scholarly journals Virtue ethics in dentistry - a model for developing virtuous dental practitioners

2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 290-293
Author(s):  
Hilde D Miniggio ◽  
Pagollang D Motloba ◽  
Christopher S Wareham
Keyword(s):  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Healthcare Practice ◽  
Virtuous Character

There is a renewed appreciation of the contribution of virtue ethics in clinical healthcare practice, including dentistry. This interest in virtue ethics highlights the limitations of only focusing on the development of clinical skills and competence or mere adherence to a set of ethical rules and guidelines. There is also a growing interest and appreciation that an equally important and integral aspect of dental practice is the development of a virtuous character. From this virtue ethics perspective, a virtue is an haracter, a disposition, well entrenched in its possessor.

Deficiencies in Silicone Impression for Crowns and Bridges

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (10) ◽  
pp. 2317-2319
Author(s):  
Claudia Florina Andreescu ◽  
Oana Botoaca ◽  
Horia Mihail Barbu ◽  
Doina Lucia Ghergic ◽  
Anamaria Bechir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Practice ◽  
Present Study Deal ◽  
Dental Crowns ◽  
Impression Materials ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Adequate Quality ◽  
Dental Impression ◽  
Single Crowns

There are many steps in fabrication of dental crowns and bridges at which an error can occur, and a technician can only fabricate a quality restoration if the impression itself is of adequate quality. All dental practitioners should have the ability to evaluate the quality of dental impression before sending to the laboratory. Elastomeric silicones (polysiloxane) are the most utilised impression materials in dental practice. The present study deal with the deficiencies of silicones dental impressions sent to commercial dental laboratories for fabrication of single crowns and bridges.

scholarly journals Charakter (Character)

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Bell
Keyword(s):  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Classical Tradition ◽  
French Revolution ◽  
Moral Character ◽  
Ethical Thought ◽  
Isaac Newton ◽  
Political Rationality ◽  
Political Resource ◽  
Virtuous Character ◽  
European Thought

The lexeme Charakter denotes the set of innate or acquired dispositions that make an individual or a nation distinctive, determine its behaviour, and give it psychological and moral strength. Charakter plays a central role in Goethe’s moral psychology and his ethical thought in general, as well as in his thinking on culture. His psychological and ethical thought is notoriously hard to classify or to align with the main traditions of European thought. His concern with Charakter could be said to belong to the broad classical tradition of virtue ethics, in the sense that Goethe placed moral character at the heart of ethics. However, in contrast to the classical tradition of virtue ethics, which holds that both the rational and the non-rational parts of humans contribute to a virtuous character, and that virtues can be conceptualized clearly, Goethe resists the claims of reason on our moral character. His early writings on culture and the drama Egmont have a Rousseauian flavour: Charakter represents a natural force that is endangered by civilization. After the French Revolution and in opposition to the emergence of liberalism, Goethe came to see Charakter as a political resource that was superior to political rationality. In his most sustained engagements with philosophical ethics—his essays on Johann Joachim Winckelmann (1805) and Isaac Newton (1810)—Goethe argues, in deliberate opposition to Kant, that natural Charakter has at least as much ethical force as reason and that naturalistic descriptions of human behaviour are at least as valid as moral ones. Moreover, Charakter has the advantage of leading us by a more direct and reliable route to morally good outcomes. In this sense, it can be said without risk of exaggeration that Charakter displaces rationality in Goethe’s ethical thought.

Virtue Ethics vs. Rule-Consequentialism: A Reply to Brad Hooker

Utilitas ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosalind Hursthouse
Keyword(s):  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Character Trait ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Rule Consequentialism ◽  
Virtuous Character ◽  
My Criterion

In On Virtue Ethics I offered a criterion for a character trait's being a virtue according to which a virtuous character trait must conduce to, or at least not be inimical to, four ends, one of which is the continuance of the human species. I argue here that this does not commit me to homosexuality's being a vice, since homosexuality is not a character trait and hence not up for assessment as a virtue or a vice. Vegetarianism is not up for such assessment either, for the same reason, but, as a practice, may well be required by the virtue of compassion, and sacrificing one's life for an animal or alien may be required by courage. The clause about the continuance of the human species in my criterion does not specify a foundational value, because, following McDowell, I reject foundationalism.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on dental practice in Iran: a questionnaire-based report

