ethics in dentistry

1. L E C T U R E 1 8 D R . N O O R A H M U R A D
B D S D D S
ETHICS IN DENTISTRY

3. ETHICS
•A branch of philosophy that deals with
thinking about morality, moral
problems and judgments

4. PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS
1. Patient autonomy .(self governance).
2. Non maleficence. (do no harm)
3. Beneficence. (do good)
4. Justice. (fairness)
5. Veracity. (truthfulness)
Also
• Fidelity ‫اخالص‬
• confidentiality

6. PATIENT AUTONOMY
‫الذاتي‬ ‫الحكم‬
• derived from Greek words Auto which means self and Nomo
which means rule or governance
• This principle states that dentist should respect patients
self determination and confidentiality.
• Patient has right to make decisions regarding the
treatment that he or she will receive.
• Dentist should inform the patient about all the treatment
options available, advantages, disadvantages and also
consider referral to specialist.

7. NON MALEFICENCE
(DO NO HARM)
• dentist must protect patient from any harm.
• dentist should keep his or her knowledge and skills up to
date, & know their limitations.
• Dentist should also know when to refer a patient to
specialist, when and under what situations delegation of
patients care to auxiliaries is appropriate.
• it’s duty of dental professionals to inform the patient
immediately if he or she has been exposed to blood or any
other infectious material at dental office.

8. BENEFICENCE
(DO GOOD)
• This principle expressed the concept that the
prof. have a duty to act for the benefit of
others
• The dentist primary obligation is to serve the
patient and the public at large.
• The most important aspect is the competence
and timely delivery of dental care

9. JUSTICE
((FAIRNESS
• The dentist has the duty to treat people fairly.
• He should be truthful, sincere toward patient.
• Truth telling, never deceiving.
• Dentist should be fair to patient, colleagues, and
society.
• Deliver dental care without prejudice.

10. VERACITY ‫المصداقيه‬ FIDELITY
(TRUTHFULNESS) ‫االخالص‬
• The dentist has a duty
to communicate
truthfully without
deception, honest,
trustworthy in their
dealing with people.
• It is the obligation to
keep implied or
explicit promises.

11. DENTIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
• A dentist must safeguard the health of patient
irrespective to their individual status.
• Must not prescribe or provide treatment which is not
necessary.
• Has the freedom of choice whether to accept or
decline to treat a patient, except for emergency
care. (humanity)

12. DENTIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
• Most obtain a consent from the patient for the treatment
which is to be carried out. (explain the treatment, other
options, relevant material risks, let patient ask
questions, patient should know the cost as soon as this
is known)
• Not transmit data of patient to third parties except when
it is justified by a written consent of the patient or where
it is required under statutory provision.

13. DENTIST-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP
• Dentist must ensure confidentiality and security of
personal health information, as well as dental staff.(keep
accurate medico legal records).
• The dentist should take responsible for the treatment he
undertakes.
• He is obliged to refer a patient to professional colleague
for a second opinion.
• Most respond to patient complain and try to resolve the
issue.