Conclusion

The presentation of principles and values is to provide the precepts that are the underpinnings of codes of ethics used in dentistry. The basic principles of nonmaleficence, beneficence, autonomy, justice and veracity along with the values of informed consent, confidentiality and parentalism are presented and discussed with the goal of identifying and applying these guidelines when analyzing an ethical dilemma or pondering a difficult choice between right and wrong. Applying care and compassion in the delivery of dental care will provide the clinician a lifetime of satisfaction while upholding the professional responsibility to serve patients and society.