What is a fiduciary duty in the dental profession?

A fiduciary duty in the dental profession refers to a legal obligation that requires dental professionals to act in the best interest of their patients. This principle is foundational to patient-care relationships and emphasizes trust and loyalty between the dental provider and the patient. When dental professionals hold a fiduciary duty, they are expected to prioritize their patients' health, wellbeing, and treatment outcomes above their own interests or potential financial gains.

This duty encompasses various aspects of care, including obtaining informed consent, providing accurate and comprehensive information about treatment options, and ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained. It reinforces the bond of trust that patients place in their dental care providers, who are responsible for acting with competence and integrity.

In contrast, managing a dental practice's finances, disclosing costs up front, and ethical collaboration among team members, while important, do not fully capture the essence of fiduciary duty. These aspects relate more to operational and ethical considerations than to the legal responsibilities inherent in patient care and advocacy.