If other states can enact this Code, so can the Commonwealth of Virginia.  It would give the Board of Dentistry clarity and purpose in decision making, enforcement, and sanctions.

I strongly support the request to have the ADA Code of Ethics adopted as a guide by which the Board of Dentistry can follow. This is crucial to the integrity of our profession to be able to have this as our guide. It will provide the foundation for all members to understand, to be able to see those who are clearly not abiding by the Code and to allow the BOD to establish sanctions for those infractions that may occur.

The American Dental Association's Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct is considered the Gold Standard for the entire dental profession. The contents are utillzed entirely or in part by most, if not all, dental teaching institutions and dental professional organizations in the United States, if not the world.  Adoption by the Virginia Board of Dentistry to utilze the ADA Code would have numerous benefits. Dental professionals are schooled on the ADA's  Principles and Code. It is widely regarded and easily accessible. The ADA and other groups promote and uphold it. Education on the Code is ongoing. Over 60% of dentists here in Virginia as Virginia Dental Associaton members pledge each year to uphold this professional standard. Utiilizing the Code as a guide or entirely would reduce Board workload and licencee confusion regarding what is the position of the VA Dental Board. The Board needs to provide regulations and guidelines that are clear and easily understood by all concerned. At present, licensees as well as Board members and staff do not have that available. The ADA standard is well known to all persons that have recieved any formal dental education or certificate to practice in dentistry. Utililzing the ADA's professional standards material, which is done elsewhere and widely accepted,, is urged for serious consideration and adoption.

Respectfully,   William J. Bennett, D.D.S. 

I am writing in favor of amending the regulation.  Dentistry as a profession has until recently ranked at the top in terms of trust by the public when compared to other professionals.  There has been a decline in our standing over the past several years.  All dentists should be encouraged and in fact regulated to perform to high ethical standards.  The ADA Code of Ethics is an excellent guide to ethical behavior that our profession has practiced throughout the years.  Unfortunately we have seen some dentists throughout the Commonwealth act in ways that degrade themselves and our profession.  Adherence to the ADA Code of Ethics would help greatly in deterring the problems we face.  Other states have adopted the ADA Code of Ethics into their regulations.  Virginia should do the same.

The ADA Principles of Ethics and the Code of Professional Conduct is a benchmark code that governs professional conduct in dentistry and therefore should be adopted in its entirety by the VA Board of Dentistry.

The incorporation of the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct into the Dental Practice Regulations of the Commonwealth of Virginia is an important step in the establishment of a foundation for recognizing ethical conduct and exposing unethical conduct by dental practitioners.  The ability of those who try to regulate proper ethics is difficult in the changing world of no-holds-barred marketing and patient overtreatment. It is the patient who suffers by virtue of the misinformation and fraudulent acts of the few unethical providers. Adoption of the ADA Code would provide a framework around which the Board can both build sound ethical guidelines and provide the appropriate steps for management and adjudication of unethical behavior.  

I am writing in favor of amending the regulation to adapt the ADA Code of Ethics.  For a number of year's there hasn't been anything in the Regulations concerning ethics and I feel this needs to be addressed.  The ADA Code is clear and concise.  It states what is ethically important and would provide something concrete for Virginia dentists.  There is precedence to use the ADA Code given the Board of Dentistry has adapted ADA language for CDT coding and sedation guidelines.  Other states have done the same.

I am reposting my comment due to a mistake on a comment which appears as "VDA."  It was my intent to disclose I am a member of the VDA and not the VDA.  My previous comment is as follows:
Using the ADA Code of Ethics in Virginia Dental Regulations

I am writing in favor of amending the regulation to adapt the ADA Code of Ethics.  For a number of year's there hasn't been anything in the Regulations concerning ethics and I feel this needs to be addressed.  The ADA Code is clear and concise.  It states what is ethically important and would provide something concrete for Virginia dentists.  There is precedence to use the ADA Code given the Board of Dentistry has adapted ADA language for CDT coding and sedation guidelines.  Other states have done the same.

I am in favor of the Board of Dentistry adopting the American Dental Associations "Principles of Ethics and Code of Professioal Conduct" as Virginia's ethical standard for dentists.

I support the ADA  Principles of Ethics and Code of Conduct. 

We should adopt the ADA Code of Ethics as part of our bylaws. 

The Virginia Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (VSOMS) supports both the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and the AAOMS Code of Professional Conduct as they both capture all areas of ethical behavior for dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.  To that point, the VSOMS agrees that the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct should be adopted by the VA Board of Dentistry so that ethical standards for dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons are addressed in the regulations. 

