Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

In situations involving substitute decision makers, what must dental hygienists consider?

1. The client’s preferences regardless of their capacity

2. Their own professional judgment only

3. The extent of the client’s capacity to participate

4. The substitute decision maker’s qualifications

The correct answer is: The extent of the client’s capacity to participate

When dental hygienists encounter situations involving substitute decision makers, it is crucial to consider the extent of the client's capacity to participate in their own care. This involves assessing the client's ability to understand, appreciate the situation, and express a choice regarding their treatment. Even when a substitute decision maker is involved, the dental hygienist must recognize that the client's rights, preferences, and capacity play a vital role in the decision-making process. The capacity of the client dictates how much involvement they can have. For example, if a client has diminished capacity, it may be necessary for the substitute decision maker to make more decisions on their behalf, but the dental hygienist should still ensure that the client’s wishes are taken into account as much as possible. This approach aligns with ethical principles of autonomy and respect for the patient’s rights, highlighting the importance of understanding the client’s unique circumstances. Considering the substitute decision maker’s qualifications might be important in some contexts, but it does not take precedence over evaluating the client's own capacity to participate. It’s also important to recognize that the client’s preferences are important, but they must be assessed in light of their actual ability to make decisions. Relying solely on professional judgment without considering the client’s capacity would overlook essential ethical responsibilities that