Title: ADHA’s code of ethics
Author(s): Carlson, Cynthia; Furnari, Winnie; Higbee, Lisa K.; Lamb, Jennifer
Publisher/Year: Access / Jan 1, 2010
Collection Type: Journal
Classification: 561 Words
Language: English
Availability: Text

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association approved and ratified its Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists in 1995. This formal document sets forth our basic beliefs, fundamental principles, core values and standards of professional responsibility.

The Ethics Committee of ADHA is not a policing entity. It serves as an investigative tool to gather evidence and assist ADHA if needed in the event of a complaint directed towards a member. The ADHA Board of Trustees is available to answer any questions about procedures related to the work of the Ethics Committee.

As dental hygienists, many of us can remember the day we took our dental hygiene vow. We promised to uphold laws and values as we stepped into a professional career in health care. Our organization has stated and accepted the purpose and objectives of our professional code of ethics:

The purpose of a professional code of ethics is to achieve high levels of ethical consciousness, decision making and practice by the members of the profession. Specific objectives of the Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists are:

• To increase our professional and ethical consciousness and sense of ethical responsibility.

• To lead us to recognize ethical issues and choices and to guide us in making more informed ethical decisions.

• To establish a standard for professional judgment and conduct.

• To provide a statement of the ethical behavior the public can expect from us.

As a universal concept, ethics comprises the general standards of right and wrong that guide behavior within society. As generally accepted actions, they can be judged by determining the extent to which they promote good and minimize harm. Ethics compels us to engage in health promotion/disease prevention activities. (1)

The ADHA Ethics Committee will prepare a series of columns this year to address the fundamental principles and core values set forth in the code. If you have questions about the document or the ideas it represents, please email communications[at]adha.net with ACCESS ETHICS in the subject line.

Cynthia Carlson, RDH, BS, past president and delegate of the Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association, is currently legislative co-chair. A recipient of Nebraska’s Hygienist of the Year Award and member of the Medical Reserve Corps, she has practiced clinically over 30 years and presents oral health education as a volunteer.

Winnie Furnari, RDH, MS, FAADH, is past president of the New Jersey and New York Dental Hygienists’ Associations. Recipient of numerous awards, she is assistant professor at New York, serving on the Ethics and Professionalism Council and as ADHA student chapter co-advisor. She lectures and works extensively in forensic odontology.

Lisa K. Higbee, RDH, BS, has practiced in Pocatello, Idaho for over 21 years and is Idaho’s delegate chair, serving on the Practice and Regulations Committee. Recipient of Breath RX Dental Hygienist of the Year, RDH/Sunstar Award of Distinction and ISU Distinguished Alumni Award, she delivers various continuing education presentations.

Jennifer Lamb, RDH, MPH, is currently president of the Arkansas State Dental Hygienists’ Association. She has served seven years as Arkansas’ delegate for ADHA. She currently works in private practice for Richardson and Monroe, DDS, PA.

Reference
(1.) ADHA Code of Ethics for Dental Hygienists, 1995. Available at www.adha.org/aboutadha/index.html

By Cynthia Carlson, RDH, BS; Winnie Furnari, RDH, MS, FAADH; Lisa K. Higbee, RDH, BS; and Jennifer Lamb, RDH, MPH.

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