Role of Ethics in Dental Hygiene Practice Flashcards
What is the role of ethical theories in dental hygiene?
To lay the foundation for ethical decision making
Ethical theories help in identifying, clarifying, and justifying moral choices.
What are the two main categories of ethical theories?
- Normative Ethics
- Non-normative Ethics
Define ethics.
Moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour or the conducting of an activity.
Define morals.
Concerned with the judgment of the goodness or badness of human action and character.
What is the difference between ethics and morals?
One lives according to one’s morals, but adheres to one’s ethics while doing so.
Define values in the context of ethics.
A principle or concept considered worthwhile.
List three basic duties in Deontology.
- Absolute Duty
- Prima Facie Duty
- Conditional Duty
What is an Absolute Duty?
Binding under all circumstances.
What does Prima Facie Duty mean?
Means ‘at first glance’; based on first impression.
Define Conditional Duty.
A commitment that comes into being after certain conditions are met.
Who is the primary proponent of Utilitarianism?
John S. Mill.
What does Teleology emphasize?
Consequences of actions.
What is Act Utilitarianism concerned with?
Individual acts.
What does Rule Utilitarianism focus on?
The rule from which an action is derived.
What is Virtue Ethics based on?
The cultivation of character as the primary function of morality.
What are the five core values/principles in dental hygiene?
- Beneficence
- Autonomy
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Accountability
- Professionalism
What does Beneficence involve?
Caring about and acting to promote the good of another.
What is Autonomy in the context of dental hygiene?
The right to make one’s own choices.
Define Privacy and Confidentiality as it relates to dental hygiene.
The individual’s right to control access to personal information.
What does Accountability entail?
Acceptance of responsibility for one’s actions and decisions.
What is Professionalism in dental hygiene?
Commitment to use and advance professional knowledge and skills.
What is the principle of Utility?
Weighing both burdens and benefits to ensure the best balance.
What is the difference between Moral Rights and Legal Rights?
- Moral Rights: Based on values and principles
- Legal Rights: Protections provided by law
What does Rawls’s Theory of Justice propose?
A fair deal that members of society negotiate and abide by.
What are the two fundamental principles of Rawls’s Theory of Justice?
- Equal right to liberties
- Inequalities benefit the least advantaged
What is the significance of social justice in healthcare?
Ensures fair distribution of healthcare resources.
True or False: Utilitarianism calls for complete equality in healthcare.
False.
What does the term Parentalism/Paternalism refer to?
Acting to protect or enhance the interests of a person unable to protect their own interests.
