College of Dental Medicine (CDM)—Predoctoral Program 2025–2026 128 • Ethical and Professional Core Values of the American Dental Association • Clinical Judgment, Critical Thinking, and Decision-Making Responsibilities of Teachers and Learners Preparation for a career in dental medicine demands the acquisition of a large body of knowledge and range of special skills. It also demands the strengthening of those virtues that serve as the foundation of the doctor/patient relationship and that sustain the profession of dental medicine as a moral enterprise. This serves both as a pledge and as a reminder to teachers and learners that their conduct in fulfilling their mutual obligations is the medium through which the profession inculcates its ethical values. Guiding Principles Duty Dental medicine educators have a duty, not only to convey the knowledge and skills required for delivering the profession’s contemporary standard of care, but also to inculcate the values and attitudes required for preserving the dental profession’s social contract across generations. Integrity The learning environments conducive to conveying professional values must be suffused with integrity. Students learn enduring lessons of professionalism by observing and emulating role models who epitomize authentic professional values and attitudes. Respect Fundamental to the ethic of dental medicine is respect for every individual. Mutual respect between learners, as novice members of the dental profession, and their teachers, as experienced and esteemed professionals, is essential for nurturing that ethic. Given the inherently hierarchical nature of the teacher/learner relationship, teachers have a special obligation to ensure that students and residents are always treated respectfully. Responsibilities to Students Because of their inevitable function as role models, NSU faculty and staff members, and administrators should be guided by the highest ethical and professional standards. NSU faculty members and administrators should aspire to excellence in teaching and administration. They should prepare conscientiously for class and employ teaching methods appropriate for the subject and objectives of their courses. The objectives and requirements of their courses, including applicable attendance and grading rules, should be clearly stated. Classes should meet as scheduled; or when this is impracticable, classes should be rescheduled at a time reasonably convenient for students, or alternative means of instruction should be provided. NSU faculty and staff members, and administrators have an obligation to treat students with civility and respect and should nurture and protect intellectual freedom for their students and colleagues.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDE4MDg=