Ethical Questions in Dentistry Case:

Ethical Questions in Dentistry

Case: #3-Let's Pull it Mom

This case presents a dilemma for the dentist who is faced with whether or not to pull a tooth that does not necessarily need to be pulled. The main value category that applies to this case is the Patient's Autonomy. The dentist has done a good job of explaining what can be done to save the young man's tooth. It will require some not so dental extensive procedure, but ones that aren't too costly with most of the cost being covered by insurance. The Patient's Autonomy basically states that patients can make their own decisions regarding their health based on their values and goals. While the patient's mother can agree with her son's choice to pull the tooth, and they do have the right to do this, the dentist should be persistent in trying to explain why keeping the tooth is so important.

Given the history of the patient, a situation like this is bound to happen over and over again if it is not taken care of now. He is in an environment where he eats unhealthy foods which are not good for the health of his teeth. Because he is a minor, the dentist must appeal to the parents on the importance of their son keeping his teeth healthy. If he continues at the rate that he is going with his poor eating habits and oral care, he stands the chance of having one or more teeth pulled every year. This could wind up being more expensive than the original treatment recommended by the dentist.

The dentist must inform the parent that even if the tooth were pulled, Chad faces a whole host of problems that will wind up being more costly to the parent's if the treatment recommendations are not followed. In addition to the small carious lesions he has, there is also a large occlusal lesion on one of his teeth. Pulling the tooth will not do much for the other dental problems that Chad has as well as the ones he will face in the future if he keeps going at the rate that he is.

It is understandable that his mother is worried about the cost of the treatment. With the economy being the way that it is, our dollar doesn't stretch as far as it used to. Many dental offices will set up a payment plan that works with the parent's budget on the amount not covered by the insurance. If the dentist makes it known to the parent that she can pay off any balance in low monthly payments, she may be more inclined to give permission for the dentist to follow through with the treatment plan suggested. Also, the fact that some of her friends have not had good experiences with root canals should not be a determining factor in what she decides for her child. With the many advances in dentistry, there should be no complications with the procedure and it there are any they will be minor and can be adjusted immediately.