INTRO to PP unit 3

Q: What is a "profession"?

A: A limited group of individuals who acquire advanced knowledge, engage in specialized work, and adhere to ethical and professional standards.

Q: What type of education does a professional typically undergo?

A: Advanced education through college or university that includes scientific theoretical knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Q: What kind of work does a professional engage in?

A: Specialized work that is the principal source of income.

Q: Why can professionals make decisions on behalf of clients?

A: Because they are recognized experts and intelligent authorities in their field.

Q: What must a professional provide to clients?

A: A service that is objective and without moral judgment, within a legal scope of practice.

Q: What formal processes and structures support a profession?

A: Advanced educational standards, registration, entry examinations, and professional associations or organizations.

Q: What guides a professional’s behavior in their field?

A: A highly developed set of Standards of Practice enforced by the profession's members.

Q: What ethical guidelines must a professional follow?

A: A Code of Ethics focused on service to clients, the public good, and doing the right thing.

Q: What does it mean for a profession to be self-regulated?

A: It is self-governed and autonomous, managing its own members and standards.

Q: What is assumed about individuals who choose a profession?

A: They have a strong motivation or calling for their career.

Q: What is professional conduct?

A: A manner of acting that reflects personal and professional values, showing legal and ethical competence, honesty, and fairness.

Q: What is the primary focus of professional conduct?

A: Placing ethical and high-quality service to others above self-interest.

Q: What is professional misconduct?

A: A failure to think, behave, or carry oneself in a professional manner.

Q: What governs professional misconduct in dental hygiene in Ontario?

A: The Professional Misconduct Regulation of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO).

Q: What can result from failing to meet the minimum standards of the CDHO Professional Misconduct Regulation?

A: Disciplinary proceedings and potential legal liability.

Q: What language is used in the CDHO Professional Misconduct Regulation to describe required actions?

A: Words like “shall” and “must.”

Q: What are the five professional roles of a dental hygienist?

1. Clinician (clinical therapist)

2. Educator

3. Administrator/Manager

4. Advocate (health promoter)

5. Researcher

Q: What is the foundation of professional etiquette in the workplace?

A: Respecting others and displaying courteous behavior during interactions.

Q: Why is professional etiquette important?

A: It can leave a lasting impact and influence how clients, colleagues, and supervisors perceive you.

Q: What should you do when first introduced to someone in a professional setting?

A: Stand up to greet them.

Q: How should you greet someone upon introduction?

A: With a handshake or a head nod and a smile.

Q: What should you say when introducing yourself?

A: Identify yourself clearly, e.g., “I am [Name], RDH/RRDH.”

Q: What should you do if you forget someone’s name?

A: Politely apologize and ask for their name again.

Q: What is a key trait of good conversation etiquette with clients?

A: Active listening—don’t interrupt and wait for them to finish speaking.

Q: How should your voice be when conversing with clients?

A: Low, clear, calm, and polite.

Q: Where should you look while speaking to someone?

A: Look into their eyes and avoid turning your back or looking away.

Q: What should you do if a client speaks rudely?

A: Remain polite and avoid responding in a harsh tone or words.

Q: What kind of language should be used when speaking about the profession?

A: Use professional terminology, e.g., say “dental hygienist” and “scaling,” not “hygienist” or “scraping.”

Q: What should you do with your phone in the office or with clients?

A: Turn it off or set it to silent mode.

Q: What should you do if you must take an urgent call?

A: Politely excuse yourself and ask the client’s permission to take the call.

Q: What are the basics of professional dress code in a dental setting?

A: Neat, clean, well-fitting uniform; hair tied back; short clean nails; minimal jewelry; clean shoes; personal hygiene.

Q: What identification should be visible to clients?

A: Your registration pin, name badge, and wall certificate.

Q: Who can legally use the title "Registered Dental Hygienist" (RDH) in Ontario?

A: Only individuals registered with a dental hygiene regulatory body such as the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario (CDHO).

Q: What legislation governs the restricted use of the RDH title in Ontario?

A: The Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA, 1991) and the Dental Hygiene Act (DHA, 1991).

Q: What do the RHPA and DHA prohibit regarding professional titles?

A: They prohibit individuals from falsely representing themselves as being regulated or authorized by a regulatory body when they are not.

Q: Why is the title "Registered Dental Hygienist" protected?

A: To ensure public safety and trust by confirming that the individual is licensed, qualified, and regulated by an official body like the CDHO.

Q: What are the three classes/certificates of registration for dental hygienists in Ontario?

• General – RDH

• Specialty – RRDH

• Inactive – Not authorized to practice

Q: What does the RDH title stand for?

A: Registered Dental Hygienist – General Certificate.

Q: Who can use the title "Restorative Dental Hygienist" or its abbreviation (RRDH)?

A: Only those who hold a Specialty Certificate from the CDHO.

Q: Can a dental hygienist with an Inactive certificate practice dental hygiene?

A: No, they are not authorized to practice while holding an inactive registration.

Q: Can graduates of dental hygiene programs who are not registered in Ontario use the title “RDH” or “RRDH”?

A: No, they may not use any protected title or abbreviation within Ontario.

Q: What is an appropriate way for unregistered graduates to acknowledge their dental hygiene education?

A: By using “dip. D.H.” after their name, e.g., Mary Smith, dip. D.H.

Q: What are the three fundamental aspects of professionalism?

1. Competence

2. Honesty

3. Fairness

Q: How can all codes of professionalism be summarized in one phrase?

A: “Be competent, honest and fair.”

Q: What does competence mean in professionalism?

A: Providing high-quality services consistently every day.

Q: What does honesty require in a professional setting?

A: Being truthful in both what you say and what you choose not to omit.

Q: What does fairness mean in the context of professionalism?

A: Appropriately balancing competing interests and treating everyone equitably.