Abstract
The paper posits that dentistry is unique in the sense that it challenges the dentist to constantly balance the science with the art of interacting with people. The paper relates that there are many patient issues - psychological, emotional and social - that the dentist needs to be attuned to in order to plan an effective and complete treatment and sometimes these aspects have to be identified and resolved through treatment of the physical aspect. The paper postulates that possibly the most unique aspect of dentistry is the professional satisfaction reaped from treating patients. While dentistry can be stressful, it is balanced by the satisfaction of healing and helping people and making a difference in their lives.

Tags:pediatric, dentistry, essay

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 looks at three laws in dentistry: spoliation, which is alteration of patient records in any way after a lawsuit has begun; law 466.024 that covers delegation of duties; and law 466.028 that covers disciplinary actions that can be taken and for what.

From the Paper
"The spoliation law refers to the destruction, obliteration, mutilation, alteration or concealment of evidence, usually a document in this case, primarily the dental records of a patient by the dentist. (Pollack) Nothing should ever be changed in the patient's record once the dentists become aware of a lawsuit against them. The record should be kept in a safe place and not lost, this is also considered spoliation. The record should never be given to anyone unless ordered to do so by a court or a government agency..."

Tags:spoliation, deledation, disciplinary action

Abstract
This paper discusses how a dental student who is treating patients after hours without a license and without direct faculty supervision violates the principles of patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. This paper briefly reviews the salient points of the case in question. The paper compares an analysis of the actions taken to alternative options that may or may have not been considered at the time. A discussion of the ethical considerations in line with the perspectives of peers and the professional organization follows, as well as a discussion of the ethical perspective and the alternative actions that should have been taken.

From the Paper
"Ethical issues in the dental profession - and in all health professions - are at times an exercise in morality. Ethics seeks to achieve the ideal balance of achieving the greatest good while preserving patient rights and their dignity irrespective of their individual attributes. However, there are instances where one is faced with a conflict between what is deemed ideal and what is seen in reality. While ethical practices seek to attain this ideal in practice, it is often wrought with real life situations where doing what ought to be ideally done reaches a compromise depending on extenuating circumstances, often because there is little or..."

Tags:dentistry, ethics, student

From the Paper
" There is existing evidence that dentistry was practiced in Mexico before and after the Conquest. This can be seen by studying the dental mutilations, consisting of skillfully executed filing and inlaying with a variety of different materials. This is confirmed by X-rays, taken of excavated skulls. These skulls are part of the Mexican collection of mutilated teeth, which is the largest in the world. There are also numerous documents that verify the use of medicinal plants in the practice of dentistry. The sophistication of this pharmacology and the intricate work found in the inlays and filings lends qualification to the theory that these native Mesoamericans were part of a very civilized culture. "

Tags:bodyart, maya, pharmacology, teeth, dentistry, mexico, dental, history

Abstract
This paper explores the violations of the Dental Practices Act and violations of the rules of conduct. The paper details the potential penal code violations and penalties and further explores the personal risks a female student takes in meeting a male alone at night as well as the potential risks to the patient when unsupervised acts are performed.

From the Paper
"Mala Prohibita, acts that are considered wrong because they are in direct violation of a statute, and they are wrong on there own and do not require a criminal or guilty mindset for the establishment of guilt (Black 861). An individual by virtue of the committing a voluntary act that is prohibited by code of professional conduct, despite their best intentions or altruistic motivations, can be found guilty of a violation of the statute and subject to the penalties appropriate to the violation of the code. The practice of Dentistry in the State of Texas is closely regulated by the State Board of Dental Examiners, and it is this governing body the..."

Tags:unlicensed, dental, practice

From the Paper
"Computed Tomography in Dentistry

History
In conventional radiology, anatomy is depicted in only two dimensions. The depth or thickness of structures cannot be measured on projection images. For a comprehensive evaluation of morphology of a structure, data related to the third dimension are essential. For nearly three quarters of a century, multiple, different angle views were used in routine radiography to gain three-dimensional perception of structures through triangulation. In a continuing quest for methods to access data in the third dimension, techniques such as stereoscopic pair image acquisition and tomography were developed. Although they were highly valuable technical advancements, they still could not provide accurate quantitative information in all three dimensions of a volume structure."

Abstract
This paper discusses how a dental student who is treating patients after hours without a license and without direct faculty supervision violates the principles of patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. This paper first briefly reviews the salient points of the case in question. An analysis of the actions taken is compared to alternative options that may or may not have been considered at the time. A discussion of the ethical considerations in line with the perspectives of peers and the professional organization follows, as well as a discussion of the ethical perspective and the alternative actions that should have been taken.

Outline:
Case Review
Ethical Considerations
Alternative Actions
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Another salient point that must be considered is the backdrop within which these incidences occurred. The student has admitted and is documented as per student evaluation, that he has exhibited prior deficiencies in time management and substandard preparation for clinic sessions. It has not been documented sufficiently that the student sought specific opportunities through his mentors to more efficiently help correct the cause of these deficiencies, whether a deficit in clinical knowledge, proficiency or otherwise (ADA, 2006)."

Tags:patients, treatment, students, perspectives, peers, actions

Abstract
Evaluates new advances in the use of sealants to treat caries (cavities). Examines research and clinical evaluation of dental sealant advances. Length and quality of their retention. Importance of the methods of applying sealants. Causes of sealant failure. Errors in technique. CCC (Color, Coverage, Caries) Sealant Evulation System.

From the Paper
"INTRODUCTION

As innovations come out to further the way in which the oral professionals overcome patients problems, it is necessary to look at some of this new technology, and how it is dealt with in scientific journals. One such area in which new advances have occurred is in the area of sealants, the plastic which a dentist bonds into the grooves of the chewing surface of a tooth in order to help prevent tooth decay and cavities. While research findings overwhelmingly document the need to educate the public and increase knowledge and acceptance of oral health care professionals about this caries-preventive technology (Gilpin). By looking at the research and critical comments, as well as clinical evaluations of sealant advances, it is possible to create a useful picture of just how well sealants currently ..."

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