This principle expresses the concept that professionals have
a duty to be fair in their dealings with patients, colleagues and society.
Under this principle, the dentist's primary obligations include dealing with
people justly and delivering dental care without prejudice. In its broadest
sense, this principle expresses the concept that the dental professional shall
actively seek allies throughout society on specific activities that will help
improve access to care for all.
(a)
Patient Selection. While dentists, in serving the public, may exercise
reasonable discretion in selecting patients for their practices, dentists shall
not refuse to accept patients into their practice or deny dental service to
patients because of the patient's race, creed, color, sex or national
origin.
(b) Patients with
Bloodborne Pathogens. It is unethical to decline treatment to any individual
based on the fact that they are infected with a bloodborne pathogen such as
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus or any
others.
(c) Emergency Service.
Dentists shall make reasonable arrangements for the emergency care of their
patients of record. Specifically, dentists shall make it possible for their
patients of record to contact them after business hours. Additionally, dentists
shall make reasonable arrangements with a colleague to provide emergency care
whenever they are unavailable for such service.
(d) Justifiable Criticism. Dentists shall
report to the appropriate reviewing agency as determined by the local component
society instances of gross or continual faulty treatment by other dentists.
Patients shall be informed of their present oral health status without
disparaging comment about prior services.
(e) Expert Testimony. Dentists may provide
expert testimony when that testimony is essential to a just and fair
disposition of a judicial or administrative action.
(f) Rebate and Split Fees. Dentists shall not
accept or tender "rebates" or "split fees."
