Title: Professionalism and the Code of Ethics
Course: DEH 2811 Ethics > Section: Module 1 - Professionalism and the Code of Ethics

Introduction

The study of dental hygiene includes learning how to be a health care professional. This module includes the various aspects of professionalism, including the meaning and the types of actions that would be considered professional. The criteria required to make a group of individuals a professional group will be considered. The Code of Ethics will be introduced and evaluated. Various sections of the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics will be considered from the perspective of the dental hygiene professional, the patient, and the community.

It is important that the dental hygiene student understand what it means to be a professional and it is also important that he or she understand the Code of Ethics. Upholding the Code of Ethics reflects positively on the profession of dental hygiene. The study of ethics and professionalism is the foundation for the practice of dental hygiene.

Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Explain the relationship between the health care provider and the patient.
- Describe the aspects of a true profession as they apply to dentistry and dental hygiene.
- Identify the traits of a professional dental hygienist.
- Discuss the role of a code of ethics for the health care professions.
- Explain the value to the public of a professional code of ethics.
- Describe how a code of ethics can assist in the professional duty of self-regulation.

Readings & Resources

Required textbook reading:  Beemsterboer, P. (2009). Ethics and Law in Dental Hygiene (2nd ed). W.B. Saunders Company, Chapter 5, pp. 5-21.

Assignments and Activities

- Post to the Greetings and Introductions Discussion Board.
- Complete the Student Contract Quiz.
- Post to the Module 1 Discussion Board.
- Complete the Module 1 Presentation Assignment.