Ethical Principles In Dentistry: The oral health obligations of a public health dentist

Abstract

Ethics are moral principles that govern a person’s behaviour. It involves careful and systematic reflection on moral decisions and  behaviour that helps one to achieve a true analysis of a situation such that right and wrong is determined. There are subtle differences in  ethical practices across disciplines and life spheres, but they all strive to achieve the same principles. In Dentistry, the ethics principles  mandates that a dental specialist owes moral duties and obligations to his patients, colleagues, and society as a whole. These duties help  support autonomy and self-determination, protect the vulnerable and promote the welfare and equality of human beings. With the  advent of technology and new materials in Dentistry, ethical principles are becoming more important in in-patient care and community outreaches and research. This review describes the ethical considerations in public health dentistry.