College of Dental Surgeons
of British Columbia
Code of Ethics
Preamble
The ethical behaviour of dentists, dental therapists and certified dental
assistants (CDAs) is one of the most important factors in the delivery
of quality patient care and is one of the public’s primary expectations
of professionals. Continued public trust in the dental profession, and
in the principle of self-regulation, is dependent on individual dentists,
dental therapists and CDAs maintaining these standards of ethical conduct.
 Core Values
The Code of Ethics is comprised of 5 Core Values followed by 13 Principles
that build on these Core Values
 Autonomy                                                 Fairness
 Understand and respect patients’ rights                  Treat all individuals, patients, colleagues
 to make informed decisions based on                      and third parties without prejudice or
 their personal values and beliefs                        discrimination in a just and equitable
                                                          manner.
 Beneficence                                              Integrity
 Maximize benefits and minimize harm                      Be truthful; behave with honour and
 for the welfare of the patient.                          decency while upholding professional
                                                          standards.
 Compassion
 Act with respect, sympathy and
 kindness to all patients while addressing
 their concerns and alleviating their pain.
                              Regulating dentistry in the public interest
                                                                                           Updated May 2015
                                                  1
                      College of Dental Surgeons
                      of British Columbia
Code of Ethics
Principles
 Principles
The Principles provided below are based on the Core Values of autonomy,
beneficence, compassion, fairness and integrity and outline the
expectations for ethical dental practice.
1   The paramount responsibility of
    a dentist, dental therapist or CDA                   8     Recognize limitations and refer
                                                               patients to others more qualified
    is to the health and well-being of                         when appropriate for the well-being
    the patient.                                               of the patient.
2   Provide care with respect, dignity and
    without discrimination.                              9     Never overstate or embellish abilities
                                                               and qualifications, or engage in any
                                                               activity, including advertising or speech
3   Be truthful and obey all applicable                        that could mislead a reasonable
    laws.                                                      person.
4   Commit to the highest level of
    professionalism by maintaining
                                                        10     Maintain a safe and healthy office
                                                               environment.
    current knowledge and competency.
5   Respect the right of patients to                    11     Patients should be informed of their
                                                               oral health status without disparaging
                                                               remarks about prior services or
    be cared for by the dentist of their
    choice.                                                    circumstances.
6   Provide appropriate and timely care
    that is consistent with the standards               12     Maintain appropriate and dignified
                                                               boundaries in relationships with
    of the profession.                                         patients.
7   Obtain informed consent and provide
    unbiased explanation of options with                13     Protect the confidentiality of the
                                                               personal and health information
                                                               of patients.
    associated benefits, risks and costs
    before proceeding with diagnostic or
    therapeutic modalities.
                                Regulating dentistry in the public interest
                                                                                             Updated May 2015
                                                    2