Abstract
A discussion of dentist ethics and laws, and their application to the dentist-patient relationship. The paper looks at the American Dental Association (ADA) code of ethics and state laws and regulations.

From the Paper
"The following presents the law and ethics of the dentist-patient relationship. A description of ethical principles and legal regulations provided by the American Dental Association is presented. This is followed by an application of these ethics and laws to the dentist-patient relationship and a summary and conclusion. The ADA Code of Ethics as well as the different state laws and regulations all safeguard the dentist-patient relationship. According to the Michigan Dental Association (MDA)..."

Tags:dentist ethics, patients, laws, ADA

Abstract
The paper looks at the literature on the application of the lean theory in the healthcare setting and focuses on the San Marcos Dental's problems in productivity and pateint access. The paper studies the total patient cycle time and presents a time study to analyze the physical routine of receptionists, assistants, dentists and patients. The paper shows how receptionists, assistants and patients all make significant "non-value added" steps, producing waste in the system. The paper describes the lean theory mechanisms that can be implemented in order to increase access, decrease wait times and improve dentist productivity. The paper includes several charts and graphs.

Outline:
Research Question
Problem Statement
Method Research and Design
Project Outcomes
Lessons Learned
Summary/ Recommendations

From the Paper
"North County Health Services (NCHS) is a private, non-profit community health center located in North San Diego County.
"San Marcos Dental is housed within the San Marcos Health Center. The department boasts nine exam rooms (operatories), four dentists, eight assistants (two are registered dental assistants), three receptionists and a treatment coordinator.
"San Marcos Dental sees approximately 10,000 patients annually, representing six percent of the total number of patients seen at NCHS.
The department was budgeted for an increase in visits for fiscal year 2006. Not only has San Marcos dental not realized the budgeted increase, but they are down over 2,500 visits."

Tags:waste, efficiency, value, continuous, flow

Abstract
This paper attempts to examine the ethical dilemma around the issue of dentists' disclosure of their HIV status to their patients.

Abstract
The paper argues that there is no need to reveal personal health issues to patients when proper preventative measures have been taken to protect the health and well-being of the patient. The paper maintains that it is not important for a dentist to reveal the fact that he carries HBV (hepatitis B virus) in terms of ethics and then shows how the chances of a dentist with HBV passing along that virus to a patient is extremely remote. The paper concludes that telling a patient about the presence of a hepatitis B virus needlessly creates unjustified anxiety and even panic.

Outline:
Thesis
Body of Paper
What Can Happen When an HBV Person Puts in Motion the Potential to Expose an HBV Infected Person
Ethical Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Should a dentist necessarily inform the patient that she (we will use "she" in this paper) has the disease Hepatitis B positive? It is my contention and belief that a dentist is not obliged legally or ethically to make that health condition known to patients. And providing that all responsible healthcare-related precautions are taken, I see no good reason why a dentist should alarm a patient with an announcement of startling personal healthcare information. Would a dentist or doctor be obligated ethically to tell a patient that she is in the midst of a genital herpes outbreak? How about the fact that the dentist was out of work for 6 weeks due to mononucleosis? I don't think there is any moral, rational, or ethical justification for having to reveal personal health information of that nature."

Tags:healthcare, workers, patients, transmission, infectious, diseases, vaccination

Abstract
This paper examines the problem of low sales turnover among the salespeople of 1800Dentist, a service company that provides referrals to dentists through television advertising. The paper suggest three alternative solutions that could be marketed in order to try and increase sales.

From the Paper
"Solution One is the recommended solution, with several packages being offered. These will include half the price for half the guarantee. To encourage long-term clients the length of the packages will not be varied, only the referrals guaranteed and the price. This means 1800Dentist will vary the advertising schedules for each client. This solution is recommended because it encourages long-term use of the service, which is the best result for 1800Dentist as it reduces administration costs, reduces the sales prospecting required and means that 1800Dentist will have a more reliable and constant income. Having long-term clients effectively ensures stable and uniform demand for 1800Dentist, this stable demand described as allowing an organization to "reduce costs and improve service; better utilize capacity; and enhance profit potential" (Slack, Chambers, Harland, Harrison, & Johnston 406)."

Tags:dental, service, marketing

Abstract
This paper describes the author's experience as a fully qualified and experienced dentist in India, where she was born, raised and educated. Next, the author explains her coming to the U.S. and her leaving the practice of dentistry to care for one of her twins who has a rare genetic disorder. After her daughter was out of danger, the paper relates that the author became a dental assistant to learn the system in the U.S. and now seeks a position in the dental residency program.

From the Paper
"I have worked as a volunteer with a community health center and, thus, better appreciate the way that health-care is rooted in the community. Dentistry is my life and my greatest pleasure is to make direct and profound contributions to the health of patients. After giving my all to a residency program, I envision establishing myself in an area of the U.S. that is medically underserved and working towards increasing the accessibility and quality of healthcare that is offered. I hope to have the opportunity to fully focus my energies on a life-long learning process concerning the most dynamic field of dentistry."

Tags:community, professional identity, social awareness, inspiration, maximum potential

Abstract
This paper examines the nature of a training program, the process of developing such a program and how one should evaluate it. It uses the specific example of surgical microscopes in dental surgery.

Abstract
This paper examines the Florida Dental Practices Act (2001). It identifies why and in what specific ways it is important to dentists practicing in the state of Florida.

Abstract
This paper considers an ethical case in which a doctor in South Africa is offered a new and better product which she could use in her dental practice, and she holds out until the sales person offers her a trip to New York for a conference. The paper considers ethical issues raised and ethical lapses entitled in this case, finding both the doctor and the sales person at fault.

From the Paper
"This case involves what appears to be a simple decision on the part of Dr. X to participate in a trip to New York for her and her partner to attend the World Congress on Alternatives to Amalgam Use. Such a congress is in itself not a moral issue, and meetings of this sort are held all the time to promote products, to report on research, and to meet others in the same field and learn from them. However, doctors should make their way to such meetings on their own and not with a ticket paid for by a company seeking to sell them a new product. Dr. X is a dentist in South Africa who currently manages amalgam restorations, and the new product would replace amalgam with a substance that has no mercury in it at all. This makes it a healthier product and so more valuable than the amalgam now in use."

Tags:doctor, ethics, bribe

Abstract
This paper studies the decision to fluoridate drinking water. Fluoridation is the process of adding fluoride to water. It details the development of the concept of fluoridation and discusses research done on the issue. It explains many dentist's opinions for and against fluoridation as well as the ADA's support. It also details the origins and contents of fluoride chemicals. Finally, it concludes that there has still not been a final decision on the matter.

From the Paper
"Fluoridation (the adding of fluoride to water) has been a hotly debated health issue for over half a century. Some advocate fluoridation by citing the many oral benefits available through the process, heralding the betterment of public hygiene that has been achieved from the procedure's inception. Detractors, on the other hand, point out the possible side effects from the abuse of fluoridation, the health problems being experienced around the globe by countries with fluoridated water, and the indelible rights of man. Because the decision to fluoridate drinking water or not affects so many of the worlds population it is definitely a worthy topic to sink ones teeth into."

Tags:Flouridation, health, drinking, water, ADA, dentist, flouride, chemicals