Ethics, Jurisprudence and Practice Management in Dental Hygiene

Vickie J. Kimbrough is the Dental Hygiene Program Director for Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.

Introduction  xiii

Chapter 1  Introduction to Moral Philosophy and Moral Reasoning  1

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Ethical Theories: A Survey of Moral Theories  

Utilitarianism  

Kantian Ethics  

Virtue Ethics  

Social Philosophy  

Utilitarianism and Justice  

Liberalism and Rights  

Rawls’s Theory of Justice  

Summary  

Critical Thinking 

Case Study 

Chapter 2  Ethical Principles and Core Values  19

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Ethical Principles  

Autonomy  

Confidentiality  

Societal Trust  

Nonmaleficence  

Beneficence  

Justice  

Veracity  

Fidelity  

Paternalism/Parentalism  

Utility  

Summary  

Critical Thinking  

Case Study  

 

Chapter 3  Informed Consent  33


 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Rights and Duties Involved in Informed Consent  

Evolution of the Concept of Informed Consent  

Exceptions to the Rule  

The Ideal Context  

Disclosure in the Office: Practical Hints  

Informed Consent and Research  

Use of Photos and Other Recording Devices

Disclosure by Infected Health Care Providers  

Patients’ Bill of Rights  

Summary  

Critical Thinking  

Case Study  

 

Chapter 4  Decision Making  53

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Ethical Dilemma  

Developing the Ability to Solve Ethical Problems  

Steps of Decision Making  

Explaining Decision Making Steps  

Summary  

Critical Thinking

Case Study  

 

Chapter 5  Jurisprudence  67

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Criminal Law  

Civil Law  

Tort Law  

Professional Negligence and Malpractice  

Assault and Battery  

Defamation  

Contract Law  

Abandonment  

Risk Management  

Licensure  

Educational Requirements  

Written Board Exams  

Practical Board Exams  

Other Requirements for Licensure  

Credentialing  

Certification  

State/Provincial Practice Act  

Regulation  

Scope of Practice  

Supervision  

Summary  

Critical Thinking

Case Study  

 

Chapter 6  Social Issues  89

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Workplace Legislation  

Affirmative Action  

Pregnancy Discrimination  

Family and Medical Leave Act  

Americans with Disabilities  

Age Discrimination  

Sexual Harassment  

Occupational Safety and Health Act  

Health Insurance Portabilitiy and Accountability Act

Reporting Domestic Violence  

Child Abuse  

Spouse Abuse  

Elderly Abuse  

Access to Care  

Disparities

Financial Barriers  

Managed Care  

Government Assistance  

Manpower and Location Barriers  

Sociological and Cultural Barriers  

Summary  

Critical Thinking  

Case Study  

 

Chapter 7  Aspects of Practice Management  111

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction   

Pros and Cons of Management Consultants  

Management Styles  

The Team Concept  

Defining Staff Roles  

Crosstraining  

Staff Meetings and Their Benefits  

Expectations and Public Relations  

Employers’ Expectations  

Your Expectations  

Expectations of Staff  

Expectations of Patients  

Marketing and the Dental Practice  

Marketing: The Patient’s Health care  

Marketing: The Practice  

Marketing: Yourself  

Marketing Strategies 

Marketing and Profit Centers  

Summary  

Critical Thinking

Case Study

Chapter 8  The Business of Dental Hygiene  135

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Maximizing Skills  

The Business of Dental Hygiene  

Production Goals and Scheduling

Dental Insurance and Hygiene Services  

Continuing Care and Recare Systems  

Time Management  

Working With Other Dental Hygienists  

Alternative Practice Settings/Independent Practice  

Working as a Public Health Dental Hygienist summary  

Critical Thinking

Case Study  

 

Chapter 9  Technology and Dental Hygiene  153

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Intraoral Camera  

Digital Radiography  

Legal Considerations  

Computerized Periodontal Charting Systems  

Lasers  

Pain-Free Injections  

Cosmetic Imaging and In-Office Fabrication
  of Restorations  

Chartless Patient Records  

The Perioscope

Vision Enhancers

Does Patient Care Suffer?   

How Technology Benefits Dental Hygiene  

Other Technology Options  

Summary 

Critical Thinking   

Case Study

Chapter 10 Seeking the Dental Hygiene Position  171

 

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

Working as a Temporary  

Employment Resources  

Preparing for Interviews  

The Employer’s Interview  

Your Interview  

The Working Interview  

Interviews and Personality Tests  

Attire  

Resumes  

Post-Interview Acknowledgments  

Beginning the New Job  

Compensation  

Benefits  

Negotiating  

Employment Contracts  

Policy Manuals  

Summary  

Critical Thinking   

Case Study

 

Chapter 11 Planning for the Future and Career


Longevity  

Objectives  

Key Terms

Introduction  

The Basics of Investing  

Spend Money Wisely  

Insurance Coverage for Dental Hygienists  

Professional Membership  

Self-Care

Ergonomics and Operatory Design

Summary  

Critical Thinking

Case Study  

Appendices  

Appendix A Code of Ethics of American Dental Hygienists’
Association  

Appendix B Code of Ethics of Canadian Dental Hygienists Association

Appendix C Dental Hygiene Client’s Bill of Rights

Appendix D National, Regional and Provincial Board Examination Agencies

Appendix E Components of a Marketing Plan
(Alternative Practice)  

Appendix F Interview Tips: The Basics  

Appendix G Sample Interview Questions  

Appendix H Internet Resources  

Glossary  235

Works Cited  239

Index  257