Ethics

Explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) biases affect providers’ understanding, actions, communication, and treatment decisions.

Oral health professionals are charged with encouraging open communication with patients, and understanding their perception of health and disease, as influenced by traditional beliefs.

Clinicians face ethical dilemmas throughout their careers, but a strong educational foundation in ethics and ethical decision-making provides a helpful guide.

Providing culturally appropriate treatment is key to improving access to care and health outcomes in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender patients.