An important issue facing dental education today is the ethical and professional behavior of its students. Due to the integrity of the profession, certain privileges and rights are afforded to us — and they can be taken away if we do not maintain proper stewardship over those that we care for.

ASDA’s Code of Ethics

The ASDA House of Delegates has passed several resolutions that have focused on ethics, including updating of our Code of Ethics. We also have a task force in place to analyze the research on this issue and develop recommendations to address ethical violations.

Student Professionalism & Ethics Association in Dentistry

ASDA is extremely proud of the students who have taken proactive roles in tackling ethical issues at their schools and spurring ethical debate through the formation of Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA). SPEA promotes students’ lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession.

Interested in establishing a group at your school? Visit SPEA's webpage for starting a chapter.

Ethics White Paper

In 2009, ASDA published a White Paper on Ethics and Professionalism in Dental Education. It provides an overview of the state of ethics in dental education today. It also offers solutions on how our profession can rectify this dilemma. The white paper was shared with the ADA, state and specialty societies, student dental groups and dental school deans.