Georgia Board of Dentistry - Legal Ethics and Professionalism Dental Assistants

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and explain the ethical principles, professional boundaries, and legal responsibilities that govern dental assisting under the Georgia Board of Dentistry rules, including Rule 150-8-.01.

2. Analyze common scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, boundary violations, or unprofessional conduct in dental assisting, and evaluate appropriate actions to maintain compliance and professionalism.

3. Apply ethical and legal standards to daily dental assisting tasks, including infection control, documentation, confidentiality, delegated duties, and financial interactions, to support patient safety and regulatory compliance.

Ethical and professional conduct is a foundational expectation for all members of the dental care team, including dental assistants, who play a vital role in supporting safe, compliant, and patient-centered care. Georgia's regulatory environment holds dental practices accountable for adhering to ethical standards and legal mandates, making it essential that dental assistants understand the boundaries, responsibilities, and legal implications associated with their role. This course provides dental assistants with a comprehensive understanding of key ethical principles, Georgia Board of Dentistry rules, and professional conduct guidelines necessary to uphold patient trust, prevent unprofessional conduct, and contribute to a legally compliant practice. By addressing topics such as professional boundaries, unprofessional conduct prevention, ethical billing, and delegated duties, the training equips dental assistants with the knowledge and confidence to navigate ethical challenges, protect patient welfare, and promote a culture of accountability within the dental practice.