Ethical Dilemmas for Dental Students in Greece

Abstract

Professional dental ethics for students are based on promoting oral health for dental patients and reinforcing an anthropocentric approach to communication and dental services. A total of 133 dental students (males 33.8% N1 = 46, females 66.2% N2 = 87) completed the study questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied, and non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests were used (p < 0.05). Students refuse services to patients that misbehave (37.6%), have irrational demands (18%), and when clinical cases exceed their capabilities (36.8%). Of the participants, 50.4% want to waive confidentiality when abuse is declared. Ethical role models are educators (33.8%), other qualified dentists (25.6%), and their parents (21.8%). Female gender positively affects integrity (p = 0.046), altruism (p = 0.032), and difficulty in conversations among colleagues (p = 0.036). Students outside the capital are less interested in esthetic issues (p = 0.007), in giving more than one treatment plan (p = 0.006), and in being confronted with inadequate treatments from other colleagues (p = 0.005). Family income positively affects clinical skills (p = 0.003), trust issues (p = 0.008), and moral insight and intuition (p = 0.02). Presentation with clinical scenarios is the preferred educational method (49.6%). Dental students show compassion for poor patients, respect patients’ autonomy, and guide patients to choose the best treatment plan before receiving dental ethics seminars. There is a positive relationship between the ethical footprints of students and gender, origin, family income, postgraduate studies, and future professional plans. Factors and ways to incorporate ethics in the dental curriculum could be considered when planning relevant courses.

A Professional Consensus on Orthodontic Risks: Communication Approach, Quality Assurance, and Educational Strategies

“…In conducting this study, we employed a well-established research technique based on questionnaire data selection, as referenced in previous studies [48][49][50][51][52][53]. The technique, executed in two rounds as previously described [53], underwent preliminary testing through a pilot study conducted in September 2022.…”

Orthodontic Risk Perspectives among Orthodontists during Treatment: A Descriptive Pilot Study in Greece and Slovakia

“…While an orthodontist is guided to diagnosis and treatment planning by objective factors that are derived from clinical screening and adequate analyses, orthodontic patients are driven by subjective factors, like their perception of the problem, their needs, and desires [6,7]. Therefore, to effectively address patient concerns and expectations, it is imperative to adopt a patient-centered approach in orthodontic practice [8,9]. In the contemporary dental landscape, risk assessment emerges not only as a fundamental aspect of professional management but also as a strategic component in the marketing strategy of orthodontic practices.…”

“…This should encompass details about treatment goals and alternative approaches. Moreover, critical aspects such as patient cooperation, anticipated treatment duration, potential discomfort, and various adverse effects during or after the treatment must be meticulously communicated [8,9]. By providing a thorough overview of these elements, the informed consent process ensures transparency and empowers patients to make informed decisions about their orthodontic care [6].…”

“…In this sense, the ethical consideration of informed consent not only ensures the welfare of orthodontic patients but is currently an important issue in dentistry [9,34]. This study addresses the gap by reporting on the extent of informed consent practices in orthodontics in two European countries, namely Greece and Slovakia, offering an extensive analysis of orthodontists' perspectives shaped by individual and cultural factors.…”

Educating dental students on social media ethics

“…Because of that, the dental education curriculum should not only teach essential clinical knowledge, technical skills, and practical abilities but also instill the values and attitudes that define the profession. It would benefit students to learn about the reasons behind moral decisions and understand the prominent ethical stances in dentistry [9].…”