Dental Hygiene Ethics: Core Concepts and Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing fundamental terms, principles, and responsibilities from Chapter 1: Dental Hygiene Ethics.

Ethics

The branch of philosophy that examines morality, moral problems, and moral judgments.

Dental Hygiene Ethics

General standards of right and wrong that guide the behavior of members of the dental hygiene profession.

Dental Hygiene Oath

A pledge by dental hygienists to improve public oral health, uphold high standards of care, and maintain professional competence and conduct.

Code of Ethics

A document listing basic professional beliefs and standards that guide ethical consciousness, decision making, and self-regulation.

ADHA Code of Ethics

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s formal statement of professional responsibilities and standards for ethical practice.

Accountability

The obligation to answer for one’s actions; used to evaluate practices, maintain standards, and guide ethical decision making.

Responsibility (Professional)

The duty to study and apply the ethical codes of any professional association to which one belongs.

Standard of Conduct

Guidelines that foster a strong sense of ethical awareness in professional practice and daily life.

Autonomy

The ethical principle recognizing individuals’ right to make informed decisions about their own care.

Beneficence

The duty to promote the well-being of individuals and the public through health promotion and disease prevention.

Nonmaleficence

The fundamental obligation to provide care that inflicts no harm.

Justice

The commitment to fair and equal distribution of health-care resources so all people have access to quality oral care.

Veracity

The obligation to tell the truth and foster honesty in all professional relationships.

Fidelity

Faithfulness to promises and commitments made to patients, colleagues, and society.

Confidentiality

The duty to keep patient information and relationships private unless justification for disclosure exists.

Societal Trust

Public confidence in the profession, earned through ethical actions and behaviors.

Core Values (Dental Hygiene)

Selected ethical principles considered central to the profession’s code of ethics, such as autonomy, beneficence, and justice.

Patient-Centered Care

An approach that puts the patient first, requiring nondiscriminatory, ethical, and legal care by the dental hygienist.

Lifelong Learning

An ethical duty to maintain competence, adopt advances, and ensure evidence-based care throughout one’s career.

Ethical Issue

A problem with a clear solution grounded in law or accepted standards of care.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation involving two morally correct choices where no single answer is evident and outcomes vary with the decision made.

Model for Resolution of Ethical Issues (ethical deliema i believe)

A step-by-step process: identify facts, determine who is involved, list and rank options, and choose the best action aligned with the Code of Ethics.

Informed Consent

Permission granted by a patient after receiving full disclosure of relevant information about proposed care.

Full Disclosure

Providing all necessary information so patients can make informed decisions about their treatment.

Professional Self-Regulation

The profession’s autonomy and judgment in maintaining its own standards and ethical code.

Legal Factors in Practice

Statutes and regulations governing dental hygiene scope and responsibilities that vary by jurisdiction and must be followed.

Standard of Care

The degree of care and skill expected of a reasonably competent dental hygienist in similar circumstances.

Personal Values

Individual beliefs and attitudes shaped by family, society, and economics that influence professional behavior.