[Principles in medical ethics and duties in working with dental patients]

Dental deontology is a branch of medical deontology which defines the relationship of a dentist with his patient and other medical workers. The purpose of medical deontology is to prevent and eliminate psychic harms, as well as to put more self-confidence in a patient, so important for his good health and treatment. The proper relationship of a dentist with a dental patient is based upon two main principles, namely psychoprophylaxis and psychotherapy. The dentist (with his improper conduct and words) should not pose additional psychic harm to a patient, so he should mind his behaviour. At the same time, the dentist should be active and have to know how to dismiss too high an emotional tension of a patient. Preparation to a dental treatment should be adjusted to age and particularities of each patient. This is where one most often makes a mistake, since the patient is usually approached too habitually, with no understanding at all of his personal problems. Should one show compassion and interest in a patient, his worries and preoccupations, the patient will surely bear, although painful and not at all comfortable, the treatment much better. Finally, it is highly important to educate individuals, groups and the community on the whole how to take care of their own teeth and mouth, and the medical education should be paid much more attention in this field.