The ethical and professional behavior of dental students is just as important as the curriculum taught in the classroom.

Dental students are entrusted privileges and rights when providing care for patients. Proper stewardship is vital to maintaining these rights. 

ASDA Policy

The ASDA House of Delegates has passed several resolutions focused on ethics, including updating the Code of Ethics, most recently in 2022.

ASDA's White Paper on Ethics and Professionalism in Dental Education provides overview of the state of ethics in dental education. The paper was reviewed in 2012 and continues to be a valuable resource offering solutions. The white paper has been shared with the ADA, state and specialty societies, student dental groups and dental school deans.

Ethical Dental Outreach

Providing dental care to underserved populations in the U.S. and abroad is a key element in addressing barriers to care.  

Review ASDA’s B-8 policy regarding dental outreach programs.. 

What ASDA members are saying

• From Vietnam to Boston: Making a difference in the public’s oral health. Contour, May 2019
  
• Living the dream; a 36-year journey in volunteering abroad. Contour, January 2018
• Ethical Balancing Acts. Contour, October 2017
  

Resources

• Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA)
• ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct