Becoming a Dental Professional

Question 1

What is a profession?

Answer 1

an occupation involving relatively long and specialized preparation on the level of higher education and governed by a special code of ethics

Question 2

What is the “constructive aim” of a profession?

Answer 2

THE PUBLIC GOOD

Question 3

How are the four key elements of a profession?

Answer 3

1. important and exclusive expertise
2. internal/external controls and structure
3. autonomy in practice (you’re the boss)
4. professional obligations (to community, patients, etc)

Question 4

What does it mean to “be a professional?”

Answer 4

Having:

• respect for human beings
• competency
• integrity
• concern for service (not fame or money)

Question 5

Ethics is a branch of philosophy and ________.

Answer 5

theology

Question 6

Ethics is the systematic study of what is right and good with respect to _____ and ____.

Answer 6

character and conduct

Question 7

What are the two fundamental questions of ethics?

Answer 7

1. What should we do?

2. Why should we do it?

Question 8

Ethics are the ______ principals that govern the character and conduct of a group.

Answer 8

moral

Question 9

What is the object of ethics?

Answer 9

to emphasize SPIRIT (or intent) rather than the LAW

i.e.: don’t try to find loopholes

Question 10

What are the commitments and obligations contained in the Dentist’s Pledge?

Answer 10

• their total health and well-being are my first consideration
• my competence rests on continuing the attainment of knowledge and skill
• my obligation is to support/sustain the honor and integrity of the profession
• I must conduct myself in all endeavors so that I merit respect of others
• I must commit myself to the betterment of the community for the benefit of all society

Question 11

Be _____ in Dentistry.

Answer 11

active (ex. join ADA, ODA)

Question 12

Be an ______ for dental care.

Answer 12

advocate

Question 13

Be a _______ in the community.

Answer 13

leader

Question 14

Provide _______ to the community.

Answer 14

service

Question 15

What are the principles of ethics in dentistry?

Answer 15

1. Patient Autonomy
2. Nonmaleficence
3. Beneficence
4. Justice
5. Veracity (not included in other texts; aka ethics class)

Question 16

\_\_\_1\_\_\_ = do good
\_\_\_2\_\_\_ = fairness
\_\_\_3\_\_\_ = do no harm
\_\_\_4\_\_\_ = self governance
\_\_\_5\_\_\_ = truthfulness

Answer 16

1. beneficence
2. justice
3. nonmaleficence
4. autonomy
5. veracity