Professional Ethics, Unprofessional Conduct, and Mandatory Reporting
This section covers ethics and mandatory reporting; the exam tests unprofessional conduct and the duty to report abuse or impairment.
Ethics and unprofessional conduct
Kentucky's Board may discipline for unprofessional conduct, including fraud or misrepresentation on a license application, practicing beyond scope, gross negligence, impairment, patient abandonment, fee splitting, false advertising, and failure to cooperate with the Board. Ethics is not separate from law: a single act can be both a crime and a licensure violation.
Mandatory reporting
Dental professionals must report suspected child abuse or neglect under KRS 620.030 to the appropriate authorities, and suspected adult abuse under applicable law. Reports should be timely and factual. Some jurisdictions also require reporting of impaired practitioners or serious violations; know the Board's current reporting rule. Reporting in good faith is protected; failure to report can itself be a violation.
Boundaries
Avoid dual relationships, self-treatment, and treating family without proper records. Protect patient privacy in hallways and social media. Do not accept kickbacks for referrals. Represent credentials accurately.
Worked example
A 9-year-old patient has multiple untreated caries and a suspicious explanation for a burn. The hygienist must report the suspicion to child protective services, not merely tell the dentist and wait. The report is made in good faith based on observed facts; the hygienist does not need to prove abuse.
Traps
Thinking confidentiality forbids an abuse report. Reporting only after 'confirming' abuse. Ignoring a colleague's impairment because 'it's not my business.' Posting patient images without authorization.