Question

I wonder if someone can help me with these questions!

Thank you.

Your small private dental practice, which is within an urban city, has many long-standing patients. A number of patients within the practice are on public assistance and struggle with money issues. Dr. Gordon is very generous and understanding about her patients’ limitations and

often provides free dental services. Your next patient of the morning is Jason S, a 14-year-old junior high school soccer player. His mother has made an emergency appointment, as he was hit in the mouth during a soccer game yesterday. His mother is concerned that Jason’s front teeth may be loose as a result. His mother reports that Jason had a thorough “cleaning” in another dental office 4 months ago. Clinical examination reveals no trauma but some mobility, so you take radiographs. Clinically, Jason presents with no obvious signs or symptoms of disease, with lack of tissue inflammation and minimal amounts of plaque biofilm. Jason’s radiographs, however, show moderate vertical bone loss around the maxillary central incisors and mandibular central incisors. Bitewing radiographs also indicate moderate bone loss around the maxillary and mandibular first molars. Probe readings on his incisors and molars are in the 4 to 6 mm range.

You present your findings to Dr. Gordon, who asks you to perform thorough periodontal instrumentation on Jason. You remind Dr. Gordon, that Jason had a dental hygiene appointment in another office 4 months ago and that his insurance only allows for periodontal instrumentation every 6 months. Dr. Gordon states that Jason is in dire need of this treatment and asks you to instruct the office manager to hold off on submitting Jason’s insurance claim until it is within the

6-month time frame.

1. How would you classify Jason’s periodontal condition?

2. What ethical principles are in conflict in this dilemma?

3. What is the best way for you to handle this ethical dilemma?

Answer 1

1. Jason S, a 14-year-old junior high school soccer player. he was hit in the mouth during a soccer game yesterday. Clinical examination reveals no trauma but some mobility. Clinically, Jason presents with no obvious signs or symptoms of disease, with a lack of tissue inflammation and minimal amounts of plaque biofilm. Jason’s radiographs, however, show moderate vertical bone loss around the maxillary central incisors and mandibular central incisors. Bitewing radiographs also indicate moderate bone loss around the maxillary and mandibular first molars. Probe readings on his incisors and molars are in the 4 to 6 mm range.

2. Jason had a dental hygiene appointment in another office 4 months ago and that his insurance only allows for periodontal instrumentation every 6 months. Dr.Gordon confirm that Jason is in dire need of periodontal instrumentation and asks you to instruct the office manager to hold off on submitting Jason’s insurance claim until it is within the 6-month time frame.

3.The best way to handle the ethical dilemma in the present case by:

*Don't rush to judgment; find out as much as you can about what has happened/Identify the ethical dilemma faced.

*Identify the Potential Issues Involved; that is about the previous appointment for dental hygiene in another office 4 months ago and that insurance only allows for a periodontal instrumentation every 6 months.

*Review the organization's Code of Ethics, Policies and Relevant Laws. Evaluate Potential Courses of Action

*Get a peer review or get different opinions from others.

*Identify the best possible solution

*Get ta talk with Dr.Gordon regarding Jasons financial struggling and as well as insurance limitations.

*Request Dr.Gordon for free dental service for Jason.

*Determine the best course of action