DENTAL ETHICS:
Definitions: Dental ethics means moral duties and obligations of the dentist towards his patients, professional colleagues and to the society.
-Code of ethics was framed by the DCI in 1975
-Later notified by Government of India as “Dentists (code of ethics) Regulations 1976
-It is in force from August 1976
Principles:
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To do no Harm (Non-Maleficence)
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To do Good (Beneficence)
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Respect for others
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Justice
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Veracity or Truthfulness
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Confidentiality
Ethical rules for the dentists (prescribed by the DCI) :
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The duties and obligations of dentists towards the patients
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Duties of dentists towards one another
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Duties of dentists to the public
Some unethical practices:
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Practice by unregistered persons employed by the dentist
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Allowing commission
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Dentist signed under his name and authority issuing any certificate which is untrue, misleading or improper
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Use of bogus diplomas etc.
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Paying or accepting commissions
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If the planned treatment is beyond the dentist’s skills, the patient is not referred to a consultant