6. Core Values

We acknowledge these values as general guides for our choices and actions.

Individual autonomy and respect for human beings
People have the right to be treated with respect. They have the right to informed consent prior to treatment, and they have the right to full disclosure of all relevant information so that they can make informed choices about their care.

Confidentiality
We respect the confidentiality of client information and relationships as a demonstration of the value we place on individual autonomy. We acknowledge our obligation to justify any violation of a confidence.

Societal Trust

We value client trust and understand that public trust in our profession is based on our actions and behavior.

Nonmaleficence
We accept our fundamental obligation to provide services in a manner that protects all clients and minimizes harm to them and others involved in their treatment.

Beneficence
We have a primary role in promoting the well being of individuals and the public by engaging in health promotion/disease prevention activities.

Justice and Fairness
We value justice and support the fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources. We believe all people should have access to high-quality, affordable oral healthcare.

Veracity
We accept our obligation to tell the truth and assume that others will do the same. We value self-knowledge and seek truth and honesty in all relationships.

We are obligated to practice our profession in a manner that supports our purpose, beliefs, and values in accordance with the fundamental principles that support our ethics. We acknowledge the following responsibilities:

To Ourselves as Individuals...

• Avoid self-deception, and continually strive for knowledge and personal growth.
• Establish and maintain a lifestyle that supports optimal health.
• Create a safe work environment.
• Assert our own interests in ways that are fair and equitable.
• Seek the advice and counsel of others when challenged with ethical dilemmas.
• Have realistic expectations of ourselves and recognize our limitations.

To Ourselves as Professionals...

• Enhance professional competencies through continuous learning in order to practice according to high standards of care.
• Support dental hygiene peer-review systems and quality-assurance measures.
• Develop collaborative professional relationships and exchange knowledge to enhance our own life-long professional development.

To Family and Friends...

• Support the efforts of others to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles and respect the rights of friends and family.

To Clients...

• Provide oral healthcare utilizing high levels of professional knowledge, judgment, and skill.
• Maintain a work environment that minimizes the risk of harm.
• Serve all clients without discrimination and avoid action toward any individual or group that may be interpreted as discriminatory.
• Hold professional client relationships confidential.
• Communicate with clients in a respectful manner.
• Promote ethical behavior and high standards of care by all dental hygienists.
• Serve as an advocate for the welfare of clients.
• Provide clients with the information necessary to make informed decisions about their oral health and encourage their full participation in treatment decisions and goals.
• Refer clients to other healthcare providers when their needs are beyond our ability or scope of practice.
• Educate clients about high-quality oral healthcare.

• Conduct professional activities and programs, and develop relationships in ways that are honest, responsible, and appropriately open and candid.
• Encourage a work environment that promotes individual professional growth and development.
• Collaborate with others to create a work environment that minimizes risk to the personal health and safety of our colleagues.
• Manage conflicts constructively.
• Support the efforts of other dental hygienists to communicate the dental hygiene philosophy of preventive oral care.
• Inform other healthcare professionals about the relationship between general and oral health.
• Promote human relationships that are mutually beneficial, including those with other healthcare professionals.