치과의료윤리 교육, 어디에서 왔으며 어디로 가는가?

Abstract

This commentary explores the historical development and current status of dental ethics educationin South Korean dental schools, which was explicitly initiated by the 2017 accreditation standardsfrom the Korean Institute of Dental Education and Evaluation (KIDEE). Although now mandatoryin all 11 dental schools in the country, dental ethics education remains in its early stages, witha focus on professional integrity, ethical decision-making, altruism, and rationality. To addressthe unique characteristics of dental practice, including preventive and aesthetic care, intensivechairside communication, and business-related ethical issues, specialized ethics modules should beincorporated into the curriculum. Continuous improvements in curriculum design, faculty training,and evaluation methods are urgently needed. Most importantly, ongoing research and activediscourse on dental ethics within the dental community are essential to enhancing dental ethicseducation.