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

What duty do dentists have regarding patient confidentiality?

1. To disclose patient information for marketing purposes

2. To safeguard patient records and provide information upon request

3. To allow open access to all staff for patient records

4. To limit access to records only to senior practitioners

The correct answer is: To safeguard patient records and provide information upon request

Dentists have a duty to safeguard patient records and provide information upon request, which stems from ethical obligations and legal requirements regarding patient confidentiality. This responsibility is central to the practice of dentistry and is rooted in the principle that patients have the right to privacy concerning their personal health information. Dentists are required to implement security measures to protect sensitive patient data and limit access to authorized personnel only, ensuring that patient records are handled with care. Additionally, patients have the right to access their health information, including obtaining copies of their records, which promotes transparency and trust in the patient-provider relationship. This aligns with federal regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes standards for protecting health information. The other options do not align with the ethical and legal standards for patient confidentiality. For instance, disclosing information for marketing purposes undermines patient trust and violates confidentiality. Allowing open access to all staff can lead to unauthorized disclosures and potential breaches of confidentiality. Limiting access only to senior practitioners might not sufficiently safeguard records, as appropriate access often includes a range of necessary personnel trained to handle patient information confidentially.