American Dental Association principles of ethics and code of professional conduct. With official advisory opinions revised to January 1990. Council on Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs.

The ethical statements which have historically been subscribed to by the dental profession have had the benefit of the patient as their primary goal. Recognition of this goal, and of the education and training of a dentist, has resulted in society affording to the profession the privilege and obligation of self-government. The Association calls upon members of the profession to be caring and fair in their contact with patients. Although the structure of society may change, the overriding obligation of the dentist will always remain the duty to provide quality care in a competent and timely manner. All members must protect and preserve the high standards of oral health care provided to the public by the profession. They must strive to improve the care delivered--through education, training, research, and most of all, adherence to a stringent code of ethics, structured to meet the needs of the patient.