title: A primer on dental ethics: Part I. Kknowing about ethics.
abstract: The field of dental ethics has matured to the point where it is worthwhile to summarize it. An overview is presented of the methods commonly used to present ethics in dental schools. The three most popular approaches to ethical theory are normative principles (good rules), virtue ethics (good people), and utilitarian views (good outcomes). Each of these approaches has advantages, and each is incomplete. The general problem of converting ethical knowledge to moral conduct will be presented in a subsequent essay.
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Chambers
mesh_terms: D028663:Ethical Theory; D004990:Ethics, Dental / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics