Dental Ethics Chapter 4 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Chapter 4 Lesson 4 1 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Learning Objectives Pronounce define and spell the Key Terms Explain the difference between being legal and being ethical Explain and give examples of the basic principles of ethics Discuss the American Dental Assistants Association Code of Ethics Cont d Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Learning Objectives Cont d Give examples of personal ethics and unethical behaviors Give examples of ethical dilemmas for each principle of ethics Develop case studies involving ethical dilemmas Describe the steps of ethical decisionmaking Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights 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 Introduction Cont d 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 Cont d Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Introduction Cont d 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Basic Principles of Ethics A regard for self determination autonomy includes the right to privacy freedom of choice and the acceptance of responsibility for one s own actions A regard for justice involves treating people fairly and giving them what they deserve and are entitled to receive Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights 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 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 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Fig 4 1 Patients have the right to expect that their conversations in the dental office will be kept confidential Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights 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 selfpolicing 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights 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 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 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 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Legal and Ethical Implications 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Ethical Decision Making 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 Cont d Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights Ethical Decision Making Cont d 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 Copyright 2009 2006 by Saunders an imprint of Elsevier Inc All rights