUs needed for renewal.
A: YES. Depending on what is required by your current state for license renewal or for CA renewal, some of the credits will apply toward specific categories.
Q: How long is this course?
A: The course is identified as 51 hours. Approximately 18 hours are offered through self-paced online modules delivered through an online platform. The other 33 hours are through on-campus presentations and hands-on practice.
Q. What kind of materials do I need for the course?
A: Once enrolled in the course, participants receive a syllabus which includes more information regarding textbook materials, instruments and supplies that must be brought with you. More information is located online once the course opens after registration.
Q: Do I have to be a partner for someone else in the course?
A: Yes, you should PLAN ON IT. The education regulations indicate three experiences for injections, two experiences for nitrous, and one experience for curettage on partners. If you cannot sit for another course participant and receive injections, it is advised to bring someone who agrees to receive all requirements on your behalf.
Q. Can I make payments?
A. Due to the nature of the payment processing system, split payments are highly discouraged.
Q: Is financial aid available for this course?
A: No. This course operates as post-graduate education or continuing education that can be applied to CEUs for license renewal. The fee may be tax deductible, so please check with your tax accountant for your specific financial situation.
Q. What happens if the weekends get cancelled?
A: Weekend dates can be cancelled but this is rare. It has happened only twice during the past 6 years. The first time was when COVID-19 closed everything down. A Spring (March) group completed one weekend , but was shutdown when everything closed- so the second weekend could not happen until July. Because PPS leases clinic space, the course is at the mercy of the clinic owner. In 2023, the college replaced floors and flooring in the clinic space. The patient weekend date was cancelled and reseduled twice. This was due to the delays in construction and materials. It was not fun for anyone. Please be aware that curcumstances are beyond our control, and we do everything possible to work this out for everyone. We comprehend the expense this course requires.