1. Mr. Caputo Unit #1 Lesson #6
Dental Ethics & Law
Mr. Caputo
Unit #1 Lesson #6

2. Today’s Class
Driving Question: What are the ethical and legal principles the dental team must follow?
Learning Intentions:
We will be able to identify the basic principles of ethics.
We will be able to explain the American Dental Association’s Code of Ethics.
Anchor: Why do you think it is necessary for the dental assisting profession to have Principles of Ethics and a Code of Conduct?

3. This Lesson
This lesson focuses on the state dental practice acts and dental jurisprudence. Some states require dental assistants to perform certain tasks under the direct supervision of the dentist. Other duties, though, may be performed with only general supervision being required. Each state dental practice act lists permitted tasks and divides them according to required supervision level. The various laws and violations of these laws pertaining to the practice of dentistry are contained in the document that is governed by the State Board of Dentistry.

4. State Board of Dental Examiners
The Board of Dental Examiners usually consists of dentists, public consumers, and dental auxiliaries who are appointed by the governor of the state.
The State Board of Dentistry is the authoritative body for the practice of dentistry within the state and is responsible for supervising, enforcing, and adhering to the dental laws within the State Dental Practice Act. The dental assistant and dental hygienist must comply with their respective sections in the State Dental Practice Act.

5. Reciprocity
Permission for an individual to obtain licensure, with the same rights, from one state to another without having to retest. Through reciprocity a licensed dentist or hygienist may obtain licensure in more than one state.

6. Direct Supervision vs. General Supervision
Under direct supervision, a dentist must assign the task to the dental assistant, remain on the premises while it is performed, and check the work when completed. General supervision means the dentist may assign a task without being present while it is performed. Through the discussion the students should gain a clear understanding that the dentist is ultimately responsible for the actions of each dental team member—defined as the law of respondeat superior.

7. Dental jurisprudence
Laws pertaining to the practice of dentistry. It represents a minimum standard of behavior, stating what must be done. Ethics is a higher standard, stating what should be done. The dentist, dental hygienist, and dental assistant are all bound by dental jurisprudence and ethics in the practice of their professions

8. State Dental Practice Act
Regulates all areas of dentistry
According to act, credentialing of dental personnel varies from state to state
Requires certain individuals to carry a license to practice
Provides for concept of reciprocity 8

9. Expanded Functions
Duties performed by dental assistants who have additional training
Regulated by Dental Practice Act
Type of supervision required is dependent on the state
direct supervision
general supervision
Courtesy of the American Dental Assistants Association. 9

10. Dental Laws and Ethics
Laws point out what dental assistants must do
Ethics promotes highest standard of behavior
What should a DA do if the DA witnesses a dental team member acting unethically while caring for a patient? 10

11. Two Types of Law Criminal law Civil law
involves state or government against individuals
individuals in criminal cases can be charged with an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony
Civil law
noncriminal legal action 11

12. Activity: State Dental Practice Act
Goal of the Activity: To become more familiar with the legal document governing the practice of dentistry in the state in which one will be working as a dental assistant.
Lesson Objectives of the Activity: Discuss the purpose of a state dental practice act. Compare and contrast the terms direct supervision and general supervision.
Materials Required for Activity: Copies of a state dental practice act.
Activity: Divide the class into small groups comprised of four or five students. Distribute copies of a state’s dental practice act. Have each group read and interpret a specific section of the law and prepare a two- to three- minute report. Have the group select a spokesperson to present their group’s information to the class. During the presentations, be sure that the general purpose of the state dental practice act is discussed, as well as the terms direct supervision and general supervision.

13. Homework #2
Create a chart on the 9 dental specialties