Dental Ethical Issues Question And Answers

Ethical Issues Definitions

Ethics

Ethics is defined as the science of the ideal human character and behavior in situations where distinction must be made between right and wrong, duty must be followed and good interpersonal relations maintained

Ethical Issues Important Notes

1. Ethical principles

To do no harm
To do good
Respect for persons
Truthfulness
Confidentiality

2. Informed consent

It is voluntary, comprehending and confidential
It is an essential component of a patient’s right to autonomy

Ethical Issues Long Essays

Question 1. Discuss in detail the principles of ethics to be followed by a dentist. Add a note on unethical practices by a dentist
Answer:

Principles of ethics to be followed by a dentist:

To Do No Harm (Non-Maleficence):

It is the foundation of social morality
The dentist in cases where pain cannot be avoided can make attempts to minimize it or an alternative can be presented to the patient

To Do Good (Beneficence):

It should be the role of any health providers to benefit patients, as well as not to inflict harm
In the process of treating a patient what has to be weighed are the consequences of treatment versus no treatment
The expectation of the patient is that the care provider will initiate beneficial action

Respect For Persons:

It involves

1. Autonomy:

That dictates health providers respect the patient’s right to make decisions concerning the treatment plan

2. Informed Consent:

It is both a legal & an ethical concept
It is an essential component of a patient’s right to autonomy

Justice:

It is described as fairness/ equal treatment giving each his/ her right/due
Dentists can provide some free/ discounted care to the needy or provide financial support/donate for low-income patients

Truthfulness:

Lying fails to show respect for persons & their autonomy

Confidentiality:

Patients have the right to expect that his/her treatment related talks & works are treated as confidential
It can be breached only if it would benefit the patient
Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

Unethical Practices:

Practice by unregistered persons employed by the dentist
Dentist signed under his name & authority issuing any certificate which is untrue, misleading or improper
Dentist advertising whether directly or indirectly for the purpose of obtaining patients or promoting his own professional advantage
Use of bogus diplomas
Allowing commission
Paying or accepting the commission of charges in order to solicit patients
If the planned treatment is beyond the dentist’s skill, the patient is not referred to a consultant
In case of an emergency consultation during the temporary absence of the patient’s dentist, temporary service is provided & the patient is not sent back
If consulted, the dentist accepts charge of the case without a request of the referring dentist

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Any contravention of the drugs
Immorally involving abuse of the professional relationship
Involving in any kind of illegal practice
Employing secret methods of treatment
Using sign boards greater than 0.9 m 0.6 m & use of words like teeth, painless extraction
Insertion of any paragraphs & notices in the press
Allowing the dentist’s name for commercial articles like toothpaste, toothbrush, tooth powder
Mentioning any abbreviations after the dentist’s name other than dental qualification

Commuinty Dental Ethical Issues

Ethical Issues Short Essays

Question 1. Ethical rules for dentists.
Answer:

Duties Of Dentists Towards The Patient:

Every dentist should be courteous, sympathetic, friendly & helpful
He should observe punctuality in fulfilling appointments
He should establish a well-merited reputation for professional ability
The welfare of the patient should be conserved
A dentist should not permit differentiating in terms of religion, nationality, race, party politics, or social standings
Should keep patient’s information confidential

Duties Of Dentists Towards Colleagues:

Cherish proper pride in his colleague
Should not do anything harmful to the interest of the members of the fraternity
Honor mutual arrangements made regarding remuneration
Retire in favor of a regular dentist, after the emergency is over.
Institute correct treatment at once
Regard it as a pleasure & privilege to render gratuitous service to another dentist

Duties Of Dentist To The Public:

The dentist has to assume a leadership role in the community on matters related to dental health

Question 2. Consent.
Answer:

Consent

It is a both legal & ethical concept
It is the largest principle of the Nuremberg code

1. Attributes:

Voluntary
Legally competent
Informed
Comprehending

2. Process:

It is a two-step process
- Information is presented to the patient by the doctor
- The patient satisfies himself/herself that he/she understands

It consists of

Description of the proposed treatment
Material/foreseeable risks
Benefits & prognosis of proposed treatment
Alternative to the proposed treatment
Risks, benefits & prognosis of alternative treatment
A statement that the patient has understood & is willing to the treatment
The signature of the patient & of a witness

Ethical Issues Short Question And Answers

Question 1. Tort.
Answer:

Tort

It is a civil wrong or injury, independent of a contract, that results from a breach of a duty

Types of Tort :

An unintentional tort
In it, harm is not caused by intentional
An intentional tort
Contains intentional harm

Question 2. Ethical principles.
Answer:

Ethical principles

Ethical principles are
- To do no harm
- To do good
- Respect for persons
- Justice
- Veracity or truthfulness
- Confidentiality

Question 3. Consent.
Answer: