THE DENTAL TEAM

“What ethical issues exist in the relationship of the dentist and dental

auxiliaries?”

Educational Background of Dental Hygienists

College level coursework• 2.5 - 3 years

Degreed offered:• Associate of Science

• Bachelor of Science

• Master of Science

Accredited Programs Licensure

Course Work

Basic Science• General

Chemistry with lab

• Anatomy & Physiology with lab

• Microbiology with lab

• Nutrition

General Education• English

Composition• Communication

s or Speech• Psychology• Sociology

Dental Sciences

Dental Morphology and Occlusion

Histology & Embryology General & Oral Pathology Oral Medicine Dental Materials Pharmacology

Dental Hygiene Practice

Patient Assessment Radiology Medical Emergencies Preventive Dentistry Periodontology Expanded Functions

• (Hygiene & Restorative)

Community and Public Health Dentistry

Practice Management

Scope of Practice

Patient Assessment Data Interpretation Dental Hygiene Treatment

Planning Periodontal Debridement Preventive therapies Restorative Expanded Functions

Educational Background of Dental Assistants

On the job training (OTJ), Vocational/Technical Colleges; Community Colleges

Accredited Programs Certification for Expanded

Functions Degrees:

• Associate of Science

Course work

Basic Science• Anatomy & Physiology

General Education• English Composition

Dental Sciences

Dental Morphology and Occlusion

Histology,Embryology, General & Oral Pathology, Pharmacology Concepts

Dental Materials

Dental Assisting Practice

Patient Assessment Radiology Medical Emergencies Preventive Dentistry Expanded Functions

• (Hygiene & Restorative)

Community and Public Health Dentistry

Practice Management

Scope of Practice

Limited Patient Assessment Chairside assisting Expanded Restorative Functions Preventive therapies

Ethical Issues Faced

Sexual Harassment Supervision Delegation of duties Evaluation

Sexual Harassment

“A form of sexual discrimination that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical actions of a sexual nature when:

submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or status

submission to or rejection such conduct by an individual is used as a basis for an employment decision or a decision affecting an individual’s status

such conduct substantially interferes with an individual’s work, academic participation or performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment.

Ethical Relationships

Improve the quality of

patient care

Increase office productivity

Decrease stress level for all

members of the Team.

Strategies to enhance mutually beneficial and

cooperative relationships

Develop respectful, collaborative relationships

Establish open communication processes

Provide clear delineation of responsibilities, especially limitations