Chapter 4 Dental Ethics
Introduction Dentistry is a profession different from general businesses As a professional dental assistant, you are bound by an ethical code of conduct
Introduction, (Cont.) Ethics deals with moral conduct (right and wrong behavior) and good and evil Ethics includes values, high standards of conduct, and professional and personal obligations in interacting with each other These qualities are important to us as dental healthcare professionals, as we provide dental care to our patients
Introduction, (Cont.) Ethics seeks to answer two basic questions: What should I do? Why should I do it? Ethics refers to what you should do, not what you must do The law deals with what you must do
Sources for Ethics You have been learning personal ethics throughout your life in a variety of ways from the following sources: Basic instinct Parents Teachers Religion Observation of other people’s behavior
Basic Principles of Ethics Regard for self-determination A regard for self-determination (autonomy) includes the right to privacy, freedom of choice, and the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions To “do no harm” (nonmaleficence) Promotion of well-being (beneficence)
Basic Principles of Ethics, (Cont.) Regard for justice Promotion of well-being Veracity Confidentiality Privacy Continuing education
Confidentiality Confidentiality is a very important issue in the health profession Healthcare professionals have an obligation to respect the patient’s privacy However, conflicts involving the principle of confidentiality, such as in reporting suspected child or elder abuse, will arise Sometimes the patient’s right to confidentiality must be balanced against the rights of other individuals
Confidentiality in the Dental Office Healthcare professionals have an obligation to respect the patient’s privacy. In addition to moral and ethical principles for patient confidentiality, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) has very definite legal requirements for the confidentiality of patients’ health information. Why is it important that dental professionals adhere to HIPAA standards? (In addition to moral and ethical principles regarding patient confidentiality, HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996] has put forth very definite legal requirements related to confidentiality of patients’ health information.) The dentist must write a privacy policy, a document for his or her patients detailing the office’s practices. Would this conversation between the front-desk personnel and the patient be private if another patient were present? (No, it wouldn't.)
Professional Code of Ethics All of the major professions (e.g., dental, medical, legal) have written codes of ethics These are voluntary standards of behavior, not laws, and serve as a method of self-policing within a profession The codes of ethics of most professions have been revised to keep them consistent with the times, but there has never been a change in the moral intent or overall idealism
Professional Code of Ethics, (Cont.) Reasons for a code of ethics To demonstrate to the public the standard of conduct that can be expected from its members To increase the ethical consciousness and ethical responsibility of its members To guide its members in making informed ethical decisions To establish a standard for professional judgment and conduct
Examples of Unethical Behavior Charging the patient for a full set of x-rays when only six films were taken (principle of justice) Pressuring a classmate into a decision (principle of autonomy) Refusing to help a classmate learn (principle of well-being) Harming another person by repeating gossip about him or her (principle of doing no harm)
The Difference Between Ethics and Law Legal issues are settled with the use of laws and court decisions Ethical issues are subject to individual interpretation with regard to the right or wrong of a particular situation
Steps for Solving Ethical Dilemmas Step 1: Identify the alternatives Step 2: Determine all implications Step 3: Rank the alternatives Step 4: Choose a course of action
Applying Ethical Principles You may be faced with a situation in which your dentist employer’s conduct violates ethical standards Before you make any judgments, be absolutely certain of all the information and circumstances If violations of ethical conduct have been committed, you must make some decisions
Ethical Dilemmas Do you wish to remain under these circumstances? Should you seek other employment? If you remain, will it affect you in the eyes of future employers?
Ethical Dilemmas, (Cont.) These decisions are difficult, especially if you like your employer and enjoy your job A dental assistant is not legally obligated to report questionable actions on the part of the dentist or to try to alter the circumstances However, an ethical dental assistant will not wish to participate in substandard care or unlawful practices that may be harmful to patients