National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, after physiological needs, the next level is safety and security. This level emphasizes the importance of feeling safe from physical and emotional harm, as well as the stability and predictability of one's environment. Safety needs can encompass various aspects such as personal security, health, financial security, and well-being.

Individuals must satisfy these safety needs before they can focus on higher-level needs. For instance, once basic survival needs, such as food and shelter, are met, individuals will seek safety in their environment to ensure they are not living in fear or anxiety. Understanding this progression is crucial in fields such as dental hygiene, where a patient's anxiety and fears can affect their willingness to seek care and maintain oral health.