The Journal of the American Dental Association
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J Am Dent Assoc, Vol 137, No 5, 580.
© 2006 American Dental Association
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LETTERS

Author’s response

Thank you to Dr. Hurowitz for taking the time to read "Ethical Moment." I hope she will get a chance to review it again, and perhaps see a different message. Those who offer free care in their office for the under-served deserve respect and appreciation from all of us.

The "Ethical Moment" was a response to a member’s question. It did not chastise the writer, nor did it brand him as unethical. It did explain the aspirational goals set forth in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, or ADA Code, under Section 3.A and Section 4.1 As stated, these principles do not obligate members to work in their local society clinics. The answer offered described several ways a dentist might fulfill these ethical requirements. There are many other ways, including those Dr. Hurowitz mentions in her letter. The "Ethical Moment" concluded:

The Preamble of the ADA Code states, ‘The ethical dentist strives to do that which is right and good.’ There are numerous ways to ethically fulfill your community service obligation as a dental professional and as a member of the ADA. Depending on the details, you may feel you already are doing your part by offering discounted treatment and accepting the teachers’ insurance.

You are not unethical for turning down an offer from your local society. However, the privilege to practice your profession is granted by society and does give you a general obligation to assist patients, society, organized dentistry and government with issues related to dental care. I encourage you to reconsider the offer from your local society. You may find it rewarding or even enjoyable. If time and other constraints truly do not permit you to accommodate the dental society’s request at this time, consider one of the other ways to help.

One of the challenges of our profession, in addition to self-governance, includes holding ourselves to the highest moral and ethical standards.

Dentistry did not cause the "access to care" problem, and we have no magic cure to offer society to solve it. We can provide leadership and direction to government, and we can and must demonstrate care and compassion for those among us who do not have access to basic oral health care.


   REFERENCES
TOP
 REFERENCES
 
  1. American Dental Association. Principles of ethics and code of professional conduct with official advisory opinions revised to January 2005. Available at: "www.ada.org/prof/prac/law/code/ada_code.pdf". Accessed Feb. 10, 2006.



James Antoon, DMD, MS, Private Practice, Chair
ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, Rockledge, Fla.



This Article
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Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
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Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Antoon, J.
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Right arrow Articles by Antoon, J.

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