What ethical principles guide the practice of dental hygiene in New Jersey?

The ethical principles that guide the practice of dental hygiene in New Jersey include autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. Understanding these principles is crucial for dental hygienists as they provide a framework for making ethical decisions in patient care.

Autonomy refers to respecting a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own dental care. This means that dental hygienists must ensure that patients understand their treatment options and can provide consent based on this understanding.

Non-maleficence is the principle of "do no harm." Dental hygienists are responsible for practicing in a way that minimizes the risk of harm to patients, which involves using evidence-based practices and staying current with advancements in the field.

Beneficence is the obligation to promote good and help patients achieve better oral health outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of providing care that benefits the patient, going beyond simply not causing harm.

Justice relates to fairness and equality in providing dental care. Dental hygienists must strive to ensure that they do not discriminate against patients based on any factors and that they provide equitable access to services.

Veracity is the principle of truthfulness. Dental hygienists are expected to communicate honestly with patients, ensuring that they provide accurate information about their conditions, treatments,