Professional Ethics in Dental Hygiene
This principle of ethics is focused on the duty of dental hygienists to do no harm and to avoid actions that could injure patients.
nonmaleficence
This legal term refers to the failure to perform a necessary action or the performance of an action that results in harm to the patient.
negligence
This type of insurance is essential for dental hygienists to protect themselves from financial loss in case of malpractice claims or legal issues arising from patient care.
professional liability insurance (or malpractice insurance)
This ethical dilemma occurs when a dental hygienist faces a conflict between following the best clinical course of action and adhering to a patient’s preferences or beliefs.
patient autonomy vs. beneficence?
This regulatory agency monitors the practice of dental hygiene to ensure that licensed professionals meet the minimum standards of care.
State Board of Dentistry
This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of telling the truth and providing accurate information to patients.
veracity
In legal terms, a dental hygienist can be held liable for failure to obtain this before performing any dental procedure.
informed consent
To avoid allegations of negligence, dental hygienists should ensure that this aspect of patient care is fully explained, documented, and agreed upon by the patient prior to any treatment.
treatment plan
If a dental hygienist knowingly allows a patient to undergo a procedure that they are not fully informed about, it could be considered an ethical violation of this principle.
veracity
This organization is responsible for establishing national accreditation standards for dental hygiene education programs and ensuring they meet the required educational criteria for licensure.
Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
This ethical principle refers to a dental hygienist’s obligation to respect the rights and decisions of their patients.
autonomy
This legal concept protects healthcare providers, including dental hygienists, from liability when they act in good faith and provide emergency care.
Good Samaritan law
One of the most effective ways to prevent legal issues in dental practice is by clearly defining roles and responsibilities within the dental team. This process is known as:
establishing scope of practice
A patient requests a treatment that is not recommended by the dental hygienist because of concerns about the risks involved. The patient insists on the treatment. This situation creates a dilemma between:
A) Nonmaleficence and patient autonomy
B) Justice and confidentiality
C) Beneficence and veracity
D) Loyalty and veracity
A) Nonmaleficence and patient autonomy
In the event of a complaint or violation, the State Dental Board may issue a disciplinary action, including this extreme consequence for severe violations of the law.
license suspension or revocation
A dental hygienist must demonstrate this ethical principle by providing the best possible care to all patients, regardless of social, economic, or cultural background.
justice
This legal doctrine holds an employer (such as a dental practice owner) responsible for the actions of their employees, including dental hygienists, when performing job-related tasks.
vicarious liability
Respondeat Superior is a type of v. liability
Dental hygienists can reduce liability risks by staying up to date with the latest research, guidelines, and best practices in their field. This ongoing process is known as:
continuing education (CE)
A dental hygienist is aware that a patient is refusing treatment due to financial constraints. The hygienist has the option to offer discounted services, but doing so might be perceived as unethical by the practice’s guidelines. This situation presents a dilemma between:
A) Justice and beneficence
B) Beneficence and professionalism
C) Beneficence and autonomy
D) Justice and veracity
A) Justice and beneficence
This professional association sets the ethical standards for dental hygienists, advocates for the profession, and provides resources for education and policy development.
American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA)
This concept in ethics involves the balancing of the patient’s right to privacy with the dental hygienist’s obligation to protect the welfare of society.
confidentiality
This law mandates that dental professionals, including hygienists, report suspected cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities.
mandatory reporting law
This document, created to ensure consistent and high-quality patient care, outlines procedures, protocols, and standards that must be followed to reduce the risk of negligence and other legal issues in the dental office.
standard operating procedure (SOP) manual
A dental hygienist suspects that a patient is a victim of domestic violence but the patient denies it when asked. The hygienist faces an ethical dilemma regarding:
A) Patient autonomy vs. mandatory reporting
B) Confidentiality vs. patient welfare
C) Veracity vs. confidentiality
D) Nonmaleficence vs. patient autonomy
Patient autonomy vs. mandatory reporting
This federal agency is responsible for the regulation and approval of dental products, including dental materials and devices, to ensure their safety and effectiveness for public use.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)