Beneficence in dental hygiene practice is defined as?

Beneficence in dental hygiene practice is a key ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation of dental professionals to promote the well-being of their patients. This entails acting in the best interests of patients by providing care that is beneficial, helping to prevent harm, and contributing positively to their health.

In the context of dental hygiene, this principle encompasses a range of actions, such as actively seeking to improve the oral health of patients, educating them about best practices for maintaining their dental health, and implementing preventive measures. By prioritizing patient welfare and striving to do good, dental hygienists uphold the ethical standards of their profession.

The focus on promoting well-being distinguishes this principle from other options that may relate to dental practice but do not encapsulate the essence of beneficence. For instance, while providing affordable care and maintaining patient confidentiality are undoubtedly important aspects of dental practice, they do not specifically address the proactive effort to enhance patient health that beneficence embodies. Similarly, avoiding all risks may be an unrealistic standard in practice, as some level of risk can be inherent in any medical or dental procedure. Thus, the definition of beneficence as promoting well-being and doing good is a more fitting and comprehensive understanding of the term within dental hygiene.