What are some ethical dilemmas dental hygienists may face?

Dental hygienists often encounter ethical dilemmas that revolve primarily around patient confidentiality and conflicts of interest in their practice. Confidentiality is a foundational principle in healthcare, requiring professionals to protect patient information received during treatment. A breach in this confidentiality can undermine trust and violate legal and professional standards.

Conflicts of interest may arise in situations where the dental hygienist's personal interests could potentially interfere with their professional judgment regarding patient care. For instance, if a hygienist has a financial incentive related to recommending certain products or services, it can create dilemmas about prioritizing patient welfare versus personal gain. Therefore, navigating these areas is crucial to maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that patient care remains the top priority.

While the other options present valid considerations that dental hygienists might need to address—such as the selection of treatment options, the integration of new technology, and maintaining professional relationships with patients—they do not encapsulate the immediate ethical challenges focused specifically on patient rights and professional integrity that confidentiality and conflicts of interest represent. Thus, these areas truly exemplify the ethical dilemmas most prominently faced in the field.