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G T Chiodo

Publications and source records attributed to G T Chiodo.

78 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
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Delivering bad news to dental patients.

Most dentists are accustomed to reporting to a patient that he or she has two new carious lesions, and patients accept such news relatively easily. A diagnosis of periodontal disease requiring multiple extractions and denture construction is less readily assimilated; accordingly, providers usually take more time and care in explaining this situation. A diagnosis of carcinoma, which a dentist seldom is required to deliver, cannot be imparted in the same manner in which one would reveal a diagnosis of caries or of periodontal disease. A compassionate, measured, sensitive, and private discussion between a dentist and a patient with a serious diagnosis serves as the first step of a journey that is likely to result in substantive changes in that patient's life.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Professional conduct: when patient requests exceed the boundaries of dental care.

This discussion began with a question regarding the possibility of defining the elements of unprofessional conduct. It is likely that the many elements that may be intrinsic to this definition are, in part, temporally situated--that is, unprofessional behavior is defined somewhat differently today than in 1940. The three cases presented underscore this point. It is not likely that dentists of two or three decades ago were confronted with patients desiring pierced tongues, radio stations that saw dental offices as ideal participants in publicity stunts, or individuals admitting their dentist was an instrument of erotic pleasure. Despite this dynamic nature of new challenges to professional conduct, many elements are constant. Certainly the ethical obligations of beneficence, nonmalficence, respect for autonomy, and justice have remained since the time of Galen. We have proposed that one modern-day element of defining professional conduct is the performance of a professional action for a nonprofessional purpose. These types of actions can be harmful to patients and embarrassing to the profession. Finally, it is likely that the dentist who cooperates in any of the scenarios presented could be held to violation of malpractice standards and/or be reprimanded by state dental boards. In addition to these legal entanglements, it is clear that knowingly and willingly participating in any of the presented cases comprises unethical behavior.

Dental Care↗
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Chemically dependent doctors.

Overcoming denial and admitting to having a chemical dependency problem is a hurdle that is extraordinarily difficult for anyone to handle without professional assistance. Addicted health care professionals often become even more deeply enmeshed in denial of their problem. They refuse help because they see themselves as educated beyond the level of those who are attempting to help them, and because they fear professional humiliation. Dental professionals who become aware of a colleague's chemical dependence, have an ethical duty to intervene in a constructive way. Reporting to a dental society wellness committee will accomplish this goal while protecting patients, the profession, the addicted provider, and the provider's family. Nonetheless, assisting chemically dependent colleagues to seek treatment can be an enormous burden. Thus, the dental hygienist in the case presented has few choices. She clearly has sufficient evidence of the dentist's chemical dependency problem and, ethically, she must act to prevent harm to patients. If a wellness program is available, it will help her. However, she should not expect gratitude from the dentist at the time of her intervention. Addicted persons rarely thank those who try to help them until much later and whistle-blowers are rarely appreciated. As is often the case, doing the right thing may be a challenge that risks losing a relationship or, as in the case presented, a job.

Alcoholism↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Family secrets.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Confidentiality↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ethics and insurance consultants.

Health care professionals who serve as consultants for insurance companies provide an essential service in reducing health care costs and ensuring access to care for increased numbers of people. The role and function of these consultants is not always appreciated or welcomed by providers, who may view them as intruders to the doctor-patient relationship and feel that treatment plans are being second-guessed. Consultants, on the other hand, may be placed in uncomfortable positions when radiographically visible pathological conditions are not addressed on a treatment plan. Overlooking such conditions in hopes of not embarrassing the treating dentist is not an ethical option. When an isolated omission or error is encountered, it is best for consultants to contact the treating dentist and advise him or her of the disparity between planned treatment and observed pathology. Patients, providers, and the profession will benefit through this collegial exchange of information. When consultants observe continual omissions or errors, the stakes are much greater and the public's health must be protected through implementation of the peer-review system.

Consultants↗