Centring anti-oppressive justice: Re-envisioning dentistry's social contract

Area of Science:

• Social contract theory
• Critical race theory
• Health equity

Background:

• The social contract in dentistry is often viewed as a neutral agreement.
• However, it can be influenced by societal biases like racism and white supremacy.
• This can lead to systemic oppression within the profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically re-examine dentistry's social contract.
• To analyze how it can function as a tool of oppression.
• To explore pathways toward achieving health equity and justice in dental care.

Main Methods:

• Critique of social contract theory using classical and contemporary theorists.
• Analysis drawing from Charles W. Mills' work on race and liberalism.
• Application of intersectionality as a theoretical and praxis framework.

Main Results:

• Social contract theory can uphold hierarchies and inequities.
• These inequities contribute to disparities in oral health outcomes among different social groups.
• When used as a tool of oppression, dentistry reinforces harmful social norms instead of promoting health equity.

Conclusions:

• Dentistry must adopt an anti-oppression approach to equity.
• The principle of justice should be reframed as liberation, not just fairness.
• This shift empowers practitioners to advocate for comprehensive health and healthcare justice, recognizing health as a human duty.