When can a dental hygienist expect to face disciplinary action by the Board?

A dental hygienist may face disciplinary action by the Board primarily when there is a violation of professional conduct standards. Professional conduct standards are established to ensure that practitioners adhere to ethical and legal guidelines that govern their practice. This can include various behaviors such as patient care, communication, and overall professionalism in the dental practice environment.

When a dental hygienist fails to meet these standards, it may lead to concerns about patient safety, trust, and the integrity of the profession. The Board has a responsibility to safeguard the public and maintain high standards, so violations could trigger an investigation and subsequent disciplinary measures.

In contrast, factors like tardiness or unprofessional interactions, while potentially problematic, may not necessarily result in formal disciplinary action unless they compromise professional standards or lead to broader issues of care quality. Similarly, failing to show continuing education documents, while it may indicate a lack of compliance with requirements, may not be as serious as direct violations of conduct standards that impact patient care.