California RDH Law and Ethics Exam Complete Practice Test

Question: 1 / 400

Define "malpractice" in the context of dental hygiene.

Providing treatment that all patients refuse

A failure to provide the standard of care which results in harm to a patient

Malpractice in the context of dental hygiene refers to a failure to provide the standard of care, which subsequently results in harm to a patient. This concept is grounded in the legal and ethical duty of healthcare professionals, including dental hygienists, to adhere to established practices and procedures that ensure patient safety and well-being. If a hygienist does not meet the accepted standards of practice—whether through negligence, lack of skill, or failure to follow current guidelines—and this leads to injury or adverse outcomes for the patient, it constitutes malpractice. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of malpractice as it highlights the link between the absence of proper care and the resultant harm to the patient, which is a critical component in potential legal cases involving healthcare providers.

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Referring patients to specialists

Following all treatment protocols

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