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The professional responsibility for care
Author(s) -
Glick M,
Burris S
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
oral diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.953
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1601-0825
pISSN - 1354-523X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1601-0825.1997.tb00364.x
Subject(s) - obligation , realm , moral obligation , dental care , professional responsibility , medicine , nursing , family medicine , law , political science
Access to dental care is an essential need for all patients, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions. Consequently, dentists have a moral and professional obligation to provide care for all individuals within the dentist's realm of expertise. However, throughout the HIV epidemic dental professionals have demonstrated an unwillingness to treat infected patients. This article addresses common objections raised by dentists unwilling to provide care, and discusses the professional obligation to treat and the importance of professionalism in reducing discrimination.