iDentistry The Journal identistry_jan_april2019 | Page 32

The Journal
Consultant shall not criticize the referring
Dental Surgeon. He shall discuss the diagnosis
treatment plan with the referring Dental
Surgeon.
4. Appointment of Substitute:
Whenever a Dental Surgeon requests another
Dental Surgeon to attend his patients during his
temporary absence from his practice,
professional courtesy requires the acceptance
of such appointment only when he has the
capacity to discharge the additional
responsibility along with his other duties. The
Dental Surgeon acting under such an
appointment should give the utmost
consideration to the interests and reputation of
the absent Dental Surgeon and all such patients
should be restored to the care of the latter upon
his return.
5. Visiting another Case:
When it becomes the duty of a Dental Surgeon
occupying an official position to see and report
upon a condition and appropriate treatment, he
should communicate to the Dental Surgeon in
attendance so as to give him an option of being
present. The Medical Officer / Dental Surgeon
occupying an official position should avoid
remarks upon the diagnosis or the treatment
that has been adopted.
E) Duties of Dental Surgeons to the Public
and to the Paramedical profession:
1. Dental Surgeons as Citizens:
Dental Surgeons, as good citizens, possessed
of special training should disseminate advice on
public health issues. They should play their part
in enforcing the laws of the community and in
sustaining the institutions that advance the
interests of humanity. They should particularly
co-operate with the authorities in the
administration of sanitary/public health laws
and regulations.
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2.Public and Community Health:
Dental Surgeons, especially those engaged in
public health dentistry, should enlighten the
public concerning oral health and prevention of
oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontal
health, pre-cancerous lesions and oral cancer.
At all times the dental surgeons should notify
the constituted public health authorities or
hospitals of every case of communicable
disease under his care, in accordance with the
laws, rules and regulations of the health
authorities.
3. Pharmacists / Nurses:
Dental Surgeons should recognize and
promote the practice of different paramedical
services such as Dental Hygienist, Dental
Mechanic, Pharmacy and Nursing as
professions and should seek their cooperation
wherever required.
(F) Unethical Acts:
A Dental Surgeon shall not aid or abet or commit
any of the following acts which shall be
construed as unethical. For the purpose of this
regulation, a dental surgeon refers to all
registered practitioners whether they are in
individual private practice, attached to
hospitals, teaching hospitals or employed by
others whether they are corporate or otherwise:
1. Advertisement:
The global position on the issue of Ethics of
Advertisement by Dental/Medical professionals
has drastically changed over the last few
decades. A Dentist or a group of Dentists may
advertise provided that they maintain decorum,
keeping in mind the high moral obligations and
the value that society places on the important
nature of their work and the moral character and
integrity expected of them. Dental Surgeons are
expected to exhibit integrity, honesty, fidelity
and selfless service. Monetary commitments
can only be secondary to the welfare of his
Vol. 15
No. 1
Jan-April 2019