FROM THE ARCHIVES

Robert J. Collins, DMD, MPH

necessary activities to be feasible and acceptable to both patient and dentist(33).

The dental profession also has a role to play in dealing with the growing social consequences of domestic violence(34). Have we educated ourselves to look at domestic violence as a public health problem? Have we determined an appropriate role for ourselves in assisting victims of abuse? Dental practitioners can and must do more than just treat the orofacial injuries that often result from abuse. There is a responsibility to be aware of community resources available to support victims and to make appropriate referrals(35)

Participating in community-wide strategies offers the dental professional an opportunity to make a contribution to the public health on a larger scale. Activities such as promoting water fluoridation can have an impact well beyond the boundaries of a clinical practice. The U.S. Public Health Service has cited fluoridation as one of the most economical preventive measures in the nation, one that, if extended to underserved populations, could result in substantial health care savings and improved oral health(36). Getting involved might be as simple as making a conscious effort to discuss fluoridation with patients or as complex as leading a community initiative to begin fluoridating. If dental practices are to become more effective in creating access to care, health services research will be essential to achieving a better understanding of the effectiveness of various health care services and systems, developing appropriate practice guidelines, and, ultimately, improving the oral health of the public. Common problems faced by clinicians may offer them opportunities to develop and participate in their own education and research agenda(37). On a larger front, have we thoroughly explored the issue of access to dental care for underserved populations? Do we believe the status quo to be acceptable? If not, have we made an individual assessment about the best way to increase the availability of services for those in need? Is access to some minimal level of dental services a necessity for all citizens? If so, how should this best be attained? Voluntary programs? Universal coverage? Regardless of one’s answer, the key is to ask ourselves these questions, use our knowledge and the range of information available (not just what others would have us believe), arrive at a good faith decision, and act upon it. By pursuing any of the above or similar activities, dentists demonstrate their understanding of the true meaning of a profession. In doing so, they celebrate the positive effect the dental profession has had on the oral health of the public while accepting the challenge to always seek a higher standard and pursue the goal of oral health for all(38)

In 1994 more Americans than ever enjoy the benefits of good oral health due, in large measure, to our professional predecessors who wholeheartedly supported fluoride and other preventive measures. The status the dental profession enjoys today may well be due to society’s recognition of dentists as a community willing to put public good above personal financial gain(39).

Conclusion

In 1994 more Americans than ever enjoy the benefits of good oral health due, in large measure, to our professional predecessors who wholeheartedly supported fluoride and other preventive measures. The status the dental profession enjoys today may well be due to society’s recognition of dentists as a community willing to put public good above personal financial gain(39). The challenge to continue to be worthy of this recognition remains.

Even the best of professionals can’t do everything. All of us, however, can find ways to improve our practices and to reach out to our communities. By so doing, we enhance our profession and improve oral health. The Year of Oral Health provides a unique opportunity to call attention to the importance of good oral health and to refocus our ef- forts to assist the public and our patients in attaining it.

As professionals we have an obligation to examine and understand the larger societal context and then take appropriate action to maximize our personal contributions to the social good. I can think of no saying that captures

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3. Burt, BA. Periodontiti.s and aging: Reviewing recent evidence. J Am Dent Assoc 1994;125(3):273-8 this approach more succinctly than: “Think globally, act locally”!

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The Year of Oral Health offers an opportunity to renew our efforts. Our fellowship in the American College of Dentists expects no less!

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From The Archives

Robert J. Collins, DMD, MPH

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Ethical and Professionalism Issues in Augmented/Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry and Related Professions

Submission deadline: September 1, 2023

Expected publication: November/December 2023

Guest Editor

Michael McCarthy, PhD, HEC-C

Background

The Journal of the American College of Dentists is a scholarly publication presenting proactive and informative perspectives on issues affecting the dental profession and society. The Journal has been published since 1934, and its first editor was Dr. William John Gies. We invite submissions for this issue of the journal focused on issues of ethics and professionalism in the development and use of AU/AI in dentistry and related professions.

Submission Details

Submissions to this call should address ethical and professionalism issues raised by the development and/or use of AU/AI in dentistry and related health professions. Potential topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Research ethics questions related to the development of AU/AI tools for diagnostics; the potential for bias in the development and use of AU/AI tools; how or whether to integrate AU/AI into dental education; ethical best practices for integrating AU/AI into practice; and health literacy of patients the value of interprofessionalism in developing and applying AU/AI.

Only full-length manuscripts will be considered. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and therefore, not all submissions will be accepted.

Papers should be submitted to suzan@acd.org. Please put “Ethics & Professionalism in AU/AI” in the subject line.