Ethical Considerations in Pediatric Dentistry: Balancing Child, Parent, And Dentist Interests.

Abstract

Pediatric dentistry involves unique ethical challenges due to the involvement of a child patient who may have limited decision-making capacity, parents or guardians who are responsible for the child's health decisions, and the dentist who must navigate these dynamics while maintaining professional integrity. Ethical considerations in pediatric dentistry are multifaceted, involving issues of autonomy, informed consent, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Balancing the child’s best interests, the parent’s wishes, and the dentist’s professional responsibilities is often complex. This paper explores the ethical dilemmas pediatric dentists face in clinical practice, including handling disagreements between parents and children’s needs, ensuring informed consent, and managing situations involving child abuse or neglect. By examining these challenges, the paper aims to provide insights into how pediatric dentists can navigate ethical complexities to provide optimal care while respecting the rights of               children           and              the roles     of                      parents.