What is considered an ethical dilemma in dental assisting?

An ethical dilemma in dental assisting arises when a dental assistant faces a situation requiring a choice between conflicting moral principles. In such scenarios, the assistant may have to weigh the implications of their actions on patient care, professional integrity, and adherence to ethical standards. For instance, if a dental assistant knows that a treatment recommended by the dentist is unnecessary, they may feel torn between their obligation to the patient’s welfare and their loyalty to their employer, creating a complex decision-making situation.

While financial conflicts, disagreements among staff, and communication issues are important aspects of a dental practice, they do not inherently involve the same level of moral conflict. A financial conflict of interest pertains to monetary motivations and can often be resolved through policies or guidelines. Disagreements between staff members typically relate to operational matters and can usually be settled through discussion and teamwork. Miscommunication with a patient, while problematic, often involves clarity and approach rather than a fundamental conflict of ethical principles. Thus, the most accurate depiction of an ethical dilemma is the situation where conflicting moral principles must be navigated.