Ethics in Dentistry (281 DEN)

Course Description: A new course for junior dental students, which provides an introduction to ethical understanding in the field of dentistry and offers dental students a framework for ethical decision-making. Ethics is the study of morality, the ability to distinguish between what is "right" from what is "wrong", and involves an exercise to determine the most morally desirable course of action when confronted with a situation where a decision is required. Accordingly, the course provides theoretical background about ethics and its application in dentistry, with emphases on the dentist's moral character, and the appropriate behavior toward patients, colleagues, communities and the dental profession. In addition, the course attempts to go beyond the theoretical understanding by involving students in problem based learning and group discussions to solve common ethical dilemmas in dental education and practice. (1 credit hour)

Course Objectives:

Upon completing the course, the student should:

- Describe ethics and morality, and their applications in the dental practice

- Explore the history of ethical literature, particularly for healthcare professionals

- Identify basic ethical issues surrounding the practice healthcare environment

- List the duties of healthcare providers toward patients

- Explain the responsibilities toward colleagues and the dental profession

- Identify responsibilities toward the community

- Recognize financial transactions that compromise ethical practice

Course Organization:

The course is to be developed through lectures, classroom discussions and group-based exercise addressing common dental ethical dilemmas.

Required Readings:

- Saudi Commission for Health Specialities "Ethics of the Medical Profession" 2nd eddition

- KSA Healthcare Code of Conduct Law, 1426AH