The Ethical Problem That Dr. Arthur Green Presents To The Dental Team

Define the Ethical problem
Dr. Arthur Green presents to the dental team an ethical problem concerning his chronic moderate periodontitis that is advancing and he is demanding bridge work. He has only recently acquired dental insurance that will have a maximum yearly benefit, but his work is involved.
Identify the ethical issues/principles involved.
He has only recently acquired dental insurance that will more than likely not cover all the cost and limits his treatment per the insurance’s maximum yearly dental benefit. Dr. Greene is unwilling to adhere to the oral hygiene protocol making him difficult to treat. Dr. Greene’s periodontal disease is rapidly progressing and is affecting his bone loss and will ultimately affect the bridges that
Due to the recently acquired insurance, Dr. Green has not had access to frequent and routine dental visits. He is unaware of the clinical decision making process of the dental team and does not put great emphasis and trust in the dental team concerning his care. Dr. Green may not have had previous oral hygiene instruction and does not see the value of his self-care placing all the responsibility on the dental team. Dr. Green must be willing to use a proxabrush or floss threader to maintain his health. The support of the bridge by the teeth and bone will be lost if the periodontal disease progresses rapidly. Good oral hygiene will ensure the longevity of the bridge and must be practiced daily by the patient. Will Dr. Green be able and willing to adhere to oral hygiene instruction and follow the advice of his dental team?
Identify the alternatives.
There are three choices that can be addressed by the dental team.
1. The dentist could do the bridges without getting the perio disesase under control and without patient cooperation.
2. The dentist could refer Dr. Green to Periodontist for treatment.
3. The dentist refuses bridge treatment to Dr. Green based on his noncompliance and explains to him that the bridge will be unsuccessful until his gums are under control and his oral hygiene has
Eventually his periodontal health will get progressively worse and if bridge work is done, the treatment may fail. If that happens, Dr. Green will blame the dental team for the bridge failure and possibly sue for treatment. The ethical theory that was followed was Nonmaleficence and Veracity. It is the dental team’s obligation to do no harm to the patient and protect and minimize any potential risks that can be foreseen. Allowing Dr. Green to dictate his care will only bring him harm in the long run. The dental team needs to tell Dr. Green the truth and explain to him what is really going on with his gums and that it is a team effort between him and the dental