Week 2

Question 1

What is professionalism in the context of health care providers?

Answer 1

Professionalism refers to the values of a profession that puts ethical and high-quality services before the self-interest of the registrant. It can be summarized as: being competent, honest, and fair.
Professionalism is essential in ensuring quality care and maintaining the trust of clients.

Question 2

What is the definition of professional misconduct?

Answer 2

Professional misconduct is anything that goes against the principles of professionalism, including ethical and legal standards.
It encompasses actions that could harm clients or violate regulations.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Code of Ethics for dental hygienists?

Answer 3

The Code of Ethics sets out the ideals that dental hygienists should strive to achieve, focusing on the values needed to reach excellence.
It includes 19 principles or goals for ethical practice.

Question 4

What are the key differences between the Code of Ethics and the Professional Misconduct Regulation?

Answer 4

The Code of Ethics - ideals and values (words like ‘commit’ and ‘advance’)
Professional Misconduct Regulation - minimum legal requirements for practice (words like ‘shall’ and ‘must’)

Question 5

What are the 3 components of competence in dental hygiene?

Answer 5

• Appropriate knowledge, skills, and judgment
• An attitude towards a client’s welfare
• A process of continuously upgrading knowledge, skills, and judgment

Question 6

True or False: It is possible to be impolite and not engage in professional misconduct.

Answer 6

True

Try to avoid

Question 7

What is the ethical obligation of a dental hygienist when a client’s condition requires referral?

Answer 7

The dental hygienist must recommend the highest standard of care, which includes referring the client to a specialist if necessary.

Not doing so may lead to professional misconduct.

Question 8

Fill in the blank: Professional misconduct can result in _______.

Answer 8

disciplinary proceedings, legal liability

These actions can be taken by the College against a dental hygienist for failing to meet legal standards.

Question 9

What are some acts of professional misconduct under the Health Professions Procedural Code?

Answer 9

• Failing to refer a client when necessary
• Abusing a client verbally or physically
• Treating a condition beyond expertise
• Failing to maintain a standard of practice

Question 10

What is the importance of attitude in the context of professional competence?

Answer 10

Attitude is key to competence; it involves prioritizing the welfare of the client and committing to ethical conduct.

Question 11

List 3 key attitudes identified in the Code of Ethics for ethical conduct.

Answer 11

• Beneficence
• Autonomy
• Accountability

Question 12

What does the term ‘informed consent’ imply in dental hygiene practice?

Answer 12

Informed consent means obtaining agreement from the client or their authorized representative before proceeding with treatment.

Question 13

What is the consequence of engaging in sexual misconduct involving a person in a position of authority?

Answer 13

It is considered a professional misconduct and can lead to severe disciplinary actions.

Question 14

True or False: A dental hygienist can practice while impaired by substances.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What is the responsibility of a dental hygienist when treating a condition that is beyond their expertise?

Answer 15

The hygienist must not treat the condition and should refer the client to a qualified practitioner. (Stay within scope of practice)

Question 16

List 2 actions that could be considered professional misconduct related to client fees.

Answer 16

• Charging or accepting excessive fees
• Failing to itemize an account for services when requested

Question 17

What must a dental hygienist do if they receive a request for a report or record?

Answer 17

They must provide the report, certificate, or copy of the record within a reasonable time.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: Professional misconduct includes _______ a client without their consent.

Answer 18

[giving information about the client]

Confidentiality

Question 19

What is considered professional misconduct regarding written undertakings?

Answer 19

Failing to abide by a written undertaking given by the member to the College or to carry out an agreement entered into with the College.

Question 20

What laws must a member not contravene to avoid professional misconduct?

Answer 20

The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 or the regulations under either of those Acts.

Question 21

True or False: A member can contravene a municipal by-law without facing professional misconduct.

Answer 21

False

Question 22

What must a member not permit regarding non-members?

Answer 22

Permitting, counselling or assisting any person who is not a member to hold himself or herself out as a member of the profession.

Question 23

What must a member do if they encounter unsafe practice by another member?

Answer 23

Promptly report to the College an incident of unsafe practice by a member.

Question 24

What constitutes disgraceful conduct in the practice of the profession?

Answer 24

Engaging in conduct or performing an act relevant to the practice that would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Question 25

Fill in the blank: Failing to co-operate with an investigator of the College is considered _______.

Answer 25

professional misconduct

Question 26

What must a member provide to an investigator upon request?

Answer 26

Access to and copies of all records, documents, and things that may be reasonably required for the purposes of the investigations.

Question 27

What is an example of conduct unbecoming a dental hygienist?

Answer 27

Engaging in conduct unbecoming a dental hygienist.