How can addiction to substances affect a dental hygienist’s practice?

Addiction to substances can significantly impact a dental hygienist's practice by leading to complaints from patients. When a dental hygienist is struggling with addiction, it can impair their ability to perform tasks effectively, maintain professionalism, and manage their interactions with patients. Patients may experience substandard care due to the hygienist’s compromised focus, attention, or skill, which can result in a negative experience during their appointments. This deterioration in performance and the potential for mistakes can lead to patient complaints, adversely affecting the hygiene professional's reputation and the overall patient trust in the dental practice.

The other options do not reasonably reflect the consequences of addiction. Enhanced performance or improvement in working conditions are unlikely outcomes, as addiction usually leads to challenges rather than benefits in a professional context. Similarly, addiction does not contribute to professional achievements; rather, it can derail a healthcare worker's career and lead to disciplinary actions or loss of licensure.