Dental ethics case 19: What are my ethical responsibilities when I suspect a colleague of substance abuse?

The situation described in this case scenario is an unwelcome one and can often lead to a breakdown in the relationship between professional colleagues. Many of these must be handled by scrupulous adherence to basic ethical principles. Where such conflicts do arise, every effort should be made to contain them in a manner which: avoids placing patients at risk; maintains the continuity of patient care and safeguards their rights and the quality of the dental care they receive; avoids bringing the profession into disrepute; maintains public confidence in the profession; treats professional colleagues as we would wish to be treated ourselves.

When the walls come tumbling down: Part three.

As you see, the MDA and HPSP provide a wide variety of services and help for dentists. People needing to contact HPSP can call (651) 643-2120. If you have any questions, please call the MDA office at (651) 646-7454 for help or referral.

Alcohol and depression in English and American lawyer disciplinary proceedings.

This paper gives a comparison of the approach of the US courts and of the Solicitor's Disciplinary Tribunal in England to disciplinary proceedings concerning lawyers suffering from alcohol dependence and/or depression. A richer case law in the USA indicates a more sophisticated approach, higher standards as to evidence and better support systems for lawyers in recovery. Useful lessons could be learned from the American experience and the experience of doctors and dentists by English lawyers.

Legal considerations in infectious diseases and dentistry.

Dentists, similar to other professionals subject to legal regulation, often have an overly simple view of the legal system. Communicable diseases present questions on the cutting edge of the law, and, as the previous discussion makes perhaps painfully clear, there is considerable uncertainty on many important legal points. Legal uncertainty is often a reflection of social or scientific uncertainty. Clear answers emerge less from the words of lawyers and judges than from the actions of professionals themselves, who ultimately set the standard of care. In any area of legal uncertainty, the dentist is best advised to adhere to the best scientific information available and to meet the ethical standards of the profession.

The Texas Dental Peer Assistance Program and the impaired dental professional.

Chemical dependence is a devastating disease that, unless some form of intervention and treatment takes place, will ultimately destroy a person's life. Dentists are not immune to this malady. In fact, certain conditions of heredity, relative affluence, lifestyle, and drug availability may make them more susceptible. The Texas Dental Peer Assistance Program was formed to assist dentists who have a drug problem and whose goals include getting their lives back in order. Hopefully, this article will introduce this valuable program to those in need of its services.

Dr. X: the consequences of untreated addiction.

The following case example shows the difficulty dentists face when their alcohol or drug dependence causes them to violate laws or the Dental Practice Act. In this case, the dentist is charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) and is in possession of inappropriately prescribed medications.