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanie Ahmadi ◽  
Alireza Ebrahimi ◽  
Farhad Ghorbani
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Health ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Dental Services ◽  
Emergency Procedures ◽  
Dental Procedures ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The highly contagious nature of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), besides the fact that dental procedures commonly generate blood and saliva droplets that could lead to the contagion have resulted in the closure of many dental clinics. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on dental practice by conducting an online questionnaire among the Iranian dental practitioners and finding their perspectives on the subject. Methods This report is based on a questionnaire that was conducted among Iranian dentists. The survey included questions that evaluate the dentists’ perceptions and attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their personal life, financial status, and the quality of dental services for patients. Results Overall, 240 dentists contributed to this study (214 general dentists and 26 specialists). The majority of the participants (n = 170, 70%) did not perform non-emergency procedures during the pandemic. The dental practitioners have suggested several strategies to decrease the risk of contagion, such as reducing treatment sessions (n = 90, 37%), strict triage of patients (n = 156, 64%), and using personal protective equipment (n = 108, 45%). However, most of the dentists (n = 210, 87%) had problems, providing personal protective equipment during the pandemic. Moreover, 97% (n = 234) of the participants reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the eruption of the pandemic. Conclusion Dental health care workers are at the highest risk of contracting COVID-19. Thus, dental practitioners ought to execute the standard protocols more cautiously during the pandemic. They could also lower their work hours and limit dental procedures to emergency treatments to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Besides, the public organizations should provide proper equipment for the dental practitioners to decrease the risk of contagion.

The Provision of Occlusal Splints in Primary Dental Care

2000 ◽  
Vol os7 (3) ◽  
pp. 109-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpesh Patel ◽  
Kenneth W Hemmings ◽  
Simon Vaughan
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Acrylic Resin ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Occlusal Splint ◽  
Occlusal Splints ◽  
General Dental Practice ◽  
General Dental Practitioner ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Conservative Dentistry

Occlusal splints (Michigan splints, night/bite guards or bite-raising appliances) can be an effective, inexpensive and reversible treatment for a wide range of dental problems. Objective The aim of this study was to analyse retrospectively the provision of occlusal splint (‘Michigan’ type) in general dental practice, following a prescription by a restorative dental consultant. Method One hundred patients were recruited from consultant clinics in a department of conservative dentistry during 1995 and 1996. All patients were prescribed a maxillary, full-coverage, heat-cured, acrylic-resin splint (Michigan splint) as part of a treatment plan. An explanatory letter and questionnaire were sent to all patients and to their referring general dental practitioner in 1997 and 1998. Results A response rate of 79% was achieved in obtaining completed questionnaires from both patients and general dental practitioners. Of respondents 43% (34/79) received an occlusal splint of some form. A small proportion of the respondents (16.5% [13/79]) received a Michigan splint as prescribed. Irrespective of the type of appliance provided, most patients (82% [28/34]) found them helpful. Of those who did not receive an occlusal splint, 38% (17/45) of patients felt financial implications deterred them from obtaining an appliance. Other common reasons for non-provision included: patients felt that symptoms had improved (18% [8/45]) and patients did not agree with treatment (18% [8/45]). The general dental practitioners had similar opinions to their patients. Discussion These findings raise some serious doubts on the efficacy of consultant clinic advice in the prescription of occlusal splints in general dental practice. The financial and educational issues raised by this study will need to be addressed to improve service provision. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that 16.5% of patient respondents prescribed a Michigan splint at a consultant clinic received such an appliance in general dental practice.

An Investigation into the Bitewing Radiographic Prescribing Patterns of West Kent General Dental Practitioners

2011 ◽  
Vol os18 (3) ◽  
pp. 107-114
Author(s):  
Peter W Mauthe ◽  
Kenneth A Eaton
Keyword(s):  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Primary Care Trust ◽  
Prescribing Patterns ◽  
Caries Detection ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
The West ◽  
Bitewing Radiography ◽  
General Dental Practice ◽  
Dental Practitioners

Aims The primary aims of the study were to investigate the use of bitewing radiography within primary dental care and adherence to guidelines on bitewing radiography by general dental practitioners (GDPs) in the West Kent Primary Care Trust (PCT) area. Within the overall aims, the study had objectives to investigate the use of radiographic guidelines, audit and caries risk assessment, the influence of private and National Health Service (NHS) practice, and the influence of the demographic profile of the GDPs on these variables. Methods Data were gathered via a piloted self-completion questionnaire, circulated to all GDPs listed on the NHS Choices website as practising in the West Kent PCT area. Three mailings and follow-up telephone calls were used. The resulting data were entered into a statistical software database and, where relevant, statistically tested, using the chi-square test. Results Of 223 GDPs, 167 responded (75%). GDPs with a high NHS commitment were significantly less likely to follow Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) guidance on prescribing bitewing radiographs for adults ( P<0.01) and children ( P<0.05) than were mainly private GDPs. Mainly NHS GDPs were more likely ‘always/mostly’ to follow National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance (83 compared to 59) ( P<0.05) and also to risk-assess patients (83 compared to 62). Only 115 (71%) had carried out a radio graphic audit or peer review in the preceding three years. Those with postgraduate qualifications were more likely ( P<0.05) to carry out radiographic audit. Conclusions The study confirmed previous research reporting the under-use of radiography for caries detection and also the failure of some GDPs to comply with ionising radiation regulations. West Kent GDPs with a high NHS commitment were less likely to follow radiographic guidance than their private counterparts. This suggests that further efforts to disseminate information on radiographic guidelines and to educate GDPs are necessary to improve adherence with all aspects of radiography within general dental practice. Research into factors that influence GDPs’ decision-making with regards to radiographic prescription may further inform the profession as to the best methods to lead to behavioural change. The dental profession and its regulators need to make a concerted effort to educate and inform GDPs so that this behaviour is modified.

