The ethics of experimenting in dental practice

Experiments, in the sense of novel actions taken with only a probable chance of success, are common in dental practice. Use of new materials or techniques learned in continuing education courses are examples. The grounds for ethically defensible experiments include (a) undertaken for the patient's sake, (b) within the standard of care, (c) having a reason for expected success, and (d) performed reflectively. A taxonomy of experiments is presented. The ethical context for this paper is discursive ethics, an approach that emphasizes the right of all affected to participate in mutual acceptance of the action.