Journal
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION
Volume 140, Issue 4, Pages 470-474Publisher
AMER DENTAL ASSOC
DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2009.0198
Keywords
Dentists; ethics; informed consent; paternalism; personal autonomy; respect for patients' autonomy
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background. Respect for patients' autonomy is an ethical principle in health care highlighted in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct. The author presents a case example to illustrate its importance in dentistry. Methods. Using a clinical example of disrespect for patients' autonomy, the author underscores the importance of incorporating normative ethical principles in patient-dentist relationships. Conclusions. Respect for patients' autonomy sustains healthy boundaries between patients and the clinician. It underscores the importance of providing patient education and counsel without attempting to persuade or manipulate patients for dentists' benefit. Practice Implications. Respect for patients' autonomy is a fundamental principle of health care ethics that patients expect dentists to follow. The author encourages dentists to incorporate this principle into every patient encounter.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available