Introduction

Professional codes of ethics are not simply statements of ideals – they are practical tools that guide everyday clinical decisions. The professions of dentistry and dental hygiene each have a discipline-specific code of ethics. Codes are a touchstone by which all members of a profession can judge the acceptable parameters of behavior. Understanding how these codes function helps clinicians deliver ethical care, maintain patient trust, and meet professional obligations. Most importantly, professional codes should be understood as a contract between the profession and society, reflecting the standards of conduct the profession pledges to uphold. This course examines the origins, purpose, structure, and contemporary application of professional codes within dentistry and dental hygiene.