NBDHE Professional Ethics and Law 2

Question 1

Which ethical principle requires the dental hygienist to tell the truth and provide accurate information to patients?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Justice

Answer

Autonomy

Question 2

Informed consent in dental hygiene practice requires all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The patient must be guaranteed a specific treatment outcome

Answer

Explanation of the proposed treatment and its purpose

Answer

Discussion of potential risks and benefits

Answer

Disclosure of reasonable alternatives

Question 3

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule requires dental practices to:

Accepted Answer

Provide patients with a Notice of Privacy Practices and protect individually identifiable health information from unauthorized disclosure

Answer

Store all patient records in paper format only

Answer

Disclose patient information to any healthcare provider who requests it

Answer

Require patient consent before any clinical treatment

Question 4

A dental hygienist who performs a procedure that they are not legally authorized to perform in their state may be charged with:

Accepted Answer

Practicing dentistry without a license (unauthorized practice of dentistry)

Answer

Only civil negligence

Answer

Battery only if the patient was injured

Answer

No violation if the dentist asked them to perform it

Question 5

Which action represents proper documentation in the event of a patient refusing recommended treatment?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal in the patient's chart, including the risks and alternatives explained, and have the patient sign a refusal of care form

Answer

Simply note 'patient refused' without additional detail

Answer

Do not document the refusal to protect the patient's privacy

Answer

Dismiss the patient from care for non-compliance

Question 6

The concept of 'standard of care' in dental hygiene malpractice cases is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The level of care a reasonably prudent dental hygienist with similar training and experience would provide under the same or similar circumstances

Answer

The highest possible level of care available anywhere

Answer

The care provided by the most experienced specialist

Answer

The minimum care described in the state dental practice act only