Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What must dental hygienists avoid to prevent charges of negligence?

1. Ignoring patient reviews

2. Performing procedures outside their scope of practice

3. Accepting patients without initial consultations

4. Working without supervision

The correct answer is: Performing procedures outside their scope of practice

Performing procedures outside their scope of practice is essential to prevent charges of negligence. Dental hygienists operate under specific regulations that define the boundaries of their professional duties. If a hygienist engages in procedures that are not permitted by law or exceed their training, they can be held liable for negligence if a patient suffers harm as a result. This principle is rooted in the legal and ethical standards that govern healthcare practitioners, which prioritize patient safety and the adherence to established guidelines. In the context of the other options, ignoring patient reviews, accepting patients without initial consultations, and working without supervision can present issues in practice but do not directly equate to negligence in the same way as performing unauthorized procedures does. For instance, while patient consultations are essential for building a rapport and ensuring appropriate care, lack of an initial consultation may impact the treatment plan but is less directly tied to the legal definitions of negligence. Similarly, while unsupervised work may breach workplace policies or professional standards, it does not inherently lead to patient harm as much as providing care outside one's licensed capabilities would. Therefore, adhering strictly to the scope of practice is critical in maintaining legal and ethical standards in dental hygiene.