Análise dos perfis de cirurgiões-dentistas de Londrina (Paraná, Brasil) no Instagram / Análisis de losperfiles de odontólogos de Londrina (Paraná, Brasil) en Instagram: aspectos éticos de la publicidade y propaganda / Analysis of the profiles of dentists of Londrina (Paraná, Brazil) on Instagram: ethical aspects ofadvertising and publicity

A Odontologia tem adentrado nas redes sociais como forma de atrair e manter pacientes. O profissional, por vezes, não está atento às normativas éticas para utilizar a publicidade/propaganda na internet, cometendo infrações éticas referente à essas condutas. O objetivodesta pesquisa foi analisar os perfis públicos (de acesso aberto) de cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) do município de Londrina (PR) na rede social Instagram®frente aos aspectos da publicidade e propaganda caracterizados no Código de Ética Odontológica (CEO). Foi utilizada uma listagem de CD ativos no município de Londrina, disponibilizado pelo Conselho Regional de Odontologia do Paraná. Como critério de inclusão, foi necessário que o CD possuísse o perfil público e caracterizado como profissional da área, sendo excluídos os perfis privados, sem identificações, sem publicações e apenas com publicações pessoais.Após a seleção, cada perfil foi avaliado separadamente, levando-se em consideração as dez últimas postagens, de acordo com nove itens pré-estabelecidos tendo como base o CEO. Foram identificados 213 perfis que atendiam aos critérios de inclusão, sendo 137 em desacordo com o CEO e 76 em acordo. A maioria dos perfis analisados infringia um ou mais itens que foram avaliados, sendo a exposição de imagens de "antes e depois" o item encontrado com maior frequência (AU).

La Odontología ha entrado en las redes sociales como una forma de atraer y fidelizar pacientes. El profesional, en ocasiones, no es consciente de las normas éticas para el uso de publicidad/propaganda en internet, cometiendo infracciones éticas en relacióncon estas conductas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar los perfiles públicos (acceso abierto) de los odontólogos (CD) de la ciudad de Londrina (PR) en la red social Instagram®frente a los aspectos de publicidad y propaganda caracterizados enel Código de Ética Dental (CEO). Se utilizó una lista de CD activos en la ciudad de Londrina, facilitada por el Consejo Regional de Odontología de Paraná. Como criterio de inclusión fue necesario que el CD tuviera perfil público y caracterizado como profesional del área, excluyendo perfiles privados, sin identificaciones, sin publicaciones y solo con publicaciones personales. Luego de la selección, cada perfil fue evaluado por separado, teniendo en cuenta los últimos diez cargos, según nueve ítems preestablecidos en base al CEO. Se identificaron un total de 213 perfiles que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, 137 en desacuerdo con el CEO y 76 de acuerdo. La mayoría de los perfiles analizados violaron uno o más ítems evaluados, siendo la exhibición de imágenes de "antes y después" el ítem encontrado con mayor frecuencia (AU).

Dentistry has entered social networks as a way toattract and retain patients. The professional, sometimes, is not aware of ethical norms for using publicity/advertisement on the internet, many times committing ethical infractions regarding these behaviors. The aim of this research was to analyze the public (open access) profiles of dentists (DE) in the municipality of Londrina (PR) on the social network InstagramTMin view of the aspects of publicity and advertisement characterized in the Code of Dental Ethics (CDE). A list of active DEs in the city of Londrina, made available by the Regional Council of Dentistry of Paraná, was used. As inclusion criterion, it was necessary that the dentist had public profile and characterized as a professional in the area, excluding private profiles, without identifications, without publications and only with personal publications. After selection, each profile was evaluated separately, taking into account the last ten posts, according to nine pre-established items based on CDE. A total of 213 profiles that met the inclusion criteria were identified, 137 in disagreement with CDE and 76 in agreement. Most profiles analyzed violated one or more items that were evaluated, with the exhibition of "before and after" images being the most frequently found item (AU).

