Final answer:
Dental hygienists are expected to assure their professional responsibility to patients, apply standards of practice and ethics, continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge, and be accountable for their actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
As self-regulating professionals, dental hygienists are expected to assure that their professional responsibility to the client (patient) prevails. They also need to apply the CDHO Dental Hygiene Standards of Practice, CDHO Code of Ethics, and CDHO regulations and bylaws to their dental hygiene practice. Additionally, they must maintain and improve their level of competence through continuous upgrading of knowledge, skills, and judgment, as well as be accountable for their actions.
By adhering to these standards, dental hygienists ensure the safety and well-being of their patients while upholding the ethical principles of their profession. This includes providing quality care, maintaining confidentiality, and respecting patients' autonomy and rights.
Overall, an understanding and commitment to professional responsibility, ethics, and continuous learning are crucial for dental hygienists to fulfill their role effectively and enhance the professionalism of the dental hygiene profession.