Ethics in Dentistry
Just like medicine has the five pillars of medical ethics, dentistry has a comparable set of principles, with only one difference between veracity (the principle of telling the truth) and futility.
Key Principles in Dental Ethics:
Non-maleficence essentially translates to 'do no harm.' It means that the dentist should be knowledgeable and know their limitations before carrying out a task in order not to bring pain, disturbance, or harm to their patient.
Patient autonomy is the idea of including the patient in the treatment process. Furthermore, informing the patient about any procedures and keeping the patient's records confidential is essential.
Beneficence is the idea of showing kindness and doing good. Dentists have to act in a way that benefits others. It can be shown by timely delivery of services and acting professionally.
Justice is the idea of not letting personal and external factors affect the treatment that you’re giving. These factors may include race, sex, religion, and disability. It is crucial that services are fair and just and professionals similarly treat all their patients.
Veracity plays an important role in the healthcare sector. It enables meaningful treatment goals and expectations. Clinicians must be truthful about diagnosis and the benefits and disadvantages of various treatment options.
Written by Paula U
Moderated by Joanna
