Ethics terms

Question 1

Definition of ethics

Answer 1

moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity

Question 2

Definition of competence

Answer 2

Acquiring and maintaining the high level of special knowledge, technical ability and professional behavior necessary for the provision of clinical care to patients and for effective functioning in the dental education environment

Question 3

Definition of fairness

Answer 3

Demonstrating consistency and even-handedness in dealing with others

Question 4

Definition of integrity

Answer 4

Being honest and demonstrating congruence between one’s values, words, and actions

Question 5

Definition of responsibility

Answer 5

Being accountable for one’s actions and recognizing and acting upon the special obligations to others that one assumes in joining a profession

Question 6

Definition of respect

Answer 6

Honoring the worth of others

Question 7

Definition of service-mindedness

Answer 7

Acting for the benefit of the patients and the public we serve and approaching those served with compassion

Question 8

Definition of patient autonomy

Answer 8

“self-governance”-the dentist has the duty to respect the patient’s right to self determination and confidentiality

Patient involvement and records

Question 9

Definition of nonmaleficence

Answer 9

“do no harm” –the dentist has a duty to refrain from harming the patient

Education; consultation and referral; use of support personnel; personal impairment; bloodborne pathogens; patient abandonment; Personal relationship with patients

Question 10

Definition of beneficence

Answer 10

“do good” –the dentist has a duty to promote the patient’s welfare

Community service; government of a profession; research and development; patents and copyrights; abuse and neglect; professional demeanor in the workplace

Question 11

Definition of justice

Answer 11

“fairness” –the dentist has a duty to treat people fairly

Patient selection; emergency service; Justifiable criticism; expert testimony; rebates and split fees

Question 12

Definition of veracity

Answer 12

“truthfulness” –the dentist has a duty to communicate truthfully

Question 13

What is person-centered care?

Answer 13

• Treating patients with dignity and respect
• Encouraging patient participation in decision making
• Communicating with patients about their clinical condition and treatment options
• Providing patients with information in a format that they understand so they can participate in decision-making

Question 14

What are the social determinants of health?

Answer 14

• education access and quality
• economic stability
• health care access and quality
• neighborhood and built environment
• social and community context