Ethics for orthodontists

When treating children, important ethical issues may arise relating to the best interests of the child and decision making for minors. The case of a c hild with a cleft lip and palate whose parents failed to bring her in for m edically indicated orthodontic care is presented. Ethical features of the c ase are discussed, including the need to benefit the patient, avoid harm, a nd respect the preferences of the parents. Ethical codes of the American De ntal Association and American Medical Association are referenced. Ethical d ilemmas include the conflict between the orthodontist's obligation to the c hild and the need to respect parental autonomy. Parental autonomy is respec ted up until the point at which significant harm to a child may result. The orthodontist's primary ethical responsibility is to the child, not the par ents. The orthodontist providing medically indicated care should involve th e craniofacial team or hospital social worker when parental decision making is in question.