The ethics of profession in dental medicine

Changes in technology, public policy, and the multi-dimensional relationships of professionals have resulted in renewed interest in the ethics of health care practitioners. This article considers the obligation of dentists to a life of morality in common with all humanity. Additional responsibilities are incurred by a practitioner of dental medicine in keeping the moral rule to "do your duty." These duties are explicated utilizing three classical characteristics of a professional. The Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association are the dental profession's guide to ethical conduct. The Principles and Code are traced in their development, reviewed in their content, and critiqued in comparison to the ethical obligations of the dentist as previously delineated. The use of the Principles and Code as a basis for professional self-government is evaluated.