Ethics, Professional Responsibility, and Mandatory Reporting
This domain tests professional duties that go beyond technical skill: patient welfare, honesty, and legally required reporting.
Professional duties
Ethics in dental hygiene centers on patient welfare, honesty, competence, and respect for autonomy. Obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality, bill accurately, avoid conflicts, and refer when a condition exceeds scope. Represent credentials truthfully and do not advertise in a misleading way.
Mandatory reporting
Oklahoma law requires health professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect and elder or vulnerable-adult abuse to the designated authorities. HIPAA permits these disclosures; it does not block them. Report suspected impairment or unprofessional conduct as required by Board rules, and cooperate with Board investigations. Follow employer policy only if it does not conflict with legal duties.
Worked example
A hygienist notices unexplained injuries and a fearful child. She documents objective findings, tells the dentist, and reports to the child welfare hotline. She does not investigate or confront the parent. The report is made in good faith and is protected.
Traps
Do not assume HIPAA prohibits an abuse report. Do not delay a mandatory report to 'get more proof.' Do not confuse professional courtesy with a legal duty; silence can itself be a violation.