The Hands of a Practitioner, the Heart of a Provider

About the Book

With the recent upswing in professional ethical misconduct, a comprehensive reeducation in ethical concepts is imperative. This text represents my understanding of the ethical principles from early Greek society to today's society. It clearly outlines the logical historical beginnings of ethical thought, gives students a greater appreciation for the validity of established ethical concepts, provides for a greater understanding of the various aspects of professional ethics and legal issues, and presents workable mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of ethical and/or legal situations in the realm of dentistry.

While other texts on this subject appear to be written to appeal primarily to one audience (i.e. dentists or dental hygienists); this text will be valuable asset to dental students, dental hygiene students, practicing dentists, and practicing dental hygienists. By utilizing a simple, 'to the point' approach to dental ethics and legal issues; I feel that anyone who reads my textbook will benefit from my apporach to the subject matter.

The specific questions that this book will address are listed as follows:

• What is ethics?
• Where and how did ethics begin?
• How are ethics, religion, and the law related as guides for our actions?
• Are the concepts of Aristotle, Aquinas, and others valid for modern-day professional applications?
• How do ethical principles relate to the dental profession?
• What are some of the consequences for violations of ethical principles?
• What happens when ethical violations become legal problems, and what types of civil and/or criminal issues may practitioners face in today's society?
• How can practitioners minimize, manage and resolve the various ethical and/or legal situations they may encounter in modern dentistry and dental hygiene?

About the Author

Dr. Shawn Naccarato is a full-time police officer with the Boise Airport Police Department in Boise, Idaho. He attended Gonzaga University from 1980-1984, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1984. He attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry from 1985-1989. He graduated with Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1989.

Dr. Naccarato spent the next 11 years working as a general dentist primarily in the south-central part of Idaho. He became interested in law enforcement after a discussion with one of his patients (the sheriff of a nearby county), and he became a Level 1 Reserve Officer in 1992. For the next few years he operated his dental practice during the week and patrolled the streets on weekends.

In July, 2000 Dr. Naccarato decided to pursue a full-time career in law enforcement. He attended the Idaho POST Academy as a self-sponsored student, and he graduated from the academy in December, 2000. Dr. Naccarato is a certified Field Training Officer, and he teaches ethics as part of his department's field training program. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Dr. Naccarato currently teaches both ethics and radiology classes at the American Institute of Health Technology School of Dental Hygiene in Boise, Idaho. He a member of the American Dental Association, Idaho State Dental Association, National Reserve Law Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Idaho Peach Officers Association. During his off-duty time, Dr. Naccarato enjoys spending time with his family (wife and 4 children) and studying both Kenpo Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.