Knowledge of dental ethics and jursiprudence among dental professionals

Aim: To assess the knowledge of dental ethics and jurisprudence among dental professionals.

Background: Ethics is the study of the ideal human character and conduct in circumstances when a distinction between right and wrong should be made. Dental jurisprudence is a set of legal regulations set forth by each state's legislature describing the legal limitations and regulations related to the practice of dentistry.

Materials and methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 324 dental practioners, including students from CRI. A self-structured, close-ended questionnaire was administered that consisted of 15 questions was included. The questions were created through an online google form, and it was circulated among the study participants through online mode. With the use of statistical analysis tool SPSS software, the data were collected in a systematic manner.

Results: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 324 dental practioners, including students from CRI. In the current study, over 91% of the participants have stated that dental ethics deals with moral studies of dentists towards his colleagues, patients and society, while 40% of the participants stated that COPRA act is not applicable to hospitals that provide free treatment

Conclusion: The current study brought attention to dental practioners and show lack of knowledge in dental ethics and law. It highlights the need for further educational initiatives and curriculum revisions that put an emphasis on morality, jurisprudence, and legal issues relevant to clinical practise.