Principles Of Bioethics In The Field Of Pediatrics Dentistry

Principles of Bioethics in the field of Pediatrics Dentistry

As a human being we are in the constant search for balance and well -being. We rely on professionals who play a primary role, since they are dedicated to investigating and studying at a physical and mental level the need for these states. They as experts have the skills and skills to help, and guide those who need it. However, it is important to take into account not only its academic training, but its ethical way of carrying an office and the values that apply in the same.

In the case of professionals within the field of health, the application of these values for the management of different situations is essential. With this saying, bioethics is an issue to consider, since as professionals they have responsibility due to the trust that patients deposit over them. To understand more thoroughly that is bioethics, according to Ferro T., M. J., Chapellin, a., Secola, r., & Zampella, V. Bioethics is:

“Bioethics is the study of human behavior in the area of health sciences, under an interpretation of values, premises and paradigms, which together with biological knowledge;Its main objective is to correct and improve the decisions and actions of those who are dedicated to this activity."

Bioethics is the discipline that responsibly governs the diagnosis and treatment of individuals’ diseases. One of the aspects of the bioethical application that can result in an obstacle are those decisions related to more vulnerable groups, among which are minors.

Several aspects must be taken into account that when relating to an adult are no longer necessary due to a level of maturity and the different communication which minors have. While with a child you have to consider other approaches, since they are more susceptible to the decisions and treatment of an adult.

It is not only the application of bioethics to pediatrics but, from a general framework, as an interdisciplinary role in the infant plays. In addition, as not only is applied to the patient level when it comes to children or adolescents, but also with the family. They are the legal representatives of the lower age, and those who take actions for them. For this reason, they are the ones who have to agree with the treatment, diagnosis and treatment to follow. But above all the aforementioned, they are also those who must ensure the conformity of the minor in order to generate a comfort within the pediatric-patient space.

Bioethics is the discipline that governs in cases like this, and in many other scenarios, the action of those responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals’ diseases. The human is the purpose to study and apply medical methods, but it cannot be the means to achieve these methods. For Ferro t., M. J. , Chapellin, a., Secola, r., & Zampella, V. (2012, February 17), the bioethical principles are:

1. “Charity principle: it is based on respect for the person and their decisions, it implies responsibility, ability to work, action and response to them. It is directed towards the fulfillment of the desires and beliefs of each being, as an individual person. The application of informed consent to medical treatments is established.
2. Principle of non -maleficence is the principle that contemplates the performance of health personnel;for the benefit of others. It consists of the duty to do good, prevent evil, counteract adverse situations that compromise the good condition of a person and the non -omission of actions that could incur damage.
3. Autonomy principle: It means abstention in performing actions that may harm a patient. These moral norms imply not inducing suffering or disability avoidable;The benefit over the trial must prevail.
4. Principles of Justice: It is the decrease in inequalities between people. It is achieved by providing the same amount and quality of attention to the individual ”

We understand the bioethical involvement that it has within the medical-patient relationship, as well as orthopedist-patient. But how do bioethical principles in the pediatric dentistry apply?

“The medical-patient relationship in pediatrics, brings together three components: the pediatrician, the child and his family and society. The child and his family act guided by the moral principle of autonomy;the pediatrician for the beneficence;and society for justice. Respect for autonomy is not equivalent to charity. “Said by Castañeda García, C. M. (2012, June 14)

The Pediatric Dentistry must ensure the human rights of children who are observed within the office. Also, find tools to transmit the patient’s well -being to his family, and the importance of they can continue with this treatment within the home. The concept of this relationship, considers the child and their family as patient (taking into account their values), which entails responsibility, by the pediatric dentistry of offering parents adequate information and participation in therapeutic decisions. This application can start with small steps, how to instruct them to wash their teeth.

The professional must address the treatment of the child carefully, respecting that it has its own values, which are formed very slowly, that is, you have to start each procedure giving as much information as possible. You cannot immediately expect your understanding of the treatment to follow and it is necessary to reinforce the instructions to follow to different states of treatment.

Pediatrics dentistry also deal with an aspect that has a lot of impact at the level of self – esteem. The teeth are considered as a form of also evaluating the aesthetics of a person, and in order to help feel satisfied with their image. For the same reason, you also have to be careful with the message to be transmitted, since at this age it affects broadly. Not only at the communication level, but applying treatment.

It is very important not to assume that the patient knows all the shared concepts and try to use a language as simple as possible, since they are children and adolescents. At the same time, as professionals all expectations of the patient should be clarified, and vice versa to have transparent communication.

Not having a clear communication channel, you can find the following obstacles, proposed by (Abed Avila, M. T., pg. 23):

1. “Children do not understand what they are told and will not act properly in accordance with what is desired of them.
2. They will be convinced that their doctor is not worried about their needs and understanding them or being understood and that they do not value their needs and feelings. Communication implies both transmit and listening."

Consent is a process that is focused on the professional-patient relationship, who in this case are: the pediatric-menor. The consent dilemma is between the principle of patient’s autonomy and the doctor’s benefice principle.

It is logical that minors have no notion about the treatment they will continue, however, when they already reach an age where they have the capacity to understand the implications, their assent to continue with the process is mandatory. Is to take into account his statement as part of the consent.

In his daily practice, the doctor is forced to find different ways to cover the treatment of his patient. Medical decision making goes hand in hand about their ethical implications, and they always have to take into account to measure the impact it will have on the patient. This not only applies to doctors in all its different areas, but it has more boom as mentioned above when it comes to more vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents. As professionals, you always have to ensure the search for the best interest of the child, taking into account the opinion, desires and feelings for your treatment to be handled with the highest level of comfort.