Ethics in research: current issues for dental researchers and their professional society.
Values associated with scientific investigations affect the conduct, evaluation, and reporting of research and lead to ethical issues for scientists engaged in dental research. This essay examines the relationship between scientists and the larger society in which they work, and how that relationship defines the boundaries of scientific freedom and autonomy, on the one hand, and scientific responsibility and accountability, on the other. Values underlie disputes over data sharing, perceptions of conflict of interest, and scientists' commitment to research integrity. Professional societies, such as the IADR, can be a major influence in shaping the moral tone and ethical climate for research through the adoption of standards, the development of educational programs designed to reinforce those standards, and the public recognition of responsible conduct on the part of scientists.
Frankel
M S
MS
Program on Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC 20005.
D016265:Conflict of Interest; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004990:Ethics, Dental; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D010067:Ownership; D012106:Research / Q000592:standards*; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D015871:Scientific Misconduct; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012945:Social Values; D012953:Societies, Dental / Q000592:standards