NBDHE Professional Ethics and Law Flashcards

A dental hygienist discovers that a colleague has been charting procedures that were not performed. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Answer: Alert the supervising dentist or practice owner about the discrepancy

Reporting suspected fraud to the supervising dentist or practice owner is the appropriate first step within the organizational hierarchy before escalating externally.

Under HIPAA, which of the following represents a permitted disclosure of protected health information without patient authorization?

Answer: Disclosing information to public health authorities for disease surveillance

HIPAA permits disclosure to public health authorities for activities such as disease surveillance, reporting, and control without patient authorization.

A patient refuses bitewing radiographs that the hygienist believes are clinically necessary. The hygienist should:

Answer: Document the refusal and continue the appointment without radiographs

Respecting patient autonomy requires documenting the informed refusal and proceeding with care that the patient does consent to.

Which ethical principle obligates dental hygienists to provide care that is beneficial to the patient and promotes their well-being?

Answer: Beneficence

Beneficence is the ethical principle that requires practitioners to act in the best interest of the patient and promote their welfare.

A state dental practice act is best described as:

Answer: State legislation that defines the legal scope of dental practice within that state

Dental practice acts are state statutes that establish the legal scope of practice, licensing requirements, and disciplinary processes for dental professionals.

Informed consent for a dental hygiene procedure is considered legally valid when the patient:

Answer: Demonstrates understanding of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives

Valid informed consent requires that the patient understands the nature of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and available alternatives before agreeing.

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'standard of care' in dental hygiene practice?

Answer: The level of care that a reasonably prudent dental hygienist would provide under similar circumstances

Standard of care refers to the degree of care a reasonably competent dental hygienist with similar training would provide in the same or similar circumstances.