Ethics derived from the Greek word ETHOS meaning CUSTOM OR CHARACTER.
DEFINITIONS:
• Is a branch of philosophy concerned with the study of those concepts that are used to evaluate human activities (Concepts of goodness and obligation)
• Moral duties and obligations of the dentist towards \his patients, professional colleagues, and to the society.
TYPES:
• Micro Ethics:
those principles which focus primarily on individual’s rights and duties and do not see individuals as a part of a wider social order.
• Macro Ethics:
a set of principle designed to protect the human dignity, integrity and self determination, confidentiality, rights, and health of population and people comprising them.
HISTORY
• Earlier Concepts – Based On Mysticism
Egyptians – book of dead in year 3500 BC describes immortality of soul and lists behaviours, behaviour conductive to a desirable destiny
Prior to 1000 BC in India were defined by Vedas and Upanishads.
Aristotle – concept of objective reality and objective ethics.
Middle Ages - Christianity
• Later Based On Facts
Recently Research Ethics – NUREMBERG”S CODE OF ETHICS.
In India – Code of Ethics – By DCI in 1975
1976, Indian Government - Dentist Regulation Act
CODE OF ETHICS:
Why do we need it?
In order that dignity and honor of the dental profession may be upheld, its standards exalted its fear of usefulness extended and the advancement of dental science promoted and that the members of the dental association may clearly understand their duties and obligations to the dental profession, to their patients and the community at large.
Dentistry As a Profession
A profession is a calling, the members of which profess to have acquired special knowledge by training, or experience, or both, so that they may advise or serve others in that special field. A professional person is expected to have respect for human beings, competence in his chosen field, integrity and a primary...