Ethics In Orthodontics: A Retrospective review

When treating a patient in an orthodontic clinic, significant ethical issues may arise unfolding to the best interests of the patient and decision making for them. The case of a patient with a cleft lip and palate whose parents failed to bring her in for medically indicated orthodontic care is offered. Ethical features of the case are discussed, including the need to benefit the patient, avoid harm, and respect the preferences of the parents. Ethical codes of the American Dental Association and American Medical Association are referenced. Ethical dilemmas include the variance between the orthodontist's commitment to the patient and the need to value the parental autonomy. Parental independence is respected up until the point at which significant harm to a patient may result. The orthodontist's primary ethical responsibility is to the patient and not to anybody else. The orthodontist providing medically indicated care should involve the craniofacial team or hospital social worker when parental decision making is in the query.