Professional Ethics and Law 1 Flashcards

A dental hygienist discovers that a colleague is consistently falsifying patient records to cover up incomplete procedures. The hygienist's primary ethical obligation is to:

Answer: Report the behavior through appropriate channels to protect patient welfare

The ethical principle of nonmaleficence (do no harm) and professional accountability require dental hygienists to report misconduct that places patients at risk, even when it involves a colleague. Patient welfare takes precedence over collegial loyalty.

A patient refuses a recommended bitewing series, citing concerns about radiation exposure. The dental hygienist should:

Answer: Document the refusal, respect the patient's decision, and note it in the chart

Patient autonomy is a core ethical principle that gives competent adults the right to refuse treatment. The hygienist must respect this decision, document it thoroughly, and continue to provide care within the patient's stated limits.

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which of the following statements is TRUE?

Answer: An employer may be held legally responsible for negligent acts committed by employees within the scope of their employment

Respondeat superior ('let the master answer') holds employers vicariously liable for employees' negligent acts performed within the scope of employment. However, the employee (dental hygienist) may also retain personal liability.

A dental hygienist receives a subpoena for a patient's dental records in connection with a personal injury lawsuit. The hygienist should:

Answer: Provide the records as required by law after notifying the patient if permitted

A valid subpoena is a court order that constitutes a legal basis for disclosure under HIPAA. The hygienist should comply with the subpoena, notify the patient when feasible, and provide complete, unaltered records as requested.

The ethical concept of justice in dental hygiene practice is BEST demonstrated by:

Answer: Providing the same quality of care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay or background

Justice requires fair and equitable treatment of all patients without discrimination based on socioeconomic status, race, gender, or other characteristics. It means distributing care and professional resources fairly across all patient populations.

A dental hygienist who exceeds the scope of practice defined by their state's Dental Practice Act may face which of the following consequences?

Answer: License suspension or revocation, civil liability, and potentially criminal charges

Practicing outside the legally defined scope of practice can result in disciplinary action by the state dental board (including license suspension or revocation), civil liability for patient harm, and in some cases criminal prosecution for unauthorized practice of dentistry.