Repercusiones en la deontología española ante el auge de las clínicas dentales low cost / Repercussions in Spanish deontology in light of the rise of low cost dental clinics / Repercussões na deontologia espanhola diante do boom das clínicas dentais de baixo custo

Resumen: El cambio en el modelo asistencial odontológico en España ha supuesto la proliferación de grandes franquicias dentales o clínicas dentales low cost. Este tipo de establecimientos suelen realizar la captación de pacientes mediante agresivas campañas de publicidad, establecen financiaciones de los presupuestos directamente con entidades bancarias y rebajan los presupuestos inicialmente marcados. En los últimos años, la Comisión de Ética y Deontología del Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos de Aragón ha comprobado un notable aumento de las reclamaciones de pacientes procedentes de este tipo de clínicas. Uno de los casos más llamativos ha sido el cierre de la franquicia iDental, que dejó a miles de personas sin terminar sus tratamientos odontológicos. Se pretende realizar una puesta al día de las repercusiones deontológicas que estas clínicas tienen en la deontología dental de la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón.

Abstract: The change in deontological health care model in Spain has led to the proliferation of huge dental franquises or low cost dental clinics. This type of settings generally engages customers by aggressive advertising campaigns, establishing financing with banks and reducing the agreed initial budget. In the last years, the Ethical and Deontological Commission of the Official College of Dentists and Stomatologists of Aragon has noticed a significant increase of claims by patients attending this type of clinics. One of the most striking cases has been the closing of iDental, which led thousands of patients without finishing dental treatment. This study pretends updating the deontological repercussions that these clinics have in the Autonomous Community of Aragon.

Resumo: A mudança no modelo assistencial odontológico na Espanha implicou na proliferação de grandes franquias dentais ou clínicas dentais de baixo custo. Estes tipos de estabelecimentos habitualmente realizam a captação de pacientes mediante agressivas campanhas publicitárias, estabelecem financiamento dos orçamentos diretamente com instituições bancárias e abaixam os orçamentos inicialmente apresentados. Nos últimos anos, a Comissão de Ética e Deontologia do Ilustre Colégio Oficial de Odontólogos e Estomatólogos de Aragão comprovou um notável aumento de reclamações de pacientes procedentes deste tipo de clínica. Um dos casos mais chamativos foi o encerramento da franquia iDental, que deixou milhares de pessoas sem terminar seus tratamentos odontológicos. Se pretende realizar uma atualização das repercussões deontológicas que estas clínicas têm na deontologia dental da Comunidade Autônoma de Aragão.

Aspectos ético-legais que envolvem a manipulação de dentes humanos extraídos: o olhar de cirurgiões-dentistas / Ethical and legal aspects involving the manipulation of extracted human teeth: the dental surgeons' viewpoint

Investigou-se o conhecimento de cirurgiões-dentistas acerca dos aspectos ético-legais envolvidos na manipulação e descarte de elementos dentários humanos extraídos. Utilizou-se um questionário semiestruturado, enviado eletronicamente para cirurgiões-dentistas. Asperguntas objetivas foram analisadas pela estatística descritiva e as subjetivas peloDiscurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Dos 208 cirurgiões-dentistasrespondentes, 78,4% reconheceram o elemento dentário como órgão, 98,6% afirmaram ter utilizadodentes humanos para treinamento laboratoriale pesquisa na graduaçãoe pós-graduação, 42,4% obtiveramesses dentesem unidades de saúde, 28,3% em consultórios odontológicos, 22% na instituição de ensino e 2,4% através de compra. Sinalizou-se a doação por unidades de saúdee consultórios odontológicos como forma ideal para aquisição dos dentes (72,11%). Apesar de 75,5% afirmarem conhecer a regulamentação específica, issonão se refletiu nas demais questõesavaliadas. Quanto ao risco biológico na manipulação dos dentes, 88,9% consideraram existir e a análise qualitativa das respostas gerou as categorias "contaminação" e "infecção cruzada". Já sobre a finalidade do Banco de Dentes, 59,6% declararam conhecê-las, emergindo categorias como "ensino e pesquisa" e "comércio ilegal". A despeito desse conhecimento, apenas 43,3% indicaram estar totalmente dispostos a se vinculara um Banco de Dentes para doação.Conclui-se que existe pouco conhecimento quanto aos aspectos ético-legais envolvidos na manipulaçãoe descarte de dentes humanos extraídose que essa insciência se reflete na baixa intenção em se vincular às atividades de um futuro Banco de Dentes instalado no município pesquisado (AU).