scholarly journals Restorative diploma now aesthetically pleasing

2006 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
pp. 333-333
Author(s):  
Charlotte Worker
Keyword(s):  
Postgraduate Training ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Restorative Dentistry ◽  
Time Commitment ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Aesthetic Dentistry ◽  
First Time

Until recently it has been difficult for general dental practitioners (GDPs) to access formally recognised postgraduate training while maintaining a full-time commitment to practice. The diploma in restorative dentistry from the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (FGDP(UK)) allows participants to do just that. In the latest development GDPs now have the option, for the first time, to choose a special interest module in aesthetic dentistry during the second year of the part-time diploma programme.

scholarly journals Medico-legal Aspect of Dental Practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 91 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-258
Author(s):  
Upendra Singh Bhadauria ◽  
Pralhad L Dasar ◽  
Sandesh N. ◽  
Prashant Mishra ◽  
Shaijal Godha
Keyword(s):  
Legal Aspect ◽  
Legal Aspects ◽  
Ethical Standards ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
System A ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Driven System ◽  
Dental Practices ◽  
Dental Profession

Law influences every aspect of human activity, and dentistry in this regard is no exception. Ethical standards of the dental profession are seeing a steady decline, altruistic concepts being overridden by a market driven system. A deficient knowledge regarding the medico-legal aspects halts the effective implementation and delivery of efficient services. The review thus provides an overview of ethical standards, consents and their types, negligence,, determination of negligence, liabilities of dental practitioners and solicitors in dental practices, which comprehensively form an integral part of the medico-legal aspect of dental practice.

scholarly journals Infection Control in Dental Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Amato ◽  
Mario Caggiano ◽  
Massimo Amato ◽  
Giuseppina Moccia ◽  
Mario Capunzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recent Literature ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
Interpersonal Distance ◽  
Airborne Infection ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
The World ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

COVID-19 is the disease supported by SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes a severe form of pneumonia. Due to the pathophysiological characteristics of the COVID-19 syndrome, the particular transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2, and the high globalization of our era, the epidemic emergency from China has spread rapidly all over the world. Human-to-human transmission seems to occur mainly through close contact with symptomatic people affected by COVID-19, and the main way of contagion is via the inhalation of respiratory droplets, for example when patients talk, sneeze or cough. The ability of the virus to survive outside living organisms, in aerosol or on fomites has also been recognized. The dental practitioners are particularly exposed to a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection because they cannot always respect the interpersonal distance of more than a meter and are exposed to saliva, blood, and other body fluids during surgical procedures. Moreover, many dental surgeries can generate aerosol, and the risk of airborne infection is to be considered higher. The aim of this paper is to provide practical advice for dentists based on the recent literature, which may be useful in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 during clinical practice.

Primary Care Clinicians and the Detection and Referral of Potentially Malignant Disorders in the Mouth: A Summary of the Current Evidence

2010 ◽  
Vol os17 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul R Brocklehurst ◽  
Sarah R Baker ◽  
Paul M Speight
Keyword(s):  
Oral Cancer ◽  
British Society ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Dental Practice ◽  
General Medical Practitioner ◽  
Dental Surgery ◽  
Dental Practitioners ◽  
Potentially Malignant Disorders ◽  
Potentially Malignant ◽  
The Impact

The importance of detecting oral malignant disease is paramount. Recent government strategies have placed an emphasis on the early detection of cancer. This paper presents a brief account of the current debate around the role of oral cancer screening and provides a summary of the results of three practice-based studies that were supported by the British Society for General Dental Surgery and the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK). Overall, there appears to be a lack of rigour among some general dental practitioners when screening for potentially malignant disorders and their incidence in dental practice is perceived to be low. Barriers remain to the implementation of smoking-cessation schemes and many general dental practitioners feel out of their depth in tackling the abuse of alcohol, despite recognising its importance as a risk factor. Patients continue to present to their general medical practitioner (GMP) when they are concerned about something in their mouth that is not related to their teeth. GMPs’ ability to manage early oral cancer is discussed. A prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT), or a demonstration study, is recommended to investigate the numbers of cases of oral cancer diagnosed in primary dental care and primary medical care and to develop standardised referral criteria for early cases of this disease to reduce under- and over-referral. The RCT could also examine the potential of using auxiliary healthcare workers and examine the impact of such a programme upon secondary care services.

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