Dentistry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Ethics relates to the moral principles that govern the conduct of an individual or group.1 In the practice of dentistry, it is an extension of professionalism, a construct broadly denoting the standards of behaviour expected of those with specialist knowledge, skill and judgment.1 The perception of ethics in dentistry has varied historically, as prior to the recognition of dentistry as an independent profession in the 19th century, dental treatment was performed without demands for formal education.2 Presently, it can be seen that professionalism is an essential competence for dentists, as unethical behaviour compromises service to the patient, which undermines both the ability of the practitioner to function as a professional, and, the integrity
The importance of ethical conduct is further reflected by the quasi-legal force accompanying the code, whereby non-compliance results in censure or loss of professional status.2 The significance of professional ethics as a prerequisite for successful dentistry is also supported by the cross-sectional study by Al-Zain et al., where 505 dental students and interns gave it a 4.48±0.46 on a 5-point Likert scale.2 Hence, the literature compatibly reveals that ethical conduct forms an imperative component of dental practice, serving to benefit patient welfare and maintain the veracity of the profession. It is influenced by personal factors and context, and formally guided by a code that marks the moral boundaries within which professional services may be
Ethics are further questioned by the excessive treatment plans and fees prescribed by certain dentists, including practitioners who refuse to accept responsibility when treatment fails prematurely and charge the patient for replacement treatment.1,4 While the cause of oral health disparities extends beyond dentistry to sociocultural factors, the perceived financial burden may be partly why oral disease is so pervasive among lower socioeconomic