The legal and ethical pitfalls in the provision of cosmetic dentistry: are there any lessons for South African dental professionals?

Abstract

The purpose of this research report was to determine circumstances in which the provision of dental cosmetic procedures would be ethically unjustifiable, and also if these procedures could be considered to be an overtreatment. In support of my arguments as to why some cosmetic dental procedures should be considered ethically questionable, I employed the principles of non-maleficence and justice as the point of departure. In applying the principle of non-maleficence to the central arguments, I considered how cosmetic dental procedures in some circumstances can lead to harmful treatment, and therefore in violation of the principle of primum non nocere. I also employed the principle of justice, when arguing on considering enhancement procedures as an overtreatment, and therefore in violation of the concept of treating the patient fairly. Counter-arguments to the before-mentioned arguments were put forward using the principle of autonomy, and the right of the patient to choose what happens to their body. Based on the arguments above, I put forward arguments as to why in certain circumstances the provision of cosmetic dentistry can be considered an overtreatment. I conclude the report by presenting the legal consequences related to the provision of cosmetic dentistry. In conclusion, I argued that there are circumstances when cosmetic dental procedures are ethically unjustifiable, and may in certain circumstances result in overtreatment. It is therefore imperative to provide ethical guidance for practitioners, on how to resolve moral conflicts regarding when cosmetic dentistry is ethically unjustified. In addition, I make a case for the provision of ethical guidelines from which dental practitioners can make ethically sound treatment decisions