Why Should I Choose a CSDS-Member Dentist?

While membership in organized dentistry is optional and while the decision to abstain is not a poor reflection on any dentist, membership in the professional association does have significant meaning. As ADA, CDA, and CSDS members, dentists agree to adhere to the ADA’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.

The dental profession holds a special position of trust within society. As a consequence, society affords the profession certain privileges that are not available to members of the public. In return, the profession commits to society that its members will adhere to high ethical standards of conduct. The ADA Code is, in effect, a written expression of the obligations arising from the implied contract between the dental profession and society.

Members of the ADA (et al) voluntarily agree to abide by the ADA Code as a condition of membership. They recognize that continued public trust in the dental profession is based on the commitment of individual dentists to high ethical standards.

The American Dental Association calls upon dentists to follow high ethical standards which have the benefit of the patient as their primary goal. Recognition of this goal and of the education and training of a dentist has resulted in society affording to the profession the privilege and the obligation of self-government.

The Association believes that dentists should possess not only knowledge, skill, and technical competence but also those traits of character that foster adherence to ethical principles. Qualities of compassion, kindness, integrity, fairness, and charity complement the ethical practice of dentistry and help to define the true professional.

The ethical dentist strives to do that which is right and good. The ADA Code is an instrument to help the dentist in this quest.

Further, dentists must complete continuing-education requirements.

Should a dentist fail, in the eyes of the patient, a process known as ethics review or a process known as peer review exists to resolve disputes.