Ethics in dentistry.

In this article I would like to do two things: to discuss the foundations of ethical thinking in general, and to link this discussion to the particular concern of dentists. My argument is divided in three sections: Firstly, I shall attempt to define the term 'ethics' and briefly outline the context for the discussion of professional ethics. Secondly, I would like to draw attention to the categories and approaches in ethical thinking and also to the complexity of any adequate ethical reflection. In my third and final section I shall try to make a few suggestions in terms of how dentists could incorporate ethical thinking in their understanding of the dental profession.