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

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What principle requires dental hygienists to act in a way that benefits the client?

  1. Confidentiality

  2. Beneficence

  3. Nonmaleficence

  4. Autonomy

The correct answer is: Beneficence

The principle that requires dental hygienists to act in a way that benefits the client is known as beneficence. This ethical principle emphasizes the importance of doing good and providing care that enhances the well-being of patients. In the context of dental hygiene, it reflects the obligation to promote health, prevent disease, and improve the quality of life for clients. By adhering to beneficence, dental hygienists ensure that their actions contribute positively to the health outcomes and overall welfare of their patients. This could involve offering appropriate treatments, educating clients about oral hygiene practices, and advocating for necessary preventive measures. In contrast, confidentiality pertains to protecting patient information, nonmaleficence focuses on avoiding harm to the patient, and autonomy emphasizes respecting a patient’s rights to make their own decisions regarding treatment. While all these principles are essential to ethical practice, beneficence specifically relates to the proactive duty to provide beneficial care to clients.