2 minute read
ADA and FDA Principles of Ethics and Codes of Professional Conduct
ADA and FDA Principles of Ethics and Codes of Professional Conduct I have elected to be a PROUD MEMBER OF THE Because the dental profession holds such a special position of trust within society, the profession makes a commitment to society that FLORIDA DENTAL ASSOCIATION, its members will adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. These standards are embodied in the American Dental Association (ADA) and Florida Dental Association (FDA) Principles of Ethics and Codes of Professional Conduct (ADA & FDA Codes). The ADA & FDA Codes which demonstrates an individual commitment to the American are essentially a written expression of the obligations arising from the implied contract between the dental profession and society. Dental and Florida Dental Associations’ Principles of Ethics & Code Members of organized dentistry voluntarily agree to abide by the ADA & FDA Codes as a condition of membership; they recognize that of Professional Conduct. continued public trust in the dental profession is based on the commitment of individual dentists to high ethical standards of conduct. The full ADA code can be found online at bit.ly/3SJDWIu. I VOW TO: The full FDA code can be found online at floridadental.org/coe. The main difference between the two is that the FDA requires for members to participate in the peer review process.
The ADA & FDA Codes have three main components:
The Principles of Ethics — The Principles of Ethics are the aspirational goals and firm guideposts of the profession. They provide guidance and are made up of the five fundamental principles of patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity.
The Code of Professional Conduct — The Code of Professional Conduct is an expression of specific types of conduct that are either required or prohibited. It’s a product of the ADA’s legislative system and all of its elements result from resolutions adopted by the ADA’s House of Delegates.
The Advisory Opinions — The Advisory Opinions are interpretations that apply the code to specific fact situations. They are adopted by the ADA’s Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs to provide guidance to membership about how the Council might interpret the code in a disciplinary proceeding. Members, please consider displaying the poster, which was polybagged with this issue, in your office to reinforce to patients, staff and members of the public that you’re a dentist who is personally committed to exercising the ADA & FDA Codes. If you would like additional copies, please go to bit.ly/3TG70Rl, to print out the poster.
as an integral member of the treatment planning process. HONOR a patient’s role I also will honor their right to confidentiality. (Autonomy) using current knowledge and adept skill; PROTECT patients from harm, and providing proper referrals to optimize treatment. (Nonmaleficence) through competent ACT for the benefit of the patient and the public at large, and timely delivery of dental care. (Beneficence) promoting access for all. DELIVER care with fairness and without prejudice, (Justice) as clearly and honestly as I can. (Veracity) COMMUNICATE
I welcome questions and open discussion regarding these principles and your health care.
