What is The American Dental Association Code of Ethics?

Preamble

Dentists are dedicated to the optimal oral health of their patients. They recognize that the practice of dentistry is both an art and a science which demands professional skill and judgment, and that the dentist has a distinctive role in health care delivery. In recognizing dentistry as a profession, dentists agree to observe the following principles of ethics:

1. Dentists shall place the health and safety of patients above all other considerations in caring for them.

2. Dentists shall practice within the bounds of their competence and refer to other qualified practitioners when appropriate.

3. Dentists shall maintain patient confidentiality and shall not reveal patient information without specific patient authorization or as otherwise required by law.

4. Dentists shall treat patients and colleagues with respect and dignity and shall not discriminate against patients or colleagues on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or impairment.

5. Dentists shall fulfill all reasonable practice-management obligations, such as scheduling appointments and providing reasonable notice of anticipated absences. Dentists shall also maintain accurate and legible patient records and shall cooperate in peer review and quality assurance activities.

6. Dentists shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and rules that govern the practice of dentistry.

7. Dentists shall continually maintain and improve their clinical skills and knowledge in order to provide the highest quality patient care.

8. Dentists shall be honest and truthful with patients and colleagues and shall not engage in any fraudulent, deceptive or misleading conduct.

9. Dentists shall support and comply with the principles set forth in the American Dental Association Code of Ethics and shall uphold the honor and dignity of the dental profession.

Articles

Article 1. Patient Care

Dentists shall strive to provide the highest quality of oral health care to their patients, placing their patients’ welfare and safety above their own financial interests. Dentists shall:

a) Practice dentistry with honesty, integrity and compassion;

b) Establish and maintain patient records that accurately reflect the patient’s condition and treatment provided;

c) Seek consultation from other qualified practitioners when necessary;

d) Provide oral health care services for patients without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or impairment; and

e) Respect patients’ personal dignity, privacy and confidentiality.

Article 2. Collegiality

Dentists shall treat their colleagues with respect, dignity and courtesy. Dentists shall:

a) Advise colleagues of potential adverse effects of their treatment or diagnosis;

b) Avoid making false or malicious statements about colleagues; and

c) Seek consultation from colleagues and refer patients when necessary.

Article 3. Public Health

Dentists shall be active participants in promoting the oral health of the public and enhancing the overall health of their communities. Dentists shall:

a) Advocate for policies that promote public oral health;

b) Participate in public education programs and community service activities;

c) Be knowledgeable about and comply with public health laws and regulations; and

d) Report suspected cases of child or elder abuse.

Article 4. Professionalism

Dentists shall maintain a high standard of professionalism in their personal and professional lives. Dentists shall:

a) Adhere to the principles of honesty and integrity;

b) Avoid any impairment or impairment-related behavior that affects their ability to provide safe and proper dental care;

c) Refrain from improper and unethical conduct;

d) Complete continuing education requirements; and

e) Comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and rules.