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

Which principle must dental hygienists adhere to when communicating the costs of their services?

1. Transparency in pricing without accounting for discounts

2. Adhering to advertising guidelines as per regulatory authority

3. Providing options based on the latest market rates

4. Minimizing costs for underprivileged patients only

The correct answer is: Adhering to advertising guidelines as per regulatory authority

The principle that dental hygienists must adhere to when communicating the costs of their services is rooted in the necessity of following established advertising guidelines as per their regulatory authority. Regulatory bodies set these guidelines to ensure that all communications about services and pricing are truthful, accurate, and not misleading. By adhering to these regulations, dental hygienists foster trust and credibility with their patients, as they provide clear and honest information about the costs associated with their services. Transparency in pricing is important, but it must still comply with the regulatory framework that dictates how pricing can be communicated. This means not only ensuring that patients understand what they will be charged but doing so within the bounds of ethical advertising standards. Furthermore, while market rates and considerations for underprivileged patients are significant, the primary focus when discussing service costs revolves around adherence to the established advertising guidelines that protect both the provider and the patient.