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• Understand and adhere to the ADHA Code of Ethics.

• Maintain a current license to practice, including certifications as appropriate.

• Demonstrate respect for the knowledge, expertise, and contributions of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental office staff, and other health care professionals.

• Articulate the roles and responsibilities of the dental hygienist to the patient, interprofessional team members, referring providers, and others.

• Apply problem-solving processes in decision-making and evaluate these processes.

• Demonstrate professional behavior.

• Maintain compliance with established infection control standards following the most current guidelines to

• reduce the risks of healthcare-associated infections in patients, and illnesses and injuries in health care personnel.

• Incorporate cultural competence in all professional interactions.

• Access and utilize current, valid, and reliable evidence in clinical decision-making through analyzing and interpreting the literature and other resources. 

• Maintain awareness of changing trends in dental hygiene, health, and society that impact dental hygiene care.

• Support the dental hygiene profession through ADHA membership.

• Interact with peers and colleagues to create an environment that supports collegiality and teamwork.

• Prevent situations where patient safety and well-being could potentially be compromised.

• Contribute to a safe, supportive, and professional work environment.

• Participate in activities to enhance and maintain continued competence and address professional issues as determined by appropriate self-assessment.

• Commit to lifelong learning to maintain competence in an evolving health care system.

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