THE FORMATION AND PRACTICE OF THE CODE OF DENTAL ETHICS

Abstract

          This research studied the construction of the Code of Ethics of the Dental Profession and analysed the current practice, which aimed to shape the definition of how it has been developed and utilised for the benefit of the citizens. The research adopted qualitative method, which included documentary research and in-depth interview using the approach of Discourse Analysis by Michel Foucault.

          The result suggested that the formation of the Code of Ethics was due to the introduction of modern medicine, having to transform the folk medicine into the part of professional medical system, which was subjected to the Discourse of medical science. Apart from the practice to control treatment standards in accordance with international professional ethics, the ethical code acquired its characteristics of traditional ethics arranging traditional medicine to build novel modern medicine for the whole country. Being the first such organization, the Medical Council controlled and registered dentists in B.C. 2466 (A.D. 1923) pertaining to dental professional conduct, which was formed the Ministry of Public Health’s (formerly under the Ministry of Interior) proposal of the Medical Act. In Thailand, ethics did not concern medicine as a trade to obtain benefits as can be seen in cases of “quacks” using medical equipment as a means in medical services to gain benefits without taking people’s health in consideration. Ethics came to play an important role in order to control the medical service market, helping patients to avoid substandard treatment from the first level, with control over entry, controlling the market structure, control over competitive practice by not allowing professionals to advertise their knowledge and ability, including fighting over patients and gossiping about colleagues.

          At present, the Code of Ethics has been utilized in relation to the management of traditional ethical issues, with its purpose being to build the stability of professional institution. Once the patients have chosen the service, the first and foremost criterion for their decision-making is the reliability of professional identity as to which dentist and type of treatment they would opt for, resulting in the decrease in the imbalance of knowledge or information between dentists and patients. The relationship between the dentists and patients was, therefore, unequal, meaning that it was considered a power relationship in terms of paternalism, inattentive to self-autonomy and self-determination.