Ethical relationship in the dentist-patient interaction

Area of Science:

• Dental Ethics
• Professional Deontology

Background:

• The ethical deontology of the dental profession has gained significant relevance due to complex ethical conflicts.
• Dentists face challenges in resolving ethical dilemmas in their practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a viewpoint on the ideal dentist-patient relationship in contemporary society.
• To emphasize the critical role of ethical considerations in dental education and practice.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of information from health science publications and dental codes of ethics.
• Incorporation of authors' experiences and humanistic perspectives in dentistry.

Main Results:

• The dentist-patient relationship should be founded on trust, honesty, and high-quality care.
• Ethical issues are paramount from undergraduate studies through specialization and practice.

Conclusions:

• Patients have the right to informed consent and participation in treatment decisions.
• Dentists must prioritize patient well-being, respect their wishes within accepted treatment limits, and provide non-discriminatory care.