Program Manual - Saint Louis University

Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct-AAO
PREAMBLE
Membership in the American Association of Orthodontists is voluntary. By accepting
membership, all members assume an obligation of self-discipline above and beyond the
requirements of laws and regulations, in accordance with these Principles.
These Principles express the recognition of members’ responsibilities to the public,
patients, other health care professionals and colleagues. These Principles guide members
in the performance of their professional responsibilities and express the basic tenets of
ethical and professional conduct. They call for an unwavering commitment to honorable
behavior, without regard to personal advantage.
The related Advisory Opinions are as equally binding as the Principles. They are
intended to augment the Principles and further guide ethical behavior.
Advisory Opinions that are most relevant to certain Principles are set forth at the end
of each such Opinion. However, the Principles and Advisory Opinions may, but are not
intended to, apply solely on an individual basis. All of the Principles and Advisory
Opinions taken together shall measure ethical behavior of the member. Accordingly, the
placement of an Advisory opinion in relation to a specific ethical Principle does not
foreclose such Opinion from being interpretive of or augmenting any other Principle.
The term” ethical,” as used in the Principles and Advisory Opinions, means the
highest principles and practices, customs and usages of the orthodontic specialty. It may,
but does not necessarily, involve issues of morality in the practice of orthodontics. The
term “unethical” means conduct which fails to conform to such standards, customs and
usages or policies, and thereby violates these Principles or Advisory Opinions.
These Principles and the Advisory Opinions may exceed, but are never less than nor
contrary to, legal requirements. Under no circumstances should these Principles or the
Advisory Opinions be construed to encourage conduct that violates a law. Violations of
law may subject the member to civil or criminal liability. Unethical conduct in violation
of the Principles or Advisory Opinions may result in disciplinary action by this
Association, such as censure, suspension or expulsion from membership, as provided in
the Association’s Bylaws. Relevant Bylaws provisions appear at the end of these
Principles.
Expulsion from membership is the maximum penalty that by be imposed by the
Association on a member who violates the Principles or Advisory Opinions. However,
the Association may also have an obligation to report to the appropriate governmental
agency and/or state board of dental examiners certain violations of these Principles or
Advisory Opinions.