The recent ethics boom in dentistry—moral fig leaf, fleeting trend or professional awakening?

Abstract

Objectives

“Ethics in dentistry” seems to be gaining importance as more and more dental institutions, professional associations and dental schools are addressing ethical issues. The aim of this paper is to highlight this ongoing development and to analyze and evaluate its relevance for future dentistry and the dental profession.

Materials and methods

A qualitative analysis of literature and Internet sources served as the methodological basis. Recent trends were first illustrated using striking examples and then compared with the status quo in medicine and the medical profession, where ethics have a long professional tradition. It is discussed to what extent it seems worthwhile to transfer existing structures and initiatives in medicine to dentistry.

Results

There is a broad variety of ethical announcements and initiatives in international dentistry (e.g., dental codes of ethics, adjustments to dental licensure regulations, professional publications, textbooks, awards, podcasts). It should be noted that ethical issues arise not only in life-threatening situations, but also in everyday dental practice. Existing ethical structures in medicine can be adapted or provide guidance for education, clinical practice and research.

Conclusions

Teaching ethical competence in dental education, clinical practice and research can make an important contribution to the professionalization of dentists—quite similar to medicine. Furthermore, a broad integration of ethics in dentistry strengthens the public image of dentists.

Clinical relevance

Dealing confidently with ethical issues is a key competence for successful work as a dentist—both in practice and in science.