Ethics Workshop 1

Question 1

Child is in distress over getting an extraction what are some considerations to make in this situation

Answer 1

• ways you could settle the child
• how to approach the consent process (start on the basis that the mum has responsibly, information given so as to be understandable)
• potential discrimination is always an issue (having a learning difficulty does not necessarily mean that the adult lacks capacity, patronising approach could be offensive to the adult)
• do the parents lack capacity (if so can another family member consent to the procedure)

Question 2

A patient has dementia they live in a care home, they have dentures and keep losing them what are some considerations

Answer 2

• is the dementia mild or severe (always the potential for wrongful discrimination patient may still have capacity)
• is the patient lacking capacity (does this fluctuate at all is there a better time of day for the patient?)
• does the patient herself actually want dentures (keep best interests of the patient a priority, the dentist must go along with the wishes of the care home manager unless it is not in the best wishes of the patient)
• is the weight loss a result of not being able to chew? (Other possibilities have to be considered for weight loss, get in contact with doctor ect what is going on)

Question 3

What are some considerations if you as a dentist become attracted to a patient and want to ask them out

Answer 3

• the difference between the role of the dentist and the role of the patient distorts the power in the relationship
• imagine the consequences on an unwanted approach on a patient by a dentist
• professional rules about entering relationships with patients
• is there scope for negative outcomes, dentists reputation ect

Question 4

You have a patient that has just disclosed they have HIV they have kept it from you for a long time, what are some considerations

Answer 4

• universal precautions in place anyway, no practical differences come into play - no discrimination
• HIV+ diagnosis impacts on the dental health may mean the patient needs more treatment that the average person
• highly professional approach in place the patients dental health needs to above the dentists possible vexation