It was intended to investigate the knowledge of dental surgeons about the ethical and legal aspects involved in the handling and disposal of extracted human teeth. A semi-structured questionnaire was used, sent electronically to dental surgeons. The objective questions were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the subjective ones by Collective Subject Discourse. Of the 208 dental surgeons who answered the questionnaire, 78.4% recognized the dental element as an organ, 98.6% stated that they used human teeth for laboratory training and research during graduation and post-graduation, 42.4% obtained these teeth in health units, 28.3% in dental offices, 22% in teaching institution and 2.4% through purchase. Donation by health units and dental offices was signaled as the ideal way to acquire the teeth (72.11%). Although 75.5% claimed to know the specific regulation, this was not reflected in the other questions evaluated. As for the biological risk in handling teeth, 88.9% considered it existed and the qualitative analysis of the answers generated the categories "contamination" and "cross infection". As for the purpose of the Tooth Bank, 59.6% said they knew it, and categories such as "teaching and research" and "illegal trade" emerged. Despite this knowledge, only 43.3% indicated that they were totally willing to join a tooth bank for donation. It is concluded that there is little knowledge about the ethical-legal aspects involvedin the handling and disposal of extracted human teeth and that this unawareness is reflected in the low intention of joining the activities of a future Tooth Bank installed in the researched municipality (AU).

Conhecimentos e atitudes de cirurgiões-dentistas da rede pública de Pelotas-RS frente aos maus-tratos infantis / Knowledge and attitudes of dentists in the public health system of Pelotas-RS regarding child maltreatment

O presente estudo objetivou identificar e analisar os conhecimentos e as atitudes dos cirurgiões-dentistas (CD) da rede pública de Pelotas-RSfrente aos maus-tratos infantis (MTI). Os dados foram coletados por um questionário semiestruturado. Coletaram-se informações sociodemográficas, relativas ao trabalho, conhecimentos e atitudes dos CD. Realizou-se uma análise estatística descritiva e associações entre as variáveis independentes com os conhecimentos e atitudes por meio do teste de Exato de Fisher e Qui-quadrado (p<0,05). Dos 45 CD incluídos na amostra, mais dametade afirmaram nunca ter recebido informações sobre o tema, 71,1% entenderam ser responsabilidade do CD a identificação de casos suspeitos, 50% não souberam informar a respeito da implicação legal sobre a falta de notificação e 86,7% acreditaram que se deve avisar ao médico ou enfermeiro para que eles tomem alguma atitude. Observou-se que 60% dos profissionais nunca suspeitaram de um caso e 25% dos que suspeitaram tomaram alguma atitude. Houve associação estatística entre a responsabilidade do CD e o sexo e o tempo de formação, da atitude correta frente a um caso suspeito e a pós-graduação, e ainda, da implicação legal com a idade e tempo de formação. Os conhecimentos e atitudes dos CD sobre MTI foram melhores entre profissionais mais jovens, do sexo feminino, com menor tempo de formados, possuindo ou cursando alguma pós-graduação. Os CD conhecem sua importância frente a essa violência, porém apresentam dificuldades quanto às atitudes a tomar (AU).

The present study aimed to identify and analyze the knowledge and attitudes of dentists inthe public health system in Pelotas-RS regarding child maltreatment(CM).Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, work-related dataandknowledge and attitudes of dentists were collected.Descriptive statistical analysis and associations between independent variables and knowledge and attitudesof dentists were performed using Fisher's Exact Test and Chi-Square Test (p<0.05).Of the 45 dentists included in the sample, more than halfreportedthat they had never received information on the subject, 71.1% understood the dentist'sresponsibilityin the identification of suspicious cases, 50% were unable to inform about the legal implication of the lack of notification and 86.7% believed that the doctor or nurse should be notified so that they can take action. It was observed that 60% of professionals never suspected a case of CM and 25%of those who suspected took action. There was statistical association between the dentist'sresponsibilityand gender and the time since graduation,betweencorrect attitude towards a suspiciouscase and postgraduate degree and also betweenlegal implication with age and time since graduation.Knowledge and attitudes of dentists about CM were better among younger professionals, females, with less time since graduation, having or attending some postgraduate course. Dentists know their importance towards this violence, but they show difficulties regarding attitudes that they should take (AU).

