Category Archives: Ethics

Delivering high-quality dentistry in underserved communities: Leadership lessons beyond the operatory

Photo of Kaushal Shah, D.M.D.

Dentistry is often described as a profession of precision — margins measured in microns, exact angulations, ideal outcomes. But in underserved communities, I learned quickly that precision alone is not enough. Leadership, resilience and responsibility often matter just as much as technical skill, sometimes more. One of the most formative experiences of my career was working in a… Read More »

Elevate your brand responsibly: The power of sustainable apparel and promotional marketing

Photo of Patagonia backpack

We now live in a world where environmental consciousness is paramount. Businesses are recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices in every aspect of their operations. When it comes to the apparel you and your dental team wear in your practice and promotional products you give away to patients and community members, the choice of materials plays a… Read More »

Patient autonomy vs. patient-pleasing as a new dentist

The day we obtain our dental license, our role changes from student to doctor. After a lifetime of being told what to do by “grown-ups,” teachers and professors, the roles reverse. It can be challenging when confronted by patients asking us to do things we are not comfortable with doing, especially if we want to please our patients.… Read More »

The ethical dilemma of infectious disease disclosure for dentists

In July 1990, the Florida Department of Health reported a possible transmission of HIV from a dentist to five of his patients.1 Though it was unclear if actual transmission of the virus actually occurred, this incidence caused much controversy and worry within dental community.2,3 At the time, health care providers were to follow the CDC’s “Recommendations for Preventing… Read More »

Licensure Reform: The case for eliminating the clinical exam

Some may argue that progress has indeed been made in the administration of the licensure exam over the last 50 years given that regional testing authorities have increased from two in 1971 to the current number of five. Although undoubtedly there has been improvement in the uniformity, the ease of test-taking, and the administration of the examination, the… Read More »

A north star for practicing after 2020 and beyond

Photo of Dr. Al Sammarraie

2020 was unkind to everybody. The pandemic has placed restrictions on businesses, causing huge losses across the board. Much like the recession in the late 2000s, prospective students coming out of long periods of education will be arriving into a world that they might not be prepared for. There are new guidelines to meet that weren’t part of… Read More »