___________________________________________ DCA05DE Dental Ethics and the Digital Age, 3rd Edition
PROFESSIONALISM Defining Professionalism
ethical decision-making process later in the course will allow for a closer examination of this concept . Table 1 compares the ethical principles most used in dentistry. The ADA Code has adopted the three principles of the Bel- mont Report and defined them as follows: respect for auton- omy (“self-governance”), beneficence (“do good”), and justice (“fairness”). It also introduces two other principles: nonma- leficence (“do no harm”) and veracity (“truthfulness”) (ADA, 2023). These five principles are a common theme throughout codes of professional conduct in health care. The ADHA has also added the core values of confidentiality (“protection of client information”) and societal trust (“the valuing of public trust in the profession”) to its code (ADHA, 2024). The ACD core values include accountability, competence, dignity, col- laboration, advocacy, reflection, empathy, and stewardship (mnemonic ACD CARES) (ACD, 2024). These principles and core values enable dental professionals to espouse a high level of patient care. Members of any profession should be intimately familiar with their respective codes of ethics in order to comply with professional standards and protect their clients from undue harm . Table 2 provides in-depth defini- tions and applications for the five core principles of the ADA.
Dental ethics and professionalism are closely linked but distinct concepts. Ethical principles underpin professional practice, but their value is realized only when professionals adhere to them. Professionalism involves practicing one’s field to the highest standard, a standard that extends beyond education and licens- ing. It encompasses a specialized academic curriculum and clinical training, ensuring practitioners possess the expertise needed for their roles (Prasad et al., 2019). Dentists and dental hygienists build relationships based on trust, given their extensive training and specialized knowledge, which the public lacks. Professionalism requires initial educa- tion and licensing and an ongoing commitment to competence through lifelong learning and continuing education. As science and technology evolve, dental professionals must stay updated with current standards to deliver safe, effective, and patient- centered care. Upholding public trust in the dental profes- sion necessitates maintaining high standards of practice and continually advancing one’s knowledge and skills. The public trust of the dental profession must be maintained at all costs. COMMERCIAL VERSUS CARE MODEL OF DENTAL PRACTICE: ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS Dentistry is a profession, but it is also a business. Later in this course, learners will examine this point, which is often the biggest professional challenge to practitioners . Table 3 compares a typical commercial model with a care model for dental practice. In the care model, patient welfare always comes before commer- cial gain. Practicing under the principles of the care model will help a practitioner maintain perspective and support profes- sional, ethical practice. Using the care model, the dentist can deliver dental services, earn a good living, and honor ethics and professionalism at the same time.
Self-Assessment Question
1. Which of the ADA principles serves as the foundation for informed consent: A) Veracity B) Autonomy C) Nonmaleficence D) Justice E) Beneficence
COMPARISON OF ETHICAL PRINCIPLES USED IN DENTISTRY
The Belmont Report The American Dental Association Code
The American Dental Hygienists’ Asso- ciation Core Values
The American College of Dentists’ Core Values
Autonomy Beneficence Justice
Autonomy Beneficence Justice Nonmaleficence Veracity
Autonomy Beneficence Justice and Fairness Nonmaleficence Veracity Confidentiality Societal Trust
Accountability Competence Dignity Collaboration
Advocacy Reflection Empathy Stewardship
Table 1
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