Dentistry’s social contract is at risk

Abstract

BackgroundThe implications of the social contract for medicine and those it serves has been debated by bioethicists, political scientists, and physicians. Far less attention, however, has been given to dentistry’s social contract. MethodsThe existing literature from medicine is used to explore the social contract and the role of dentistry in today’s society, focusing on several areas of interest. ResultsThe authors’ analysis discusses the history of the social contract and its implications for professionalism. The authors examine the failure of the dental profession to adequately address population needs and inequities in oral health, situating this in the context of an increasingly commodified, commercialized, cosmetically oriented, and proprietary culture in the profession. The authors highlight the important role of organized dentistry in facilitating change and renewing the social contract. ConclusionsThe authors conclude that reforms are necessary for dentistry to remain a profession. Practical ImplicationsThe authors’ findings may inform oral health policies and underscore the need for change among dental providers and organized dentistry to maintain dentistry’s professional status.