Abstract

Ethics plays a critical role in dental education and professional practice. In India, ethical considerations in dental education are often overlooked, leading to significant challenges in training ethical practitioners. The existing curriculum provides minimal exposure to ethical training, and there is a lack of structured programs to instill ethical decision-making in students. This review explores the role of ethics in dental education in India, focusing on the current curriculum, ethical dilemmas faced by students and professionals, and the implications of inadequate ethical training. Key issues include patient consent, commercialization of education, academic dishonesty, and quality of care. The review also discusses the role of faculty, regulatory bodies, and institutional policies in strengthening ethical education. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of introducing a structured ethics curriculum that includes case-based learning, interactive discussions, and ethical decision-making models. Future directions suggest the integration of digital learning, artificial intelligence, and continuous professional development programs to ensure ethical competency in dental professionals. The implementation of these measures is crucial for fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, ultimately improving the standard of dental education and practice in India.

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