ETHICS IN FIELD OF DENTAL HYGIENE Dr. Shahzadi Tayyaba Hashmi

DEFINITION : an area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong ETHICSETHICS

o Ethical principles that relate to the dental profession (e.g beneficence, non maleficence, autonomy) o a system of moral principles governing the professional conduct of dental and dental hygienic practices ETHICS IN DENTAL HYGIENE

o The principles and norms of proper professional conduct concerning the rights and duties of health care professionals themselves and their conduct toward patients and fellow practitioners, including the actions taken in the care of patients and family members ETHICS IN DENTAL HYGIENE

o Ethical codes are formal statements that guide members of a profession in their obligations to clients, colleagues, the larger society, and to global health. ETHICALCODES ETHICAL CODES

Code Of Ethics

Putting patients’ interests first and acting to protect them. Respecting patients’ dignity and choices. Protecting the confidentiality of patients’ information. Being trustworthy Cooperating with other members of the dental team and other healthcare colleagues in the interests of patients. Maintaining your professional knowledge and competence Key Principles For Ethical Dental Practice

1) Respect And Equal Treatment Dental treatment should be provided without discrimination based on the basis of on patient’s gender, racial, religious, or ethnic characteristic Service to the public includes the delivery of quality, component, and timely care ETHICS IN DENTAL PRACTICE

While serving the public, a dentist has the obligation to act in a manner that maintains or elevate the esteem of the profession 3) Standard of care It is unethical for a dentist to render, or cause to be rendered, dental treatment of a quality that falls short of best available scientific evidence 2) PROFESSIONAL ESTEEM

Fully informed consent is essential to the ethical practice of dentistry and reflects the patient’s right of self – decision A dentist must get valid consent before starting treatment or physical investigation, or providing personal care, for a patient 4) INFORMED CONSENT

The patient must be presented with all the treatment options Discussion should include consideration of the benefits, risks, and expected outcome of the each option A parent or legally appointed guardian must consent to the treatment for young children and mentally disabled adults 4) INFORMED CONSENT

The relationship between the patient and hygienist is based on trust Dentists maintain patient records in a manner consistent with the protection of the welfare of the patient. Upon request of a patient or another dental practitioner, dentists provide any information in accordance with applicable law that will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient 5) CONFIDENTIALITY

Three commonly encountered ethical challenges are: – Ethical Distress – Ethical Dilemmas – Ethical Violation ETHICAL CHALLENGES

Ethical Dilemmas arise when there are equally compelling reasons for and against two or more possible courses of action, and where choosing one course of action means that something else is relinquished or let go ETHICAL DILEMMAS

Ethical Distress arises in situations where dental hygienists know or believe they know the right thing to do, but for various reasons (including fear) do not or cannot take the right action or prevent a particular harm ETHICAL DISTRESS

Involves actions or failures that violate fundamental duties to patients or to colleagues and other health-care providers ETHICAL VIOLATION