CODE OF ETHICS FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS Standards of Professions Responsibility We are obligated to practice our profession in a manner that supports our purpose, beliefs, and values in accordance with the fundamental principles that support our ethics. We acknowledge the following responsibilities: To Ourselves as Individuals • Avoid self-deception, and continually strive for knowledge and personal growth • Establish and maintain a lifestyle that supports optimal health. • Create a safe work environment. • Assert our own interests in ways that are fair and equitable. • Seek the advice and counsel of others when challenged with ethical dilemmas. • Have realistic expectations of ourselves and recognize our limitations. To Ourselves as Professionals • Enhance professional competencies • Serve all clients without discrimination and avoid action toward any individual or group that may be interpreted as discriminatory. • Hold professional client relationships confidential. • Communicate with clients in a respectful manner. • Promote ethical behavior and high standards of care by all dental hygienists. • Serve as an advocate for the welfare of clients.
• Provide clients with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their oral health and encourage their full participation in treatment decisions and goals Source: American Dental Hygiene Association (2021)
through continuous learning in order to practice according to high standards of care. • Support dental hygiene peer-review systems and quality-assurance measures. • Develop collaborative professional relationships and exchange knowledge to enhance our own lifelong professional development. To Family and Friends • Support the efforts of others to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles and respect the rights of friends and family. To Clients • Provide oral health care utilizing high levels of professional knowledge, judgment, and skill. • Maintain a work environment that minimizes the risk of harm.
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Dental Hygiene Program
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