profession the privilege and obligation of self-government . To fulfill this privilege , these high ethical standards should be adopted and practiced throughout the dental school educational process and subsequent professional career .
The Association believes that dentists should possess not only knowledge , skill and technical competence but also those traits of character that foster adherence to ethical principles . Qualities of honesty , compassion , kindness , integrity , fairness and charity are part of the ethical education of a dentist and practice of dentistry and help to define the true professional . As such , each dentist should share in providing advocacy to and care of the underserved . It is urged that the dentist meet this goal , subject to individual circumstances .
The ethical dentist strives to do that which is right and good . The ADA Code is an instrument to help the dentist in this quest .
III . PRINCIPLES , CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ADVISORY OPINIONS
Section 1 PRINCIPLE : PATIENT AUTONOMY (“ self-governance ”). The dentist has a duty to respect the patient ’ s rights to self-determination and confidentiality .
This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to treat the patient according to the patient ’ s desires , within the bounds of accepted treatment , and to protect the patient ’ s confidentiality . Under this principle , the dentist ’ s primary obligations include involving patients in treatment decisions in a meaningful way , with due consideration being given to the patient ’ s needs , desires and abilities , and safeguarding the patient ’ s privacy .
CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
1 . A . PATIENT INVOLVEMENT . The dentist should inform the patient of the proposed treatment , and any reasonable alternatives , in a manner that allows the patient to become involved in treatment decisions .
1 . B . PATIENT RECORDS . Dentists are obliged to safeguard the confidentiality of patient records . Dentists shall maintain patient records in a manner consistent with the protection of the welfare of the patient . Upon request of a patient or another dental practitioner , dentists shall provide any information in accordance with applicable law that will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient .
ADVISORY OPINIONS
1 . B . 1 . FURNISHING COPIES OF RECORDS . A dentist has the ethical obligation on request of either the patient or the patient ’ s new dentist to furnish in accordance with applicable law , either gratuitously or for nominal cost , such dental records or copies or summaries of them , including dental X-rays or copies of them , as will be beneficial for the future treatment of that patient . This obligation exists whether or not the patient ’ s account is paid in full .
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