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Dentistry, like all professions, has always had ethical problems to contend with, including societal trust, flagrant advertising, commercialism, and access to care. Although the profession's interest and expertise in ethics has grown enormously in the last three decades, the issues facing dentistry have not really decreased, and perhaps have grown more problematic. Thus, despite the invaluable contributions of ethical progress to the structure and function of our profession, this paper argues that reflective ethics by itself appears unable to exact change. For change to occur, dentistry also needs a broad-based display of enlightened, and ethically-driven but action-oriented professionalism. This existed in the 1830s when U.S. dentistry was in its early stages of becoming thought of as a profession. Using the lessons learned from that period of our history, we need to do the same thing now-not excluding ethics, but working hand in glove with ethics. This paper suggests that, as in the 1830s, dentistry now needs the grassroots attention of its membership. Using recent publications about the importance of "connectedness" in dentistry, guidelines are presented that provide a framework for approaching the problems faced by dentistry and contributing to a more satisfying professional career. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has become a routine intervention in contemporary American dental practice, especially in the management of children. However, routines translate to confidence which in turn may lead to overconfidence, such that possible risks and misuses are insufficiently acknowledged. This article ethically evaluates the use of nitrous oxide as a practice routine in treating children. Nitrous oxide administration is analyzed in reference to three internationally acknowledged principles of dental ethics: nonmaleficence, beneficence, and patient autonomy. In reference to the principle of nonmaleficence, the potential for adverse effects of N2O is discussed, particularly when it is administered in conjunction with other sedatives and anesthetics. The importance of abiding by clinical protocols is emphasized. Next, in reference to the principle of beneficence, the authors address the problematic application of N2O for the benefit of individuals other than the patient (e.g., dentists and parentsl. Finally, the importance of respecting patient autonomy is discussed, specifically the need to obtain explicit consent for N2O. The article supports the continued use of nitrous oxide but advises greater attention to how and why it is administered. Four recommendations are offered for an ethically sound usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 44 years Dr. Hugo A. Owens was a distinguished practitioner and community leader in Portsmouth, Virginia. Besides his affinity to for dentistry, he was driven by two other passions: politics and civil rights. In 1970 he was one of the first African- Americans elected to the Portsmouth City Council. He was reelected for the next term and appointed Vice Mayor, a position he held for eight years. His political successes were preceded by his activities as a civil rights leader, which began in 1950 and lasted through the 1960s. In a remarkable series of negotiations and litigations, Dr. Owens was the prime mover in the desegregation of the City of Portsmouth. In all three 'careers,' Dr. Owens used dentistry as a home base for the expression of his activist philosophy of providing help for others when they were unable to do things for themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For 44 years Dr. Hugo A. Owens was a distinguished practitioner and community leader in Portsmouth, Virginia. Besides his affinity to for dentistry, he was driven by two other passions: politics and civil rights. In 1970 he was one of the first African-Americans elected to the Portsmouth City Council. He was reelected for the next term and appointed Vice Mayor, a position he held for eight years. His political successes were preceded by his activities as a civil rights leader, which began in 1950 and lasted through the 1960s. In a remarkable series of negotiations and litigations, Dr. Owens was the prime mover in the desegregation of the City of Portsmouth. In all three 'careers, Dr. Owens used dentistry as a home base for the expression of his activist philosophy of providing help for others when they were unable to do things for themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]