Ethical Issues In Health Care Essay

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Ethics is the moral principle of doing that is right for our patients. However, there are some situations in where doing what is right conflict with other principles. As dental hygienist we have to provide the best care for our patients. The services we offer need to avoid injuring or hurting the patients. Also, they need to be able to remove any existing condition that is affecting patients. However, the first thing we need to have in mind is that patients have the right to accept or refuse treatment. When our duty conflict with the patient’s decision of not receive treatment, this put us in an ethical dilemma. Ethical dilemma A patient decides he or she wants to save money by refusing X-rays for the fourth year in a row. The patient is exercising his or her autonomy. However, the hygienist realizes this puts him or her in an ethical dilemma. Not taking X-rays for so long is a form of nonmaleficence, and it does not benefit the patient and can harm the patient due to undetected periodontal disease, decay, pathology, and more. …show more content…

• The patient has not have x-ray in four years. There are some conditions that are not visible clinically, like interproximal decay, recurrent caries, bone loss, and periapical abscesses. These conditions might affect the patient’s general health if they are not treated. Also, can cause him/she pain, loss teeth, and might need more expensive treatment on the long run. • Patient has the authority to decide to refuse

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