ADA Code of Ethics

Advisory Opinions

The Code of Professional Conduct is organized into five sections. Each section falls under the Principle of Ethics that predominately applies to it. Advisory Opinions follow the section of the Code that they interpret. 

Section 1 — Principle: Patient Autonomy ("self-governance"). The dentist has a duty to respect the patient's rights to self-determination and confidentiality. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to treat the patient according to the patient's desires, within the bounds of accepted treatment, and to protect the patient's confidentiality. Under this principle, the dentist's primary obligations include involving patients in treatment decisions in a meaningful way, with due consideration being given to the patient's needs, desires and abilities, and safeguarding the patient's privacy.

Code of Professional Conduct

1.A. Patient Involvement

The dentist should inform the patient of the proposed treatment, and any reasonable alternatives, in a manner that allows the patient to become involved in treatment decisions.

Section 2 — Principle: Nonmaleficence

Principle: Nonmaleficence ("do no harm"). The dentist has a duty to refrain from harming the patient. This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to protect the patient from harm. Under this principle, the dentist's primary obligations include keeping knowledge and skills current, knowing one's own limitations and when to refer to a specialist or other professional, and knowing when and under what circumstances delegation of patient care to auxiliaries is appropriate Code of Professional Conduct 

2.A. Education.

The privilege of dentists to be accorded professional status rests primarily in the

knowledge, skill and experience with which they serve their patients and society. All

dentists, therefore, have the obligation of keeping their knowledge and skill

current.

3.C. Research And Development.

Dentists have the obligation of making the results and benefits of their investigative

efforts available to all when they are useful in safeguarding or promoting the health

of the public.

Section 5 — Principle: Veracity

Principle: Veracity ("truthfulness"). The dentist has a duty to communicate

truthfully.

This principle expresses the concept that professionals have a duty to be honest and

trustworthy in their dealings with people. Under this principle, the dentist's primary

obligations include respecting the position of trust inherent in the dentist-patient

relationship, communicating truthfully and without deception, and maintaining

intellectual integrity

Advisory Opinions

5.D.1. Reporting Adverse Reactions. A dentist who suspects the occurrence of an

adverse reaction to a drug or dental device has an obligation to communicate that

information to the broader medical and dental community, including, in the case

of a serious adverse event, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Advisory Opinions

5.A.1. Dental Amalgam. Based on available scientific data the ADA has determined

through the adoption of Resolution 42H-1986 (Trans.1986:536) that the removal of

amalgam restorations from the non-allergic patient for the alleged purpose of removing

toxic substances from the body, when such treatment is performed solely at the

recommendation or suggestion of the dentist, is improper and unethical.

5.A.2. Unsubstantiated Representations. A dentist who represents that dental

treatment recommended or performed by the dentist has the capacity to cure or

alleviate diseases, infections or other conditions, when such representations are not

based upon accepted scientific knowledge or research, is acting unethically.