Health Law/Ethics

At the end of the course the student is required to be able to: 1. define professionalism and ethics as they relate to the practice of the Dental Therapy; 2. identify and discuss the importance of professional, ethical behaviour; 3. explain why the application of professional behaviour is recommended and expected; and 4. demonstrate professional, ethical behaviour in patient and community interactions.

Review of Ethics of Dental and Standard of Practice. Dental Therapist Board of Nigeria Act. Ethical Code of Practice. Ethical Issues. Approaches to ethics. Ethical Theories. Domains of Medical Ethics. Preventive Ethics. Medico-Legal Aspects of Dental Therapy Practice. Policy of Dental profession and role of members. Definition of legal terms. Licensure. Legal responsibility. Liability. Contract. Plaintiff; Defendant.S Doctrine of Res Ipsa Loquitor; Negligence. The Patient Bill of Rights. Malpractice, Battery and Assault. Consent. Damages. National Health Act. The Dental Therapy and the Law. Legal Roles of the Therapist. Litigation and Dental Therapy Practice. Legal pitfalls in emergencies. Legal implications in the care of patients under special situations. Mentally disturbed patient. Alcohol and substance abuse patient. Attempted suicide patient. Telephone advice. Dispensing medication. Obtaining evidence by the police. Felony related cases. Handling evidence properly. Legal implications of responding to emergencies at scene of incident/accident. The emergency team. The good Samaritan laws. Responsibility to help and immunity from liability. Consent to treat, refusal of treatment/erring against medical advice. Types of notifiable/reportable cases in emergencies. Documentation. Incident Report. Report writing. Report giving. Taking and handing over of patients.