Code of ethics

Primary Duty

The dentist's primary duty of serving the public is accomplished by giving professional services to the best of his/her capabilities.

Emergency Service

A dentist consulted in an emergency must attend only to conditions leading to the emergency and then refer the patient back to their dentist-of-record.

Delegation of Services

A dentist shall not delegate services that require his/her personal competence and must only delegate to duly licensed professionals.

Supervision of Work

The dentist shall supervise associates and auxiliaries to assure the delivery of quality standards of care.

Professional Fees

The dentist must ascertain fees considering the nature of the case, expertise, efforts, and materials involved, and discuss them with the patient.

Irreproachable Conduct

The dentist must conduct himself/herself in a manner completely above suspicion and not engage in illegal acts or misrepresentation.

Discoveries of Works

Dentists must make available discoveries useful in safeguarding public health, subject to regulatory laws.

Bioethics

Dentists participating in research must adhere to ethical standards, inform subjects of risks, and obtain informed consent, especially for minors.

Records Keeping

Every dentist must obtain and safeguard baseline medical and dental records for at least ten years.

Continuing Professional Development

Every dentist is required to pursue continuing education programs to enhance professional competence.

Professional Consultation and Referral

The dentist shall seek consultation or make referrals whenever necessary for the patient's welfare.

Transfer of Patients

The dentist must properly endorse patients to another dentist and ensure all records are transferred accordingly.

Justifiable Criticism

Dentists must report gross treatment errors by other dentists to the appropriate authorities without undue defamation.

Professional Opinion/Testimony

Dentists should give expert testimony limited to the case and avoid undue criticism of others.

Building a Dental Practice

Dentists shall establish their practice in a manner befitting a professional and not solicit patients improperly.

Authorized Advertising

Dentists may advance their reputation through professional services and must avoid misleading advertisements.

Membership and Financial Support

Dentists must be active members of the Philippine Dental Association to maintain their status in the profession.