A Odontologia em Programas de Residência Multiprofissional hospitalares no Brasil / Dentistry in Hospital Multiprofessional Residency Programs in Brazil

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença do cirurgião-dentista (CD) em Programas de Residência Multiprofissionalhospitalares(PRMH)do Brasil.Trata-se de um estudo de caráter exploratório, descritivo,com abordagem quantitativa. Foi realizada análise documental de editais de PRMHem saúde,vigentes no ano de 2019,vinculados ahospitais de universidade federais do Brasil, coletando as variáveismacrorregião, áreas de concentraçãoepresença do núcleo profissional Odontologia.A análise constou de correlação de Spearman para associação do índice de desenvolvimento humano, índice de Gini, equipes de saúde bucal, cobertura populacional e cursos de Odontologia e a presença de CDs nos PRMH. Dos 41 PRMH, 5(12%)encontram-se no Centro-Oeste;6(15%)no Norte;12(29%)no Sudeste;14 (34%) no Nordeste,e 4(10%)no Sul. Das 93 áreas de concentração, 27(29%)possuem o CD na equipe multiprofissional. AsregiõesNordeste(n=26, 27,9%)e Sudeste(n=32,34,4%)apresentam a maior diversidade de áreas de concentração, sendoa presença do CD de10(38,4%)e 9(28,1%), respectivamente,em cada região. A área de concentração mais predominante noseditais é saúde da criança e materno-infantil(n=26,27,9%), estandoo CD presente em 7(26,9%) delas. O CD encontra-seem muitos programas de residência, embora se perceba a necessidade de ampliação do número de vagas ofertadas (AU).

The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of dental surgeons (DS) in Hospital Multiprofessional Residency Programs (HMRPs) in Brazil. This is an exploratory, descriptive study, with a quantitative approach.Documentary analysis was performed of health HMRPs edicts, in effect during the year of 2019, linked to federal university hospitals in Brazil, collecting the macroregion variables, areas of concentration, and presence of a dentistry professional core. The analysis consisted of Spearman's correlation for the association of the Human Development Index, Gini index, oral health teams, population coverage, and dental courses with the presence of DSs in HMRPs. Of the 41 HMRPs, 5 (12%) are in the Midwest; 6 (15%) in the North; 12 (29%) in the Southeast; 14 (34%) in the Northeast, and 4 (10%) in the South. Of the 93 areas of concentration, 27 (29%) have a DS on the multiprofessional team. The Northeast (n=26, 27.9%) and Southeast (n=32, 34.4%) have the greatest diversity of areas of concentration, with the presence of a DS in 10 (38.4%) and 9 (28.1%), respectively, in each region. The most predominant area of concentration in the public notices is child and maternal-infant health (n=26, a 27.9%), and the DS is present in 7 (26.9%) of them. The DS is in many residency programs, although it is noticed the need to expand the number of vacancies offered (AU).

Conocimiento y aplicación de los principios bioéticos en alumnos de posgrado de Odontología / Knowledge and application of bioethical principles in postgraduate Dental Students

Resumen La bioética ha sido agregada formalmente, desde 2008, a la malla curricular de la carrera de Odontología en el Ecuador. También se han creado documentos que rigen el accionar ético del odontólogo frente a distintos dilemas que se pueden presentar durante su actividad clínica. Esta investigación busca describir el nivel del conocimiento y la aplicación de los principios bioéticos en los profesionales de salud oral. Se utilizó un método de investigación cuantitativo, descriptivo y transversal, mediante una encuesta estructurada, aplicada a estudiantes de posgrado en el área odontológica. Los datos fueron procesados y analizados de forma descriptiva y correlacional. Los resultados obtenidos, resaltaron la presencia de cinco niveles de conocimiento sobre principios bioéticos. Entre estos, en los grupos de mayor porcentaje de conocimiento sobre los principios bioéticos se destacó la aplicación del principio de no maleficencia en su práctica clínica. Se reveló desconocimiento sobre la teoría: muchos desconocen los principios bioéticos básicos del correcto accionar del profesional de salud oral. Sin embargo, se ha demostrado un creciente cambio con respecto a la aplicación de estos principios.

