RDH Ethics & Jurisprudence for Dental Hygiene — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ethical principle is demonstrated by maintaining patient confidentiality?
- Nonmaleficence
- Autonomy (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
- Justice
Correct answer: Autonomy
Maintaining patient confidentiality directly upholds the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy respects a patient's right to control their personal information and make informed decisions about their healthcare without fear of sensitive details being disclosed. This practice builds trust and empowers patients to share necessary information for their care.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of dental jurisprudence?
- To encourage continuing education
- To regulate ethical dilemmas
- To protect patient rights and public safety (Correct answer)
- To promote new technologies
Correct answer: To protect patient rights and public safety
Dental jurisprudence refers to the body of law and legal principles governing the practice of dentistry. Its primary purpose is to establish standards of care, define professional responsibilities, and ensure accountability, thereby safeguarding patient rights and protecting public safety from negligence or unethical practices within the dental profession.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of informed consent?
- Asking the patient to sign a waiver after treatment
- Explaining treatment options and obtaining written permission (Correct answer)
- Providing a brochure on dental hygiene
- Scheduling appointments without discussion
Correct answer: Explaining treatment options and obtaining written permission
Informed consent is a legal and ethical requirement that ensures a patient fully understands a proposed treatment before agreeing to it. Explaining treatment options, including risks, benefits, and alternatives, and then obtaining written permission confirms that the patient has been adequately informed and has voluntarily consented to the procedure.
Question 4: What should a dental hygienist do if they suspect a colleague is under the influence at work?
- Ignore the situation unless it repeats
- Talk to the colleague privately
- Report the concern to a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to reschedule
Correct answer: Report the concern to a supervisor
Patient safety is paramount in a healthcare setting. If a dental hygienist suspects a colleague is impaired, it poses a direct risk to patients and the quality of care provided. Reporting the concern to a supervisor is the appropriate and responsible action, as it allows for proper investigation and intervention to protect patients and maintain a safe working environment.
Question 5: What is the ethical principle of beneficence?
- Doing no harm
- Acting in the patient's best interest (Correct answer)
- Maintaining fairness
- Upholding patient autonomy
Correct answer: Acting in the patient's best interest
Beneficence is an ethical principle that obligates healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients. This means actively promoting the patient's well-being, preventing harm, and providing care that is beneficial to their health, going beyond merely avoiding harm (nonmaleficence).
Question 6: Which of the following is legally required before initiating treatment?
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Verbal agreement
- Clinical examination
- Informed consent (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Informed consent
Informed consent is a fundamental legal and ethical requirement that must be obtained before initiating any medical or dental treatment. It ensures that the patient has been fully educated about the proposed treatment, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and has voluntarily agreed to proceed, thereby protecting both the patient's autonomy and the practitioner legally.
RDH Ethics & Jurisprudence for Dental Hygiene
Which ethical principle is demonstrated by maintaining patient confidentiality?