What must dental assistants do in relation to patient confidentiality?

Dental assistants must keep all patient information private and secure to adhere to the principles of patient confidentiality. This is a fundamental aspect of healthcare ethics and is also mandated by privacy laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Maintaining confidentiality ensures that patients feel safe sharing personal information with their healthcare providers, which is essential for effective treatment and trust in the healthcare system.

In practice, this means that dental assistants should protect any written or electronic records containing patient information, avoid discussing patient cases in public spaces, and only share necessary information with authorized personnel involved in the patient’s care. By prioritizing the confidentiality of patient information, dental assistants contribute to a professional and ethical working environment that prioritizes patient rights and privacy.