Abstract Bioethics has been formally added, since 2008, to the curricula of dentistry courses in Ecuador. Documents have also been created that govern the ethical actions of the dentist in the face of different dilemmas that may arise during their clinical activity. This research seeks to describe the level of knowledge and application of bioethical principles in oral health professionals. A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional research method was used, by means of a structured survey, applied to postgraduate students in the dental area. The data were processed and analyzed in a descriptive and correlational manner. The results obtained highlighted the presence of five levels of knowledge of bioethical principles. Among these, in the groups with the highest percentage of knowledge about bioethical principles, the application of the principle of non-maleficence in their clinical practice was highlighted. Lack of knowledge about the theory was revealed: many are unaware of the basic bioethical principles of the correct action of the oral health professional. However, a growing change has been demonstrated with regard to the application of these principles.

Resumo A bioética tem sido formalmente acrescentada ao currículo dos cursos de odontologia no Equador desde 2008. Também foram criados documentos para reger as ações éticas dos dentistas quando confrontados com diferentes dilemas que podem surgir durante sua atividade clínica. Esta pesquisa procura descrever o nível de conhecimento e aplicação dos princípios bioéticos nos profissionais de saúde bucal. Foi utilizado um método de pesquisa quantitativa, descritiva e transversal, por meio de uma pesquisa estruturada aplicada a estudantes pós-graduados na área odontológica. Os dados foram processados e analisados de forma descritiva e correlacional. Os resultados obtidos destacaram a presença de cinco níveis de conhecimento dos princípios bioéticos. Entre estes, nos grupos com maior porcentagem de conhecimento de princípios bioéticos, foi destacada a aplicação do princípio de não maleficência na prática clínica. A ignorância da teoria foi revelada: muitos desconhecem os princípios básicos de bioética da ação correta do profissional de saúde oral. No entanto, uma mudança crescente tem sido demonstrada com relação à aplicação destes princípios.

Developing and validating a questionnaire to Measure Ethical Sensitivity of Freshly Graduated Dentists.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an instrument for assessing the ethical sensitivity of freshly graduated dentists.. METHODS: This instrument development study was done at Sardar Begum Dental College, Peshawar, Pakistan, from September 2014 to April 2015. The instrument developed was the Dental Ethical Sensitivity Scale in accordance with the guidelines for the development of educational instruments. Data was obtained from freshly graduated dentists through the instrument containing vignettes related to three domains of ethics; beneficence, autonomy and confidentiality. Content validity index and Angoff's method were used to determine the validity and cut-off passing score respectively. Reliability analysis comprised internal consistency and test re-test. RESULTS: Of the 138 house officers approached, 107(77%) responded. Of them, 37(34.5%) were males and 70(65.4%) were females. The overall mean age was 23.7±1. 1 years. Overall, 51(47.6%) subjects were ethically sensitive whereas 50(46.7%) were partially sensitive and 6(5.6%) were insensitive. The CVI for the instrument was 0.8; cutoff score was 83%; internal consistency was 0.63; and test re-test reliability was 0.71. Relation between ethical sensitivity, gender and class attendance of the participants was insignificant (p>0.05 each). CONCLUSION: Dental Ethical Sensitivity Scale was found to be effective in providing a valid and reliable assessment instrument for measuring ethical sensitivity of freshly graduated dentists.

Cosmetic dentistry: A socioethical evaluation.

Cosmetic dentistry is a divisive discipline. Within discourses that raise questions of the purpose of the dental profession, cosmetic dentistry is frequently criticised on the basis of it being classified as a non-therapeutic intervention. This article re-evaluates this assertion through examination of ethics of care of the self, healthcare definitions and the social purpose of dentistry, finding the traditional position to be wanting in its conclusions. The slide of dentistry from a healthcare vocation towards being a predominantly business-focused interaction between clinician and consumer conflicts with traditional notions of dentistry as a profession. Whilst it is undeniable that cosmetic dental treatment particularly lends itself to the commercial paradigm, this is not exclusive to this area of professional practice. The cultural basis of dental appearance and the potential of the dental profession to exert coercive pressure upon the public to undergo treatment that is based upon social norms is discussed. This essay concludes that cosmetic dentistry is undeniably part of the professional purpose of 21st Century dentistry. However, the caveat that may be placed upon this, is that this status is conditional upon the professional conduct of dental practitioners remaining resilient to commercial practices not compatible with professional obligations.

Competency model for dentists in China: Results of a Delphi study.

