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Is dentistry a profession? Part 1. Professionalism defined
1Center for Health Policy and Ethics, Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. jwelie@creighton.edu
Journal (Canadian Dental Association)
|September 15, 2004
Summary
Dentistry claims professional status, but this article defines "profession" by its origins. It argues a profession is based on a public social contract prioritizing patient needs, setting the stage for future analysis of dental responsibilities.
Area of Science:
- Dental Ethics
- Sociology of Professions
Background:
- The term "profession" is widely claimed by various occupations, including dentistry, to signify elevated social and ethical standing.
- Existing literature on professionalism is varied and often lacks a clear, foundational definition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a definition of "profession" grounded in the etymological origins of the word.
- To establish a framework for evaluating whether dentistry, or any service occupation, can legitimately claim professional status.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis based on the literal origins of the word "profession."
- Argumentation establishing the concept of a social contract between the public and a service occupation.
Main Results:
- A profession is defined as an occupation arising from a social contract where the public entrusts its existential needs to the service provider.
- This definition emphasizes a commitment to prioritize the needs of those served.
Conclusions:
- The proposed definition provides a basis for critically assessing professional claims, particularly within dentistry.
- This foundational work sets the stage for examining specific professional responsibilities and their fulfillment in subsequent articles.