Ethics Reflection Paper
INSTRUCTIONS:
This paper consists of an ethical dilemma you have experienced, either in a clinical or
classroom situation, in your junior or senior year, or in a dental environment in the past.
Use of appropriate ethics & dental terminology is required. (For example, use oral
prophylaxis NOT dental cleaning; scaling and root planing NOT deep cleaning)
Paper is three content pages in length:
Page 1: Title page
Pages 2, 3, & 4: Content
Page 5: Blank page
Format: Times New Roman or Calibri, 12 point font, 1.5 spaced lines; 1 inch margins
Since this is a reflection paper, please document your thoughts and opinions as well as
facts. Do not directly quote or paraphrase from any source. Plagiarism will result in a
zero on the paper and fail the class.
For the paper, use the following format for writing the paper: This paper is from YOUR
perspective, as a dental hygiene student (use dental terminology not layman’s terms).
Write in complete sentences throughout the paper, unless noted.
1. Introduction & identify the ethical dilemma or problem (5 points)
a. State the question
b. List the ethical principles in conflict
2. Collect information (10 points)
a. Factual
b. Additional sources
3. Brainstorming for options/alternatives (minimum of at least 3 options)
a. State each option (5 points)
4. For each option, apply ethical principles (20 points for all options/principles)
[this section may be in a table format; no sentences]; follow format discussed in
class & in example
a. Autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, paternalism,
confidentiality, informed consent. etc. (use & demonstrate your knowledge of
these terms)
b. Discuss pros (principles that support YOUR choice) and cons (principles
that do not support YOUR decision) of each option
5. Make the decision (10 points)
a. Discuss your choice and provide rationale
b. Use Hierarchy of Values and pillow test to justify your decision
6. Implement the decision