As dean of the VCU School of Dentistry, we support amending of regulations for unprofessional conduct to adopt the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct.  We use this code in the admissions, promotion, and graduation evaluation of our dental students.  It is listed in all course syllabi as a guiding document.  

I encourage the approval of the petition for rule-making to the Board of Dentistry to have the Board endorse the ADA Principles of Ethics and the Code of Professional Conduct.  Currently, the Board of Dentistry already endorses the ADA’s sedation guidelines and the ADA’s CPT codes.  Having this type of precedence with other endorsements from the ADA will only help the Board deal with unethical behavior and fee splitting by licensed Dentists. If the Board of Dentistry can endorse theses other guidelines from the ADA, then there is no reason they should not be able to endorse these principles of Ethics. Currently, there are 9 other states that currently endorse these principles of ethics in their regulations. All other organizations reference the ADA's ethical guidelines which are considered the gold standard for Dentistry.  Passing this petition and having the document in regulation will be ideal.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) requires that our "Graduates must be competent in the application of the principles of ethical decision making and professional responsibility." We use these Principles in all course work and cite this work for compliance with the afore mentioned standard.  These should be adopted by the Board of Dentistry. 

For the last few years we have used the ADA Principles of Ethics with our incoming freshman dental students as we discuss the summer reading book. Additionally the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct are listed in all of our course syllabi and used sporadically whenever a "cheating or lying case" comes before the VCU Student Conduct & Academic Integrity group (AKA "Honor System"). I highly endorse the acceptance of the ADA Principles as all dentists throughout the US should have a unified policy.

I would like to strongly suggest that the ADA Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct be the standard for the profession of dentistry and provide the Board of Dentistry with an appropriate, clear and precise standard for the professional conduct for Virginia dentists.  Nothing less would provide a self-governing profession, such as dentistry, with the level of integrity that would protect the future of our profession.  

I think it makes sense to adopt the ADA code of ethics because it is the standard for many state's Boards, and there is nothing in it that is contrary to what you are trying to do. I think since so many other ADA guidance documents are used in other areas, that this sets a standard that would make you want to use it also.  We don't need to remake all codes, since there are already universal acceptance of this one. Thank you.

As the Assistant Dean for Clinical Education at the VCU School of Dentistry I support the adoption of the ADA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.  This document serves as an outstanding guide for our students as they develop into dental professionals.  It makes sense to continue to have this code guide them through their professional careers.

I oppose this petition for rulemaking because the ADA Code of Conduct is an evolving document.The Code of Ethics contains advisory opinions that materially change the way the code is interpreted.Virginia should not give the force of law to something that can be easily modified by a private entity.

The ADA "Code of Ethics" is the gold standard for dental professional conduct. At last report,  the "Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct" of the American Dental Association is adopted by reference as the ethical standards for dentists, and applies to all dentists in 9 states. Currently the Virginia Board of Dentistry endorses the ADA CDT Codes and the ADA Guidelines on Sedation. Since the Guidelines on Sedation, the CDT Codes,  and ADA's "Code of Ethics" are universally accepted as the gold standards for the Profession, but the Board has not endorsed the "ADA Code of Ethics", I support the VDA Petition to the Board for endorsing the ADA "Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct".

We dentist in Virginia need and desire endorsement of the ADA "Code of Ethics" to guide us in our ethical behavior during this complex and challanging time.

Primarily my opposition stems from the fact that the ADA code is subject to too frequent change and is not drafted by elected legislators.  Virginia dental law should be drafted according to our needs by Virginia citizens who have been elected to their office.  The ADA is not a legislative body and should not be granted that authority.

The ADA "Principles of Ethics and Code of Professionl Conduct" should be adopted by the Board of Dentistry for the following resaons:.

1. It is the "gold standard" of ethical conduct in dentistry

2. It has been adopted, by reference, in 14 other states.

3.It is acceopted by the Academy of General Dentistry, the second largest dental organization in the US, as it's Code of Ethics. 

4. The ADA recognized specialty organizations use it, with the exception of AAOMS and AAO.

5. the Va Board of Dentistry asks dentists to practice within th estandards of ethics for dentists and dental hygienists, yet provides no guideance or reference to follow.

