Dental ethics is “a system of principles governing the dental practice, a moral obligation to render the best quality of dental services to the patient and to maintain an honest relationship with other professionals and society.” Dental ethics plays an integral role in the daily practice of dental hygiene and infiltrate the “how” to proceed, the “why” to proceed, and the “when” to proceed with treatment. Also, knowledge, presentation, and communication are important concepts in meeting the dental ethics perimeters.
Patient Autonomy
Patient autonomy or “self-governance” is the primary obligation of the dental provider and “includes involving the patient in treatment decisions in a meaningful way, with due consideration being given to patient needs, desires, abilities, and safeguarding the patient privacy.”
Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence or “to do no harm” means the “professional has a duty to refrain from harm to the patient.” Nonmaleficence covers a broad spectrum of dental ethics such as provider skill and knowledge, impairment, post-exposure, patient abandonment, and personal relationships. Nonmaleficence requires the dental professional to have the skill and knowledge to treat within their limitations.
Beneficence
Beneficence or “to do good” is the principle that states the “professionals have the duty to act for the benefit of others.”1 Beneficence involves “the competent and timely delivery of services,” the providers presenting themselves in a professional manner to the community and within their practices, the providers observing rules and regulations within their practice, the providers providing their patients with research and development of purposed treatments and mandated reporting
Justice
Justice or “fairness” is “delivering dental care without prejudice.” Justice covers an array of topics, such as patient selection, emergency service, justifiable criticism, expert testimony, and rebates or split fees.
Veracity
Veracity or “truthfulness” is “the professionals’ obligations to be honest and trustworthy in their dealing with patients.” Veracity’s key principles involve respect, trust, and intellectual integrity
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