Veracity in Dental Ethics

Introduction

• Veracity: Fifth and final principle of ethics in dentistry, synonymous with truthfulness.
• Primary Obligation: Dentists must be honest in all dealings, respecting the trust in dentist-patient relationships.

Codes of Professional Conduct

Representation of Care

• No Misleading Representations: Dentists cannot mislead patients about the care provided.
  • Example: Claiming amalgam fillings are toxic when evidence does not support this.
• Advisory Opinions:
  • Avoid unsubstantiated claims about the effects of treatments (e.g., braces curing TMD).

Representation of Fees

• Accurate Fee Representation: Fees must not be misrepresented.
  • Advisory Opinions:
    • Waiving Co-payments: Misleading insurance about co-payment can be unethical even if beneficial for the patient.
    • Overbilling: Unethical to charge more based on insurance coverage.
    • Fee Differential: Maintain transparency in fee amounts.
    • Correct Treatment Date: Must report accurate dates to insurance.
    • Correct Procedure Reporting: Do not misrepresent procedures for insurance coverage.
• Unnecessary Dental Services: Unethical to recommend or perform without necessity.

Professional Endorsement and Use of Devices

• Disclosure of Endorsements: Required when presenting sponsored information.
• Safe Use of Drugs and Devices:
  • Report adverse reactions to the FDA.
  • Avoid misrepresentation of products for financial gain.

Advertising and Public Representation

• Truthful Advertising: Must be honest in all promotional activities.
  • Avoid Misleading Practices: Don’t use non-accredited degrees or mislead through SEO.
• Practice Naming:
  • Name reflects actual services and accredited practitioners.
  • A retiring dentist's name can stay for up to one year.

Specialization and Practice Limitation

• Specialization Announcements: Only announce recognized specialties.
  • Provide clarity if practicing with dual degrees.
• General Practitioners: Must clarify when services are provided by general dentists.
• Credentials Representation: Avoid implying higher status without credentials.

Summary

• Good Practices:
  • Do not remove functional dental materials without cause.
  • Disclose conflicts of interest and report adverse reactions.
  • Advertise honestly and remove retiring dentists' names promptly.
  • Avoid unearned credentials claims.

Conclusion

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