This document discusses ethics and jurisprudence as they relate to dentistry. It begins by defining ethics as dealing with moral duty and conduct. It then discusses professional ethics for dentists, noting that dental professionals must adhere to the code of ethics set by regulatory bodies. The document also discusses dental jurisprudence, explaining that dentistry is regulated by laws at the national, state, and local levels. Key aspects of jurisprudence that are covered include negligence, informed consent, and maintaining proper patient records.

1. Ethics
&
Jurisprudence
PRESENTED BY
Dr. SREEJAN.C.K, MDS
PROFESSOR
DEPT OF ORAL MEDICINE AND RADIOLOGY
MALABAR DENTAL COLLEGE AND RESEARCH CENTER
MANOOR, EDAPPAL, KERALA

2. • Ethics deal with moral duty, conduct,
and judgment.
Ethics

3. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
• The Principles of Professional Ethics
lists legal and ethical guidelines
required by regulatory bodies, in our
case, the Dental Council of India.

4. • Everyone in the profession is
expected to adhere to these
professional standards.
• By following with the Code of Ethics,
dental surgeons ensure that ethical
responsibility to patients, the public,
community and the profession are
fulfilled.

5. • The Dental council of India
prescribes the code of Dental ethics
to be followed by Dental surgeons.
• The Dental surgeon is duty bound to
observe the ethical code of conduct
as prescribed by the Dental Council
of India.

6. A Dental Assistant should not cause
no act that can be a violation of code of
ethics for the Practicing dental surgeon
and they should always help in
maintaining the dignity of the profession.

7. A decision is Ethical if :
• It increases integrity and self-respect.
• It does not bring harm to others.
• It builds understanding and removes
unreal barriers between people.
• It builds confidence in self and others.

8. A decision is Not Ethical if :
• It results in an illegal action.
• It brings harm to others.
• A person is exploited and used as an
inhuman object.
• If human potential is belittled,
damaged, or ignored.

9. • It is the system of law as applied to
dentistry.
• Laws are established by the state
through regulatory bodies.
DENTAL JURISPRUDENCE

10. • The dentist, and the practice of
dentistry are controlled by many
laws on the National and State, and
local level.
• It is important for a dental clinic to
work in accordance with the laws
that exists .

11. Acts that cause injury or harm to a
patient will be considered professional
negligence of the dental surgeon and
hence utmost care should be taken to
prevent these.
A) NEGLIGENCE

12. • In all clinical situations, the dental
assistant should maintain the
standards of care as directed by the
Dental surgeon.

13. This is a form of agreement between
the Dentist and the patient obtained
before treatment.
B) Consent

14. • All information regarding treatments
that are being planned for a patient
must be explained in non medical
terms preferably in local language

15. Consent should ideally be obtained
after explaining
• Diagnosis
• Nature of treatment
• Risk involved
• Prospects of success
• Prognosis

16. • It is an important step taken by
dentists to prevent a patient from
bringing legal action against them.
• It is very important to obtain
consent for certain procedures that
are risky.

17. • The patient’s dental record,
commonly referred to as case sheet
provides a chronological record of
the clinical justification for
treatment received by the patient.
• These records are important legal
documents.
C) Patient records

18. Patient’s Clinical Record include
• Medical and dental histories
• Examination findings and
treatment plans
• X-rays (properly identified and
dated)
• Any letters from, or about, the
patient regarding treatment
• Copies of prescriptions