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The purpose of a professional code of ethics is to achieve high levels of ethical consciousness, decision making, and practice by the members of the profession. Specific objectives of the Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics are:

• to increase our professional and ethical consciousness and sense of ethical responsibility.

• to lead us to recognize ethical issues and choices and to guide us in making more informed ethical decisions.

• to establish a standard for professional judgment and conduct.

• to provide a statement of the ethical behavior the public can expect from us.

The Dental Hygiene Code of Ethics is meant to influence us throughout our careers. It stimulates our continuing study of ethical issues and challenges us to explore our ethical responsibilities. The Code establishes concise standards of behavior to guide the public’s expectations of our profession and supports dental hygiene practice, laws and regulations. By holding ourselves accountable to meeting the standards stated in the Code, we enhance the public’s trust on which our professional privilege and status are founded.