OBJECTIVE: With the increasing awareness of the importance of oral health, patients have an increasing need for integrated care from dentists. In China, the dentistry examination consists of two parts: a practical skills examination and a comprehensive medical examination; to date, no assessment methods that are based on specialized dentistry competencies, unlike the United States, Canada, and other countries, have been established. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to construct a competency model for dentists in China in order to guide the development, admission, training and assessment of dentists. METHODS: Using a literature review, focus group interviews and in-depth personal interviews, a dentist competency index was developed with an expert consultation questionnaire. A panel of 20 specialist experts was chosen from ten national medical universities to carry out two rounds of Delphi expert analysis, using the boundary value method to filter the indicators and the Analytic Hierarchy Process to calculate the weights of the primary indicators. RESULTS: Two rounds of Delphi results showed that the expert authority, enthusiasm, and coordination coefficients were high. Constructs of the competency model that included seven primary indicators and 62 secondary indicators determined the weight of each index. The seven primary indicators included the following: clinical skills and medical services, disease prevention and health promotion, interpersonal communication skills, core values and professionalism, medical knowledge and lifelong learning ability, teamwork ability and scientific research ability. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of the Delphi method to construct an initial model of Chinese physician competency is scientific and feasible. The initial competency model conforms to the characteristics and quality requirements of dentists in China and has a strong scientific basis. The dentist competency model should be used in the National Dental Licensing Examination in China.

Ethical issues and dentists' practices with children with intellectual disability: A qualitative inquiry into a local French health network.

BACKGROUND: The provision of dental care for children with intellectual disability raises many ethical questions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore approaches to dental treatment in an anxious child with intellectual disability and the ethical dilemmas that ensue. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between February and May 2012. A clinical scenario was used to establish a starting point for a discussion of the clinical approach and lead to an ethical reflection. Four topics were discussed: first contact with the patient, information, attitude towards the patient and outcome from the practitioner's viewpoint. The coding procedure used thematic content analysis. RESULTS: Most practitioners fetched the patient from the waiting room personally, greeted them, gave them special attention, and either began the consultation at once, or used distraction to relax the patient. Verbal language and tell-show-do were most often used to provide information. Anxiety and pain were evaluated using parental assessment and standardized scales. A reassuring attitude was adopted. An ethical dilemma arose if the patient refused care or had to be restrained. Practitioners reported sacrificing ethical values (patient autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence) when making a clinical decision. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide range of practices but no consensus. This study shed some light on the different perspectives of dentists, most of whom adopted a utilitarianist viewpoint. In this context, ethical reflection is necessary to avoid a detached attitude or, worse, abuse. Further study would enrich this reflection.

Gifts from orthodontists to general dentists.

OBJECTIVES: To determine how often general dentists receive gifts from orthodontists, the value and number of the gifts they receive, and how they perceive the motivation behind the gift. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a questionnaire-based study. A questionnaire was constructed and tested for validity and reliability. An electronic version of survey was sent via email to 1300 general dentists. RESULTS: The validity and reliability of the survey was confirmed. Two hundred fifty-four valid responses were received (20%). Eighty-five percent of responding general practitioners reported that they received gifts from an orthodontist. Almost 100% reported that they referred patients to orthodontists. About one-third of the responding general practitioners reported that their office provided orthodontic care. There were statistically significant correlations between the number of annual patient referrals the general practitioners reported making and the number and value of the gifts they received from the orthodontists. Female general practitioners reported receiving a higher number of gifts of greater total value than male practitioners. General practitioners who reported providing orthodontic treatment did not differ from those who did not in the number of referrals they made annually and the number and value of the gifts they received. Quality of care was the most common reason general practitioners reported for their referral to an orthodontist. Forty-four percent of the responders reported that they received discounted orthodontic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners refer patients to orthodontists and receive gifts from them. The number and value of the gifts reflects the number of referrals they make.

Ethical dilemmas among dental professionals in Davangere city- a cross-sectional survey.

To determine the ethical problems faced by dental practitioners, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, College of Dental Sciences and private dental clinics in the city of Davangere. A questionnaire with close-ended questions on eight scenarios was administered to the 135 study participants. In the case of scenario 1, 81.4% of the participants said that the doctor had violated the principle of truthfulness. As for scenario 2, less than 50% of the participants replied that the doctor had breached ethical principles. In case scenario 3, 93% felt that the doctor should have taken the physician's opinion before extracting a tooth. Most dental practitioners faced ethical dilemmas because of the lack of awareness, and there is a need to introduce certain programmes to promote knowledge of ethics.