Now That You Have Read, Reflected, And Analyzed Various Ethi

Now That You Have Read Reflected And Analyzed Various Ethical And Mor

Now that you have read, reflected, and analyzed various ethical and moral issues in health, I have selected a case study for you to respond to. The case study is based on a Frontline documentary titled "Dollars and Dentists," aired on June 26, 2012. This documentary, produced by the Center for Public Integrity and hosted by PBS, provides an overview of the troubling state of oral health in the United States and highlights issues arising from a broken healthcare system. It discusses the high costs of dental care, the lack of insurance coverage for oral health issues, and how these factors prevent many individuals from accessing necessary dental services.

The documentary critically examines how corporate America has stepped into this gap, introducing various business models supported by large corporate entities. Watching this video helps identify numerous ethical and moral concerns, particularly regarding access to healthcare, the quality of care provided, and the potential exploitation of vulnerable populations for financial gain. After viewing the documentary, you are required to download and complete the "Dollars and Dentists" assignment, following the rubric provided for grading.

Paper For Above instruction

The issue of oral health disparities in the United States exemplifies the intersection of ethics, morality, and capitalism within healthcare. The documentary "Dollars and Dentists" sheds light on systemic flaws that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, raising critical questions about justice, fairness, and ethical responsibility in healthcare delivery.

One prominent ethical concern is access to care. The high costs associated with dental treatment and the pervasive lack of insurance coverage create barriers that prevent millions from receiving adequate oral health services. According to the American Dental Association (2020), approximately 23% of Americans aged 20-64 have untreated dental caries, which underscores the magnitude of unmet needs. The failure of the healthcare system to ensure equitable access violates principles of justice and fairness, suggesting that socioeconomic status should not determine health outcomes.

Furthermore, the documentary highlights the role of corporate entities in reshaping dental care provision. Several large corporations have emerged, marketing low-cost, quick-fix solutions that may compromise quality. These business models often prioritize profit over patient well-being, raising ethical questions about the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the commodification of healthcare. The notion of bringing dental care into the realm of big business challenges traditional ethical standards that emphasize patient-centered care and beneficence.

The moral implications extend to the quality of care offered by these corporate models. While some corporate dental chains provide essential services to underserved areas, concerns persist regarding overly aggressive marketing, inconsistent treatment standards, and inadequate training of staff. Ethical healthcare practices require transparency, competence, and a focus on patient safety—principles that can be compromised when profit motives are prioritized.

Another moral dilemma involves informed consent and autonomy. Vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and minorities, may lack sufficient information to make fully informed decisions about their care. The systemic barriers they face can lead to exploitation, especially when aggressive marketing and financial incentives influence treatment recommendations. Healthcare providers have a moral obligation to ensure patients' understanding and voluntary participation in their treatment plans.

The documentary also emphasizes the broader societal failure to address social determinants of health, such as poverty, education, and housing. These factors significantly influence oral health outcomes and reflect a moral failing of society to care for its most vulnerable members. Addressing these issues requires an ethical commitment to social justice, advocating for policies that reduce disparities and promote equitable health outcomes.

In response to these complex issues, ethical frameworks such as utilitarianism and deontology can guide solutions. Utilitarianism advocates for actions that maximize overall well-being, suggesting reforms that expand access and reduce disparities. Deontological ethics emphasizes duties and rights, reinforcing the moral obligation of healthcare providers and policymakers to uphold justice and fairness.

In conclusion, the "Dollars and Dentists" documentary reveals critical ethical and moral issues in the current state of oral health in the United States. Addressing these challenges necessitates a comprehensive approach rooted in ethical principles that prioritize patient well-being, fairness, and social justice. Only by confronting the systemic flaws and ethical dilemmas highlighted can society move toward a more equitable and morally responsible healthcare system.

References

American Dental Association. (2020). Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/oral-health-in-america

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Preventing dental caries through community programs. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(2), 33–36.

Glick, M., Williams, B., & Kleinman, D. (2019). Ethical principles in dental practice. Journal of the American Dental Association, 150(3), 209–213.

Pappas, G. (2021). Health disparities and social justice in oral health care. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 81(4), 321–328.

Saad, L. (2013). The evolution of corporate dentistry: Ethical considerations. Journal of Dental Practice Management, 19(2), 45–50.

Sheiham, A., & Watt, R. G. (2017). The common risk factor approach: A rational strategy for oral disease prevention. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 45(2), 151–157.

Vaidya, N. S. (2019). Social determinants of health and oral health disparities. Journal of Dental Research, 98(7), 773–779.

World Health Organization. (2017). Social determinants of health: The solid facts. WHO Press.

Zhou, Y., & Chen, M. (2022). Corporate influence on healthcare ethics: A critical review. Journal of Medical Ethics, 48(3), 178–185.