Ethical Dilemmas In Health Care

INTRODUCTION
The word ethics is derived from the Greek word ‘ethos’ meaning character or conduct. It is typically used interchangeably with word moral which is derived from the Latin word ‘moves’ which means customs or habits. Ethics refers to conduct, character and motivations involved in moral acts. Ethics are not imposed by a profession, by law but by moral obligation. It is unwritten code of conduct that encompasses both professional conduct and judgement. Ethics helps support autonomy and self-determination, protect the vulnerable and promotes the welfare and equality of human beings. An ethical dentist- patient relationship is based on trust, honesty, confidentiality, privacy and the quality of care.1
The ethical issues faced by dentists in today’s society have become more complex and seem to arise more often than those faced by dentists in the past.2 Dentists are playing two roles at a same time those are of health professionals and individuals operating a small business. Each role presents them with distinctive and conflicting ethical demands.3 Dental professionals often encounters with ethical dilemma As deciding best dental

treatment has shifted from professional paternalism towards respecting the decision of patient.
A dilemma is a situation necessitating a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives. An ethical dilemma is often cited in an attempt to refute an ethical system or moral code, as well as the world view that encompasses or grows from it.4 Ethical dilemma, challenges the acts that requires moral reasoning. An ethical dilemma is a complex situation that often involves an apparent mental conflict between moral imperatives, in which to obey one would result in transgressing another. The topics of ethics, integrity, compromise and corruption have to become as important as other critical areas of law enforcement training if significant changes can occur. This is also called an ethical paradox since in moral philosophy; paradox often plays a central role in ethics debates.4 Ethical dilemmas are often cited in an attempt to refute an ethical system or moral code, as well as the world view that encompasses or grows from it.
Ethical dilemmas and concerns will be part of the science of dentistry, as it has situations with varied ethical considerations and complexities.3,5 Clinical ethical perspectives are important and can be used for educating future dentists as well as professionals in health care and for continually improving overall health operations.

In health care to improve the decision making there is a need to address the ethical concerns because of the growing use of high technology and the very complexity of our health care systems.7 Dental ethics would mean moral duties and obligations of the dentist towards his or her patient, professional colleagues and to the society. These ethics helps support autonomy and self-determination, protect the vulnerable and promotes the welfare and equality of human being. There is a need to assess

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