Positive Ethics: Active Pursuit of the High Ground - Louisiana Dental ...

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LDA from the editor Dr. David N. Austin Editor, LDA Journal Ethics: A Set of Moral Principles or Values When I was just a little dentist many years ago, I had a nice middle-aged lady that came to me as a new patient. As I was examining her and her x-rays, it was quite evident that the crown on tooth 15 was probably the worst crown I had ever seen. After I told her it needed replacing, she became visibly upset because you see Dr. X, a prominent dentist in our town had placed this crown only 3 years ago. I thought to myself that this Dr. X must not be so great after all. Thankfully, I kept my thoughts to myself and actually defended Dr. X, and stated that he was highly regarded in our profession. I replaced the crown at a subsequent appointment. Imagine my distress when I saw on her x-rays six months later that the new crown on tooth 15, actually looked worse than the one done by Dr. X. You see, not only was this a nice, middle-aged lady, she was also a severe dental phobic with a gag reflex who refused anesthetic even though the tooth hurt to look at it. My admiration for Dr. X took a great leap. I eventually was able to redo the crown, but not until I had used every communication skill I could muster to convince her. Some time later I relayed this tale to the good Dr. X at a local dental meeting. He too, remembered the nice, middle-aged lady, and was glad she was no longer his patient. He called me the next day to let me know that he actually did the crown on tooth 2, not 15. Sometimes things aren’t always the way they seem. Ethical behavior, treatment and communication are ways to remain above the cloud of doubt. We should treat all patients as if they were family. We should always say something positive about a member of our profession even in the face of adversity. We should continue to strive for perfection, and yet realize that all of us, including me and you and our patients, are only human. Dr. Don Donaldson’s article on pages 7-8, “Professional Ethics: a short course in dental school or a way of life?,” is a must read. His four recommendations at the end are first rate. Please take the time to read it you will be glad you did. If all of us continually strive to be the best that we can in all ways within the dental profession, we can continue to keep this profession great… or not. It is up to us, isn’t it? L.H. Bowden Leadership Development Conference Friday, January 16, 2009 L’auberge du Lac Casino Resort, Lake Charles, La. “Positive Ethics: Active Pursuit of the High Ground” The L.H. Bowden Leadership Development Conference has been training LDA leaders to work effectively within the association for 42 years. Registration is free, and attendance is COMPULSORY for component officers as well as for LDA officers, directors, and committee chairs. Register online at www.ladental.org or call (800) 388-6642. 2 LDA Journal
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