6. The VA Board of Dentistry endorses the ADA CDT Codes

7. The VA Board of Dentistry endorses the ADA Guideleines on sedation.

8. The VA Board of dentistry endorses the ADA recognized dental specialties.

Not having a Code of Ethics as part of the Board's guidelines and yet saying the Board will enforce sanctions on behavior that is not within the standards of ethics  is extremely misguided and confusing.  This does not serve the public but rather confuses those dentists the board should be trying to help provide better and more ethical treatment of their patients. the Board could create it's own Code but that would take time and resourses teh board simpley does not have. The ADA's Code is nearly 150 years old and is time tested. It is reviewed and refined by a Council of 17 dedicated dentists, a staff of 3 or more and the ADA legal department. Any changes must be approved by the ADA House of Delegates which represents obver 65% of all dentists in the US. This is the gold standard for ethics in dentistry.

The ADA, the VDA, and the VA Board of Dentistry really are after the same thing, the best possible care of our patients, provided in a competent and ethical manner. We are on the same team, and adopting this Code of Ethics will help dentists in Virginia provde better and more ethical care to the citizens of Virginia. 

TypEthical standards of the internet should be scruitinized by the local boards of dentistry to make all dentist , not just ADA members, come into compliance or lose their license to practice dentistry. There is so much misleading and arrogant advertising that our profession has gone to the dogs of ethics with the used car salesmen. What is the purpose of an organization if it is not going to police it's dentist that are entrusted to care for the public in an ethical manner.     Don Cherry  Williamsburg, Va                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                .an e over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.

I strongly support the adoption of the ADA principles of ethics and code of professional conduct by the BOD. It is the gold standard, and I feel it reduces the chance a dentist can misunderstand their obligations to their patients and the profession. Robert J Feild DDS

I respectfully urge the Board to adopt the same code of ethics as used by the American Dental Association. The ADA Code of Ethics is comprehensive and serves the profession while protecting the patient public. The Board would be promoting a workable guideline to which the majority of dentists already adhere.

Thank you for your consideration.

I do not believe that this document is necessary since I have sought to abide by a code of ethical behavior since receiving my dental degree and license in 1995. I do not appreciate over-regulation and this document has that appearance to me. The Virginia Board of Dentistry should have sole jurisdication over dentist conduct and practice related issues.

I would strongly support the adoption of the ADA principles of ethics and code of professional conduct by the VA BoD. I believe it to be the gold standard and adoption would alleviate two different sets of principles.

The Virginia Board of Dentistry should not adopt the ADA Code of Ethics because it would be giving its authority away to a national organization.  Further, the ADA Code is an ever evolving document based on advisory opinions of the ADA. It could be a different document tomorrow without any input from Virginians. In addition, the person asking the Board to adopt the ADA Code doesn’t provide a basis for its adoption. I think most Virginia dentists currently operate in an ethical manner and don’t see how adopting this national code would benefit Virginians.  If Virginia needs a Code of Conduct, it should be developed by Virginians. 

This petition for rulemaking should also be denied because it is an attempt to circumvent the legislature. The ADA Code of Ethics prohibits fee-splitting.  After the board was denied approval by the Governor’s office to pursue legislation on this topic, it would be disappointing if the Virginia Board unilaterally imposed a ban via rulemaking. If the board cannot gain the support of the Governor to pursue legislation on fee-splitting, it should not attempt to do so in a backdoor manner as the petitioner proposes.

Please reject the petition.

I oppose this adoption of the ADA code because I see the code of conduct as an evolving document and should be evaluated and considered in the future locally within Virginia. Future decisions of the ADA could differ with those here in Virginia.

I request that the Board of Dentistry enact a CODE OF ETHICS based on the American Dental Association Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics has been adopted by the American College of Dentists, (probably) all schools of dentistry in the United States of America, included the V.C.U. School of Dentistry, located in Richmond, Virginia.

Adopting the ADA code is not in the best interest of Virginia practitioners. Ceding these standards to the national organization is shortsighted as time evolves we need to control the changes that meet our own local needs and not be governed by outside forces.

I would appreciate consideration of the following comments pertaining to my oppositions on this petition for rulemaking.  It is my opinion the board should deny this petition for rulemaking because it takes away its own authority. The ADA’s clinical and educational guidelines are very useful, but on topics such as ethics, Virginia’s dental community should work together on standards if it is proven that such a code is needed. The person asking the board to adopt the ADA Code doesn’t give any reason why the board should do it other than he thinks it is a good idea. The requester identifies no situation that this request is intended to address. Setting this type of precendent undermines our current code and is counter to the self regulation that defines a profession.

Thank you for your consideration.

This petition for rulemaking avoids an important conversation and should be rejected. For the petitioner to file such a petition, they must believe there is an ethics issue in the practice of dentistry in Virginia. If that is the case, the dental community in Virginia would be better served by developing its own set of ethics guidelines and could benefit from the discussion of important issues that comes with the process.

