Virtue versus ethical obligations: working for system-wide change

Area of Science:

• Clinical ethics
• Health policy
• Distributive justice

Background:

• Clinical ethics typically centers on the doctor-patient relationship.
• Ethical duties are usually confined to individual patient care.
• Broader societal issues are often considered virtuous but not mandated.

Observation:

• Individual patient encounters can reveal systemic issues of distributive injustice.
• Dentists may become aware of broader social inequities through patient care.
• These inequities relate to health care allocation and reimbursement.

Findings:

• Awareness of distributive injustice through patient care prompts professional responsibility.
• Professional values compel organized dental professions to advocate for social justice.
• Advocacy extends beyond individual patient duties to societal well-being.

Implications:

• Healthcare providers, particularly dentists, have a professional obligation to address distributive justice.
• Professional organizations are key platforms for advocating for systemic health equity.
• Addressing social determinants of health aligns with professional ethics and societal well-being.