March, 2010
Dear NESO Members:
I read with interest the letter from a group of concerned residents from the Medical College of Georgia published in the October 2009 issue of the AJODO. These residents were talking about the importance of the ABO in protecting the ethical practice of orthodontics. I find it encouraging that the residents are realizing how important our professional ethics is. I am pleased that they see the ABO as an important part of their professional ethics, but I remind all that membership in the AAO carries with it an agreement to adhere to our own Code of Ethics. Professional ethics isn’t limited to our life inside of our practice. It’s really a way of life.
Professional ethics starts with how we treat each other, not just our patients and referring doctors. I’m not sure this can be taught. It begins with the senior members of our profession being appropriate role models. It’s the small things that make a difference. Do you snip a distal end from a visiting tourist at no charge? What about providing a free bag of intraoral elastics to someone who left them at home 500 miles away? And case transfers…. There are orthodontists out there that don’t accept patient transfers into their practice, even when we know what an inconvenience accepting transfers can be to a busy practice and how delays in treatment can affect a patient’s progress and outcome. Have you made inappropriate comments about prior orthodontic treatment to patients, when the entire story is not known? These seemingly small examples do more to harm the public perception of our specialty than we can know.
We are blessed to be part of a fantastic profession that is still held in high regard by our patients. But we cannot take this for granted. Yes, quality results are of prime importance but the creep of third party marketing and increased competitiveness is starting to erode our professional ethics. It’s the “me against you” attitude that some bring to work everyday that concerns me.
I am overjoyed to see the younger members, the future of our profession, starting to see professional ethics as the critical issue that it is.
Please know that I am always available for you. Contact me by email at lerickso@dal.ca or by phone at 902-835-6531.
Lee Erickson
2009 NESO President