Ace the California RDH Law & Ethics Exam 2026 – Smile Bright and Rule Right!

Confidentiality in dental hygiene refers specifically to the ethical duty to protect a patient's private health information. This is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures that personal and sensitive health information shared by patients is kept secure and only disclosed with consent or as legally required.

Ensuring confidentiality fosters trust between patients and dental professionals, encouraging patients to share necessary information for their care without fear of breach. Violating this confidentiality can lead to significant professional and legal consequences, as it undermines the patient's right to privacy regarding their health information.

In contrast, while patient payments being private is important, it does not fully encompass the broader scope of confidentiality associated with health information. Discussing patient care with anyone does not align with the concept of confidentiality, as it suggests an openness that could breach a patient's trust. Furthermore, informing patients about treatment costs is a necessary part of transparent healthcare practice but does not relate directly to the concept of confidentiality.