Trustworthiness in Dentistry: Results from an Ethics Scoping Review
Saturday, September 21, 2024
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
Location: Regency Ballroom B (First Floor)
Abstract: Ethical standards and codes are fundamental to guiding the practices of healthcare professionals, including those in dentistry. However, while literature on professional ethics in healthcare is extensive, the dental profession has received comparatively less scrutiny, particularly regarding conflicts of interest and trustworthiness. The analysis aimed to determine the current state of existing literature on the ethical dimensions of dentistry and conflict of interest, and its effect on trust within the dentist-patient relationship. A scoping review was conducted in which each article underwent a full-text review and was evaluated and scored using a bi-level threshold of breadth and depth of relevance to the criteria of this review. Each article was measured on a scale of low, medium, or high. Disagreement among the investigators was resolved upon consensus with a final result of evidence that met inclusion criteria (n=6). Findings suggest a limited focus on conflicts of interest and societal trust in dentistry, with most studies emphasizing the development of trust perception measurement scales rather than exploring unethical behavior and trust exploitation within the profession. These findings carry important significance for advancing understanding and addressing conflict of interest in dentistry. There is a further need for the development of specific measures to assess such practices to ultimately redefine ethical guidelines in dental practices.
Learning Objectives:
After participating in this conference, attendees should be able to:
Quantify the scope and degree of reliable evidence associated with ethics in dentistry and conflicts of interest, and trust.
Recognize the evidence gaps and opportunities for strengthening ethical guidelines for dental professionals.
Roxana Menes – Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; Jeffrey Gruenglas, DHSc, MSc, MA, HEC-C – Boston University