Ensuring Ethical Dental Care
How the Patient Advocate Program Supports Patients and Dentists
At the heart of quality dental care lies a commitment to ethics and patient-centered practices. When patients seek treatment, they place their trust in dental professionals to provide care that is effective, compassionate, and respectful of their individual needs. However, navigating dental care can sometimes feel complex, especially when it involves insurance, treatment plans, and understanding recommended procedures. The Patient Advocate Program bridges this gap, ensuring that each patient’s experience aligns with the highest standards of the dental profession. By serving as an extension of the dental office, our program supports the dental code of ethics, enhances best practices, and empowers patients to be active participants in their care.
The Dental Code of Ethics: A Foundation of Trust
The American Dental Association (ADA) establishes a code of ethics that all dental professionals pledge to uphold. This code serves as a roadmap, guiding dentists in delivering patient-centered care that respects autonomy, beneficence (doing good), nonmaleficence (avoiding harm), justice, and veracity (truthfulness). These values are fundamental to fostering trust and ensuring patients feel heard, informed, and confident in their treatment.
Patient Autonomy: Dentists should honor a patient’s right to make informed choices about their care. Patients should be fully informed about diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes.
Nonmaleficence (Do No Harm): Dentists are expected to act in the best interest of their patients and avoid any action that could cause harm.
Beneficence (Do Good): Dentists have a responsibility to promote patient well-being and deliver care that benefits their health and quality of life.
Justice: Dentists are to treat patients fairly and without discrimination.
Veracity (Truthfulness): Dentists must be honest with their patients, especially regarding treatment needs, costs, and outcomes.
However, understanding and upholding these ethics requires not just the dentist’s dedication but also patient awareness. For example, in the case of complex treatment plans or high-cost procedures, patients can sometimes feel uncertain about their options. This is where the Patient Advocate Program steps in, acting as a knowledgeable ally to help clarify questions, review options, and advocate for each patient’s best interests.
What Is Dental Malpractice?
Dental malpractice occurs when a dentist fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard of practice, leading to harm or injury to the patient. Malpractice may involve errors in diagnosis, treatment, or failure to obtain informed consent. Common causes of dental malpractice include:
Negligence: Failing to diagnose a condition or misdiagnosing a problem.
Improper Treatment: Performing procedures that are not medically appropriate or causing injury during treatment.
Failure to Inform: Not fully explaining the risks, benefits, or alternatives to treatment before proceeding with a procedure.
Poor Communication: Not maintaining clear communication with the patient about their treatment plan, leading to misunderstandings or confusion.
When a patient suspects that they have been harmed due to a dentist’s actions (or lack of actions), it can lead to concerns over malpractice. It’s important for patients to feel supported and confident in addressing these concerns, and that’s where the Patient Advocate Program plays a crucial role.
The Role of the Patient Advocate Program
If a patient suspects that they have been harmed due to malpractice or unethical behavior from their dental provider, here’s how the Patient Advocate Program can help:
Facilitating Understanding – We break down complex dental information, treatment options, and insurance terminology. This ensures that patients have a clear understanding of their care, enabling them to make informed decisions confidently.
Ensuring Ethical Practices – By working closely with dental offices, we promote adherence to ethical standards, making sure patients feel safe and respected. This includes monitoring that treatment recommendations align with patients' needs, that informed consent is thoroughly provided, and that billing practices are transparent.
Problem Resolution – If a problem arises during treatment, we step in to ensure that proper protocols are followed. Our team communicates directly with dental offices to address concerns promptly, ensuring that the patient's well-being is the central priority.
Advocating for the Patient’s Well-Being – We recognize that every patient has unique needs, and we ensure that their care reflects that. Through consistent communication, we keep patients informed about their treatment progress and advocate for patients needs.
Promoting Best Practices – We work with dental practices to maintain the highest standards, from transparent communication to timely responses and ethical treatment recommendations. This collaboration helps to improve patient satisfaction and overall experience.
How the Patient Advocate Program Works as an Extension of the Dental Office
Our goal is to act as a seamless extension of the dental practice, complementing the care provided by dentists with additional support and guidance. By aligning with the values set forth in the ADA’s code of ethics, we build partnerships with dental offices that prioritize ethical, patient-focused care. In doing so, we help dental practices by:
Supporting communication between providers and patients
Offering resources and guidance on insurance, billing, and treatment options
Acting as a resource for patient concerns, ensuring they are addressed effectively and promptly
A Commitment to Building a Better System
The Patient Advocate Program is committed to enhancing the patient experience, supporting dentists in delivering ethical care, and fostering a healthcare environment built on trust and respect. By holding to best practices and advocating for every patient’s well-being, we help create a stronger, more reliable dental care system where everyone involved is empowered.
As patients join our program, they become more than just recipients of care—they become active participants in shaping a healthcare system that listens, responds, and evolves. This collective effort ultimately leads to a more positive, informed, and ethically grounded experience for all involved, setting a new standard in dental advocacy and patient care.
Get Started with the Patient Advocate Program!
Ready to take the next step? Simply fill out our online waiver or submit your contact information through our secure website. This process ensures that we have the information needed to assist you efficiently and effectively. Once submitted, a member of our team will review your details and reach out within 24-48 business hours to discuss your needs and guide you through the next steps.
Click here to fill out the waiver and submit your information!
Your journey toward seamless, supported dental care begins here!
Article Links:
ADA Website: Link Here
ADA Code of Ethics: Link Here
Patient Advocate Program Digital Waivers: Link here
