All Canadian dental assistants follow a code of ethics. This code of ethics was put in place to ensure professionalism and to help guide ethical decision making in the dental office.
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association reflects the values of the dental profession, which are based on honesty, integrity, and respect for others. During their courses, dental assistant students learn all about the Code of Ethics. In fact, this is an integral part of their training. Students are expected to uphold certain high ethical standards of conduct throughout their careers.
If you’re planning to pursue dental assistant training, read on to learn more about the Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association.
The Professional Conduct of a Certified Dental Assistant
Once you become a dental assistant, you will have the skills needed to provide patients with excellent dental advice and treatments, and youa��ll also be well-versed in administrative duties within the office.
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association dedicates several sections to professionalism. These sections are intended to help dental assistants understand their qualifications and how they apply to daily job duties. For example, dental assistants sometimes help with the business aspect of the dental officea��they manage patient records, billing and more.
Once you become a dental assistant, you’ll be expected to cooperate well with other members of the team. Ita��s important to remember to ask for help when needed and report any dishonest behavior you may witness to your superiors.
Working with Patients as a Certified Dental Assistant
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association also indicates what your responsibilities to patients will be when you are a certified dental assistant. Here are 3 important things you will be responsible for:
- Confidentiality. Dental assistants should never share patient records with anyone outside of the dental team. When you break into the field, ita��s important that you always respect a patienta��s right to privacy with any and all information.
- Informed Consent. A dentist might task you with explaining various treatment options to the patients. Ita��s important to explain the options to the best of your knowledge and allow the patients to make the ultimate decision.
- Comfort and Welfare. One of your priorities will be to ensure the comfort of all patientsa��whether you’re helping them get settled into the dentist chair or assisting with proceduresa��their sense of security should always be kept in mind and respected.
A Certified Dental Assistant Never Stops Learning
The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association states that with technological advancements in the dental field, dental assistants are required to continue learning through literature, trainings, peer associations and more. This is great news, since you’ll have access to the most up-to-date information on dental practices and technology.
When it comes to community efforts, The Code of Ethics of the Canadian Dental Assistantsa�� Association encourages dental assistants to uphold professionalism when giving back to the community. For example, participating in community efforts can include speaking at local schools about dental health practices or other promotional events.
The Code of Ethics also encourages dental assistants to fulfill their duties in environmentally friendly ways, by recycling, turning off machines that are not in use and more.
Looking for a dental assistant course that’s in line with Canada’s dental assistant Code of Ethics?
Visit CADH to learn more about our programs or to speak to an advisor.
