ADHA Code Of Ethics: Societal Trust In Dental Care

CASE 1
In this case, there are several ethical and legal issues involved.
Societal trust: Patients trust in us, as dental professionals, and this trust is based on our actions and behaviors. Patient trusted in dentist treatment plan.
Malpractice and negligence: The careless conduct of the dentist may result in malpractice. He is in violation of the standard of care due to the inappropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Beneficence: As health care professionals, we are required to do what will best benefit the patient. In this case is evident that the dentist awareness of periodontal status of the patient and failing to refer, is not beneficial to the patient.
Paternalism: Per the description of the case, it seems that the patient is not aware of his condition. The dentist is the one who is making the decisions for the patient, not

Does the ADHA code of ethics address the issue? Yes. Societal trust, nonmaleficency and beneficence. It also addresses the standards of professional responsibility of promote ethical behavior, high standards of care and to serve as advocate for the welfare of the clients.
Ethical Decision Making Model
Step 1. Identify the ethical dilemma or problem
The dental hygienist is concerned about patient’s current periodontal status.
Should she don’t worry about it, as the dentist told her? Or should she explain to the patient his/her current condition?
Step 2 and 3. Gather the information and list possible options.
The dental hygienist can tell the dentist to please check together patients probing depths, attachment loss and radiographs. She has three options:
1. Convince the dentist that patient needs a referral.
2. Explain patient current condition and suggest patient to request dentist a referral to a periodontist.
3. Do nothing and reschedule patient appointment with another