DENTAL ETHICS
GUIDED BY: PRESENTED
BY:
DR.SRIPRIYA MA’AM BAREERA
ISMAIL
DR.JITHENDER SIR
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
DEFINITION
HISTORY
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES
ETHICAL RULES FOR DENTISTS
UNETHICAL ACTS
CONCLUSION
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INTRODUCTION and DEFINITION
Theword Ethics is derived from Greek
word ‘Ethos’ means custom or character.
Ethicsis the philosophy of human
conduct, a way of stating and evaluating
principles by which problems of behaviour
can be solved.
Ethics
is concerned with standards judging
whether actions are right or wrong
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Dentalethics would mean moral duties
and obligations of the dentists towards
the patients , professional colleagues
and to the society.
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History
Hippocraticoath originated in Ancient Greek
around 4th century BC,attributed to
Hippocrates is a foundational medical pledge
that guides doctors to heal ethically,
preserve patient trust and to avoid harm.
Charaka oath(charaka shapath) rooted in the
ancient Ayurvedic text(Charaka Samhitha) is
a traditional medical pledge emphasizing
ethical conduct, patient welfare and
disciplined living for physicians.
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TheNuremberg Code: It is a set of research for
ethical principles on humans at the end of world
war II. It was held in Nuremberg, Germany from
1945 to 1949.They were in response to the
inhumane Nazi experimentation on
unconsenting prisoners and detainees.
Declaration of GENEVA: It was adopted in
Geneva, Switzerland in September 1948. This
oath is a response to the atrocities committed
by doctors in Nazi, Germany.
Declaration of HELSINKI :It was adopted in
Helsinki, Finland in June 1964.It is a statement
of ethical principles for medical research
involving human subjects.
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In India the Dentist Act was amended via
Section 17A empowering the Dental Council
of India to prescribe the standards of
professional conduct and etiquette.
The code of ethics was framed by the Dental
Council in 1975 and later notified by the
Government of India as “Dentists (code of
ethics) Regulations 1976”.
It is in force from August 1976.
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Ethical principles
1. To do no harm(non-maleficence)
2. To do good(beneficence)
3. Respect for persons
4. Justice
5. Veracity or truthfulness
6. Confidentiality
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1.To do no harm (non maleficence):
Core ethical principle: “Do no harm” is
a fundamental value in medical and
dental ethics.
Use of unsterilized instruments, under-
filling or overfilling, carelessness in
handling hard and soft tissues can harm
the patients.
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2. To do good(beneficience):
Dentists
must aim to benefit patients while
avoiding harm.
Attempts should be made to maximize the
benefits and minimize harm.
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3. respect for persons:
It has two fundamental principles: a) Autonomy
b) informed
consent
a)Autonomy :
The dentist should educate the patient to his/her
best regarding the disease.
Treat the patient according to patient’s desire
In case of minors, parents or guardians can
grant the consent for case.
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b) Informed consent:
It is both a legal and ethical concept.
It’san essential component of patient’s right
to autonomy.
Consentmust be voluntary, legally
competent, informed and comprehending.
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Informed consent consists of,
1.Clear explanation of the treatment or
procedures to be performed.
2.Description of any foreseeable risks or
discomforts.
3.Description of potential benefits to the
patient or others.
4. Disclosure of appropriate alternative
treatments or procedures
5.Statement on how patient records will be
kept confidential.
6.Confirmation that the patient understands
and agrees to the treatment. 13
7.Signature of the patient and of a witness.
4.Justice:
Treatingpeople fairly without discrimination
of socio-economic status, race, creed, color,
sex or national origin.
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5. Veracity/Truthfulness:
Patient
doctor relationship is based on
mutual trust.
Patient
expect the dentist to be truthful
about the information given, treatment
rendered and the prognosis.
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6.Confidentiality:
Any information revealed by the patient to the
dentist should not be divulged without the patient’s
consent.
Itcan be breached if it is an order from the
presiding judge in a court of Law.
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ETHICAL RULES FOR DENTISTS
(PRESCRIBED BY DCI)
I. Duties towards the patients:
Every dentist should be sympathetic,
friendly and helpful and always be ready to
the call of patients.
He/she should establish a well merited
reputation for professional ability and
fidelity.
He/she should observe punctuality in
fulfilling appointments.
Dentist
should maintain accurate dental and 17
medical records of patients.
II.Duties towards the colleagues:
Every dentist should cherish a proper
pride in your colleagues and should not
disparage them either by act or word.
Honour mutual arrangements made
regarding remuneration.
Ifa dentist is consulted by the patient of
other dentist and the former finds faulty
treatment it is his/her duty to instigate
correct treatment at once with the least
comments. 18
III. Duties towards community:
Dentists
should educate the public in
promotion of health.
He/sheshould participate in
community affairs and to provide for
needs/welfare.
He/she
should take a leadership role in
community.
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Unethical acts
Practice
by the unregistered persons
employed by the dentists.
Issuingany certificate signed by the dentist
which is untrue, misleading or improper.
Use of bogus diplomas.
Paying or accepting commission.
Undercutting of charges in order to solicit
patients.
Non-referral, in case treatment is beyond the
risk. 20
Emergency consultation during temporary
absence of the patient’s dentist , temporary
service is provided and the patient is not
sent back.
Dentist advertising whether directly or
indirectly for the purpose of obtaining
patients.
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Conclusion
Ethical practice in dentistry is the foundation
upon which trust is built ,knowledge is
respected and care is delivered with
integrity.
By committing to these principles , dental
surgeons not only safeguard their profession
but also uplift the communities they serve.
Dentists must protect patient
confidentiality , avoid exploitation lead with
scientific integrity and ensure equitable and
respectful care for all.
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