Ethical Decision Making for the Dental Hygienist

Chelsea Huntington, RDH, BSStudent Teaching Internship- MSDHUniversity of BridgeportFones School of Dental Hygiene

The Code of Ethics and Ethical AnalysisBeemsterboer CH 5 and 6

Outline of Todays Lesson

Define Ethics Professional Codes of

Ethics In Healthcare.

Review Dental Hygiene Code

of Ethics. Ethical Responsibility Ethical Dilemmas for

the Dental Hygienist

Define Ethical Dilemma

Explain 6 Step Ethical

Decision Making Model

Demonstrate Problem Solving and

Ethical Decision Making Process

Ethics

General standards of right and wrong that guide behavior within society. They can be judged by determining the extent to which they promote good and minimize harm.

Ethics compel us to engage in health promotion/disease prevention activities.

Professional Codes in Healthcare

Guide for members to maintain and uphold important standards of behavior and care.

Contract the profession makes with society outlining the standards it will adhere to.

Binds the members of the group together by expressing common goals and aspirations.

An essential characteristic of a TRUE PROFESSION.

(Beemsterboer CH 5)

How do we know if code of ethics are effective?

1. Professional health care schools screen candidates for admission into their programs based not only on academic ability but good moral character and integrity.

2. It is assumed each student until proven otherwise has traits to be a true professional.

3. After entering professional practice it is the obligation of those professionals to regulate their profession.

Beemsterboer Ch 5, pg 66.

                                                                                                                        

                                                          

The Dental Hygiene Code

Has Seven Components

Preamble Purpose Key Concepts Basic Beliefs Fundamental Principles Core Values Standards of Professional

Responsibility

Beemsterboer Ch 5, pg 75, Appendix 5-1.

Fundamental Principles & Core Values

Fundamental Principles & Core Values

Fundamental Principles & Core Values

Standards of Professional Responsibility

Being Ethical is a Responsibility

What happens if you can’t meet your responsibility?

What is a dilemma? It is an ethical problem. It is predicament, perplexity,

doubt How can you move through

predicament, perplexity, and doubt?

Ethical Dilemmas for the Dental Hygienist

1. Substandard care2. Overtreatment3. Scope of Practice4. Fraud5. Confidentiality6. Impaired Professional 7. Sexual Harassment8. Abuse

Beemsterboer Ch6, pg 90

Conditions That Effect Ethical Decisions

Economic Social Political Legal

Levels of Ethical Awareness

BeemsterboerCH 6- pg, 85.

Learning Ethical Decision Making:

The Ethical Decision Making Model

Some decisions are simple- right vs. wrong, whereas others may be ethical dilemmas.

Ethical decision making models suggest a mechanism for critical thinking and resolution of a problem.

Darby Model (Seven Steps) Ethical Awareness separated

Beemsterboer Model (Six Steps) Ethical awareness integrated

Beemsterboer Ch 6, pg 86

ModelSix Step

1. Define the problem or conflict, identify if this is an ethical issue/dilemma.

2. Collect information, including the values of all parties.

3. Identify/ state the alterative options.

4. Apply the ethical principle to the options (look at code of ethics)

5. Establish an ethical position (justify and defend alternative). Make the decision. State your decision.

6. Act or implement the ethical decision.

Beemsterboer Ch6, pg 88

In Class Exercise“Problem Solving”Groups of 3

Read Ethical Case Study # 4, (Pg 172) Use six step model- Worksheet (Handout) Use code of ethics – CH 5 Solve dilemma (Make sure to justify using

the six parts of the code) Someone keep track by taking notes Pass in notes at end of exercise with team

members names on the worksheet.