What is a common ethical dilemma faced by dental hygienists?

The significance of informed consent and patient autonomy in the practice of dental hygiene establishes it as a prominent ethical dilemma. Dental hygienists are responsible for ensuring that patients are adequately informed about their treatment options and the potential risks and benefits before proceeding. This practice empowers patients to make choices about their own care, aligning with ethical standards that prioritize respect for patient autonomy.

When working with patients, dental hygienists frequently encounter situations where they must communicate complex information regarding procedures, alternative treatments, and potential outcomes. Failure to provide adequate informed consent not only undermines patient autonomy but can also result in ethical and legal ramifications for the dental hygienist and the dental practice.

While other choices may involve ethical considerations, they are not as universally recognized as central ethical dilemmas in the same way that informed consent and patient autonomy are. Balancing personal beliefs with professional duties can complicate a hygienist's decision-making process, but it often comes secondary to the fundamental ethical obligation of ensuring patients are informed. Similarly, pricing services and product recommendations tend to relate more to business practices rather than direct ethical issues concerning patient care.