California Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) Law and Ethics exam

What ethical consideration should you keep in mind when discussing treatment with clients?

1. Maintain confidentiality regardless of circumstances

2. Prioritize personal beliefs over client needs

3. Always document without client consent

4. Engage openly within professional guidelines

The correct answer is: Engage openly within professional guidelines

Engaging openly within professional guidelines is crucial when discussing treatment with clients because it ensures that communication is transparent, respectful, and aligned with ethical standards in healthcare. This approach fosters trust between the client and the dental hygienist, allowing the client to make informed decisions about their treatment options. Open engagement encourages a collaborative relationship, where clients feel valued and heard, and it also aligns with established ethical principles such as respect for autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence. Additionally, this practice adheres to the legal and ethical frameworks that govern the profession, providing a standard of care that prioritizes the client's well-being and informed consent. Following professional guidelines safeguards against potential ethical breaches and ensures that the treatment process is compliant with industry standards. Prioritizing personal beliefs, maintaining confidentiality regardless of circumstances, and documenting without consent do not align with best practices in ethical client engagement, as they can undermine trust, violate legal norms, and compromise the client’s autonomy and decision-making capacity.