 I am in opposition to this petition for rulemaking because I do not believe the practice of dentistry in Virginia has an ethics issue.

I truly believe that this petition should be denied.  The board should not be permitted to circumvent the legislation.  Our code of ethic prevents fee splitting.  Please reconsider this.

I suggest that this petition be evaluated at the most profound level as to the need for such legislation.  If the patitioner believes that we have such an ethical problem in Virginia, we should re-eval and set our our guidelines statewide with full consideration to all parties.

I strongly oppose this proposal.

I oppose adopting ADA Code of Ethics and Conduct. ADA is a National Organization. If there are Ethical issues with practice of Dentistry in Virginia, then any Code of Conducts should be discussed and developed by Virginians.

I oppose this rule making petition because I'm not confident the ADA can appropriately make decision for me as a dentist practicing in the State of Virginia.  The organization is in Chicago, Illinois and has no jurisdiction in my state nor does it have the best interest for the voters.

Also, it should be denied because of the prohibition of fee splitting. I am not willing to have a set fee for services that were not rendered during inclement weather, or other absence to my practice. I am comfortable with variable fees set to variable changes in my practice.

Dr Jamiah Dawson

I vehemently oppose this petetion to adapt the ADA code of ethics, because it is my firm belief any issues concerning Virginia must be resolved by the Virginia Dental Board and not by an outside agency. Reject this petetion.

I support adaption of the ADA code of ethics by the BOD.   Adoption by the Virginia Board of Dentistry to utilze the ADA Code would have numerous benefits. Dental professionals are schooled on the ADA's  Principles and Code. It is widely regarded and easily accessible. The ADA and other groups promote and uphold it. Education on the Code is ongoing. Over 60% of dentists here in Virginia as Virginia Dental Associaton members pledge each year to uphold this professional standard. Utiilizing the Code as a guide or entirely would reduce Board workload and licencee confusion regarding what is the position of the VA Dental Board. The Board needs to provide regulations and guidelines that are clear and easily understood by all concerned. At present, licensees as well as Board members and staff do not have that available.

By adopting the ADA Code of Ethics in blanket fashion, the Board is not satisfying its responsibilities, and in light of the recent US Supreme Court opinion in North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners v FTC, raises the specter that the State of Virginia is delegating control over the dental market to a non-sovereign actor and active market participants for anti-competitive purposes. The Board of Dentistry should not adopt the ADA Code of Ethics because it would be giving its authority away to a national organization. If Virginia needs a Code of Conduct, Virginians should develop it. The ADA Code's explanation recognizes ethical obligations often exceed legal duties, stating that the Code is an evolving document and by its very nature cannot be a complete articulation of all ethical [or legal] obligations. The ADA Code is the result of an ongoing dialogue between the dental profession and society, and as such, is subject to continuous review. Although ethics and the law are closely related, they are not the same. Ethical obligations may–and often do–exceed legal duties. Adopting the ADA Code of Ethics and Conduct would be a mistake by the board and the petition for rule making should be defeated

To Whom it May Concern,

I feel that this rule making petition is unnecessary because, as a licensed dentist, I am already subject to the ADA Code of Ethics by virtue of my membership in the that organization.  Any rule would be superfluous and potentially costly to the state. 

Please consider adopting our own code of ethics that we can vote on.

I strongly oppose in adopting the ADA's Ethics proposal because in my opinion, there is no ethics issue regarding practice of dentistry in VA.

If the Board of Virginia thinks such a code needs to be adopted, then it should develop its own code with input from virginia dentists and citizens.

I am in opposition to this petition for rulemaking because i do not believe the practice of dentistry in Virginia has an ethical issue. If Virginia needs a Code of Conduct, it should be developed by Virginians.

To whom it may concern,

The Board of Dentistry should not adopt the ADA Code of Ethics because it would be giving its authority away to a national organization. These kinds of rules need to be set by Virginia dentists and Virginia citizens. I think most Virginia dentists currently operate in an ethical manner and don’t see how adopting this national code. If Virginia needs a Code of Conduct, it should be developed by Virginians. Please reject the petition.

I oppose the adoption of the ADA Code of Ethics and Conduct.  I believe the state of Virginia should be regulated in this way by the state of Virginia.  Having an outside agency do so seems  unnecessary and would potentially incur additional costs, likely passed on to practicing dentists. Virginia seems to do a fine job without this addition.  Please deny this request.