DCA05DE Dental Ethics and the Digital Age, 3rd Edition _ _________________________________________
PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION’S CODE OF ETHICS
Autonomy (“self-gover- nance”)
The dentist must respect the patient’s rights to self-determination and confidentiality. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to treat the patient according to the patient’s desires, within the bounds of accepted treatment, and to protect the patient’s confidentiality. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include involving patients in treatment decisions in a meaningful way, with due consider- ation given to the patient’s needs, desires, and abilities, while safeguarding the patient’s privacy. The dentist must protect the patient from harm. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligations include keeping knowledge and skills current, knowing one’s limitations and when to refer to a specialist or other professional, and knowing when and under what circumstances delegation of patient care to auxiliaries is appropriate. The dentist must act for the benefit of others. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligation is service to the patient and the public. The most important aspect of this obligation is the competent and timely delivery of dental care within the bounds of clinical circumstances presented by the patient, with due consid- eration being given to the patient’s needs, desires, and values. The same ethical considerations apply whether the dentist engages in fee-for-service, managed care, or other practice arrangements. Dentists may enter into contracts governing the provision of care to a group of patients; however, contract obligations do not excuse dentists from putting the patient’s welfare first. The dentist must treat people fairly. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be fair in their dealings with patients, colleagues, and society. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obliga- tions include dealing with people justly and delivering dental care without prejudice. In its broadest sense, this principle expresses that the dental profession should actively seek allies throughout society on specific activities that will help improve access to care for all. The dentist must communicate truthfully. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be honest and trustworthy in their dealings with people. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obliga- tions include respecting the position of trust inherent in the dentist-patient relationship, communicating truthfully and without deception, and maintaining intellectual integrity.
Nonma- leficence (“do no harm”)
Beneficence (“do good”)
Justice (“fair- ness”)
Veracity (“truthful- ness”)
Source: Adapted from the American Dental Association (2023). American Dental Association Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct. https://www.ada.org/about/principles/code-of-ethics?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwlbu2BhA3EiwA3yXyu8VTf5UGWYp WTsk0RkNIHUxljcj2lHm-CAE9v_2vtUpCADYsByxecxoCAKkQAvD_BwE Table 2
COMMERCIAL VERSUS CARE MODEL OF DENTAL PRACTICE Commercial Care
Profit is the goal. Money is primary. Customer is a “means.” Competitive: Between companies.
Care is the goal (fiduciary). Money is derivative. Patient is the “end.” Cooperative: Between doctors.
Between buyer and seller.
Between doctor and patient. Buyer cannot compete (trust). Focuses on treatment/prevention. Monopoly is status. Relies on science and empiricism. Focuses on life or death and on health.
Caveat emptor. Creates needs and wants. Monopolies are prohibited. Relies on endorsements and testimonials. Focuses on commodities and things.
Source: Used with permission of Bruce Peltier, MBA, PhD and Cindy Lyon, BSDH, DDS, EdD.
Table 3
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