J.

Isaac Rhodes
SCI METH 118
Spring 2010

ADA Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional Conduct

PATIENT AUTONOMY. All patients have the right to self-governance. The dentist has a duty to respect
the patient’s right of both to confidentiality and making their own healthcare decisions. Dental
professionals must treat the patient according to the patient’s wishes, within the boundaries of accepted
treatment, and to protect the patient’s privacy. The dentist that follows this principle involves the patient
in the decision making process, provides treatment options that are best for the patient, and safeguards the
patients right to confidentiality.

NONMALEFICENCE. The dentist must “do no harm”. Under this principle, the dentist’s is obligated to
continue their education as long as they practice. This benefits both the patient’s treatment and outcomes.
It is also imperative to know one’s own limitations and when to refer a patient to a specialist or other
professional, and knowing when and under what circumstances it may be appropriate to delegate patient
care to auxiliaries.

BENEFICENCE. The dentist is obligated to act in the best interest of the patient. The dentist has a duty to
promote the patient's welfare. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to act for
the benefit of others and should not be motivated by any other factor when treatment planning for the
patient. Under this principle, the dentist’s primary obligation is service to the patient and the community
where they practice. The most important aspect of this obligation to provide prompt quality care best suited
for the patient, without neglecting patient’s autonomy. The principle of beneficence is requisite regardless
of terms of agreement for service. When a dentist provides a service to a patient it must be for the good of
the patient.

JUSTICE. The dentist must treat people fairly. Everyone has the same basic oral health care needs, and it
is just that dental care be equally available to every human. This principle expresses the concept that
professionals have a duty to be fair in their dealings with patients, colleagues and society. Under this
principle, the dentist's primary obligations include dealing with people justly and delivering dental care
without prejudice. In its broadest sense, this principle expresses the concept that the dental profession
should actively seek to improve access to care and oral health for all.

VERACITY. Dentists must be truthful. The dentist has a duty to communicate truthfully and to the best of
their ability. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be honest and forthright
in their dealings with people. Dentists have earned the privilege to provided dental care, one that the
general public does not have. The public has agreed to trust the profession, and the dentists that provide for
their care. This relationship is built upon a foundation of ethically minded professions that have earned the
trust of their patients through honesty.
American Dental Association. Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.

Retrieved April, 2009, from http://www.ada.org/sections/about/pdfs/ada_code.pdf