Ethics and Code of Conduct in Dentistry Chapter 4 (PDF)

 Introduction Dentistry is a profession different from general businesses. As a professional dental assistant, you are bound by an ethical code of conduct. (Cont’d) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. Al...

 Introduction Dentistry is a profession different from general businesses. As a professional dental assistant, you are bound by an ethical code of conduct. (Cont’d) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Introduction ⬤ 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. ⬤ These qualities are important to us as dental healthcare professionals, as we provide dental care to our patients. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Introduction ⬤ 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. ⬤ Personal ethics come from a variety of sources; Basic instinct, parents, teachers, religion, observation’s of others behaviours Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  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. (Cont’d) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The Difference Between Ethics and Law (Cont’d) ⬤ Laws are very specific and are written by people authorized to write them. ⬤ The law is often referred to as being “black and white” or “right or wrong.” ⬤ Ethics are less specific and have more gray areas. Ethics are the conscience of the profession. ⬤ Laws set the minimum standard of behavior; ethics set the highest standard of behavior. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Basic Principles of Ethics ⬤ Autonomy – Right to privacy, freedom of choice and responsibility for ones actions ⬤ Nonmaleficence – Do no harm (Physical or mental) ⬤ Beneficence – Benefits the patient or community ⬤ Regard for Justice – Treating people fairly, giving people what they deserve, and are entitled to receive ⬤ Veracity – Telling the truth ⬤ Confidentiality – Never revealing personal information about the patient Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Examples of Ethical Principles ⬤ Informing a sales clerk that he or she has undercharged you for an item (principle of justice) ⬤ Admitting that you have made a serious error (principle of autonomy) ⬤ Helping a fellow student study (principle of well-being) ⬤ Refusing to gossip about a fellow student (principle of doing no harm) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  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) Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Confidentiality PIPEDA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXPVihmMHoo ⬤ 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. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  Professional Codes 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. (It states the ideal behaviour expected of its members) ⬤ 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. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.  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. Copyright © 2009, 2006 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.