Which of the following ethics is a fundamental part of dental hygiene practice in Iowa?

Confidentiality of patient records is a fundamental ethical principle in dental hygiene practice, particularly in Iowa. This principle ensures that all patient information is kept private and secure, maintaining the trust necessary for effective patient-provider relationships. By safeguarding sensitive health information, dental hygienists uphold the right to privacy, which is essential for fostering an environment where patients feel comfortable sharing information that is crucial for their care.

This ethical commitment is underscored by various regulations and laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates that healthcare providers protect patient privacy. In practice, this means that dental hygienists must ensure that patient records are accessible only to authorized personnel and that any dissemination of patient information occurs in a manner that respects patient confidentiality.

Other options, while they may have some relevance in broader healthcare practice or operations, do not embody the fundamental ethical responsibilities that dental hygienists are expected to uphold. For instance, speed and efficiency may be operational goals but do not represent ethical mandates. Similarly, maximal patient charge and minimal staff interaction do not relate to ethical practice in the context of patient care and trust.