The first student to respond should briefly summarize the case so we all remember what we're talking about!
Then,
collectively, answer the questions at the end of the case. Work
together to create thorough, well-thought out answers. Challenge
(gently!) each other until you get a satisfying response. You might not all agree, which is fine.
A patient approaches and endodontist and asks for a root canal on all of his teeth. He wants this done as a precaution for a future social collapse that may or may not happen. The endodontist has reservations about performing the procedure since it would be removing healthy tissue.
ReplyDelete1. I don't think that there is any major difference between the relationship between doctor and patient and dentist and patient. They are both health care professionals who patients trust with similar responsibilities.
2. I don't think that the endodontist should perform the operation. The endodontist believes that the operation is unethical and for good reason. He sees the ethical issues with removing healthy tissue. This is not valuing the human body in the way that it should be hence it is morally wrong. Since there is a clear moral issue in performing the operation the endodontist should not perform it.
1. I think that an endodontist and a doctor are the same thing. They just have different specialties.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that the endodontist should go along with this operation. It's very painful procedure that is extremely unnecessary for the patient. Also the patient is only asking for the procedure to prepare for a catastrophe that is entirely unknown when or how it will happen. It is not morally wrong for the endodontist to perform the procedure, however it is his responsibility to not perform the procedure because it is potentially dangerous for the patient.
1. There are many differences between the two relationships. This surgery differs from case 3 because this surgery has promising and serious health consequences. Also, there isn't a possibility for reversing the operation. As I stated for the previous case, instead of hurting just one person, it would affect both the patient and doctor. The doctor would be greatly looked down upon for performing surgery on completely healthy teeth and putting his patient in a greater risk for infection.
ReplyDelete2.I don't believe that the dentist should comply with the patient's request. Removing teeth should only be done on diseased or decaying matter. The surgery would result in extreme health effects. Health professionals should do what is best for the patient, and removing all of his teeth isn't what's best. His reasoning is not a logical, well-thought out idea, but rather seems like an impulsive and delusional plan.
There is no difference between the dentist-patient relationship and the physician-patient relationship both professions preform operations that can significantly impact your health and even end your life.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe however that the endodontist should accede to Patrick M's desires. It is always morally questionable whether unnecessary operations should be preformed especially when there is not real cause for concern. The real reason why I do not believe this operations should be performed is that he wishes to never experience a toothache again and if he never has a toothache again he might not know if there is something wrong with his teeth. Therefore it is better not to preform the operation since there is no cause for concern and it might allow future cases of disease to arise undetected.
1.) I don't think there is any major difference between a dentist-patient relationship and the physician-patient.
ReplyDelete2.) I think the dentist should accede because it is want the patient wants. The endodontist can advise him not to get it but at the end of the day if the patient wants to get it done, he will get it done.
What is the difference between getting root canals and a vasectomy?
1. I don't see much of a difference between the dentist-patient relationship and the physician-patient relationship. Both professions are highly skilled just specialized in different areas of the body. I do think though that a physician-patient relationship takes precedent over the other.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, I do believe that the endodontist should accede to Patrick's desires. No matter how obscure the patient's wishes are the doctor should attempt the surgery. It's the doctor's duty to help ensure the satisfaction of the patient and they do this by presenting the patient with the facts and their opinions to help steer them in what they believe is the right direction. The patient's life isn't hanging in the balance and he's not hurting anyone so why is this considered so wrong? This type of surgery should fall into the same category as cosmetic surgeries. I don't see how people can be opposed to this but still be all for plastic surgery, implants, tattoos, and piercings. Which for the most part don't do much to enhance the quality of living.
1. I don't think there is any difference between physician-patient relationships versus dentist-patient relationships. Both the dentist and physician deal with the health aspects of the patient's life.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that endodontist should accede Patrick's request. Since the doctor feels it is unethical to remove healthy/living tissue from his mouth, he should not perform the root canals. As in the previous case, it is not a life-or-death dilemma so I feel as though the endodontist does not have to feel obligated to perform the procedures. But unlike the vasectomy procedure, root canals are not irreversible so there is an even higher risk. Having non-sensitive teeth can be a problem in detecting future dental problems. Patrick can just as well go find another endodontist who has no (or fewer) ethical reservations about the extreme procedure.
Yes, there is a difference because in the first situation, you have the personal preference/choice to get the surgery done, where in this case, you don’t really have a reason. The first one is a life choice someone makes. Additionally in the first situation there is no high infection risk where the second one there is. I don’t think the doctor should perform the root canals, especially on the patient’s healthy teeth. Performing the surgery would just cause pain and infection, a process the patient wants to avoid.
ReplyDelete1. The dentist-patient relationship is, in my opinion, no different than that of the physician-patient relationship. Oral health is just as crucial as say, having a healthy heart. Both can have complications, which if left untreated, can be fatal to the overall health of the patient.
ReplyDelete2. Yes, the endodontist should accede to Patrick M’s desires. As much as the thought of it makes me cringe, it’s the same situation as that of case 3. Both patients are trying to prevent something that they do not desire from happening. The endodontist, like Dr. H in case 3, should do as the patient wishes. Both professionals are not there to judge the patient, as long as these requests will not be putting the health of the patient at a severe risk.
I see you believe that Dr. H should perform the surgery? However do you think it should be required of him if his moral code does not want him to preform it?
DeleteI don't think his moral code should be factored into this procedure. He's a professional, and his personal opinions shouldn't interfere with the patient's wishes. What if, for example, a patient wanted to have a tooth extracted versus having a root canal, but the dentist said he/she didn't feel that was the best option and would only agree to performing the root canal? I kind of see this case as the same type of situation. Whatever the dentist's personal or moral feelings are regarding the situation are irrelevant. The patient is willing to pay for this procedure, and as long as he knows the alternatives and side-effects from such a procedure, I don't see why the endodontist should not perform it.
DeleteI don't think there is a difference between the dentist and a physician other than the area they specialize in, both should be help to the same respect.
ReplyDeleteI think that the endodontist should perform the surgery because it is the patients decision to get the procedure done. But I also feel like he should inform the patient of the risks and great possibility of infection that comes with having this done. The endodontist should attempt to sway Patrick's decision more towards something healthier like dentures, but in the end if the patient wants the root canal perform it.
1) I dont see any difference between a dentist/patient relationship and a physician/patient relationship. In both relationships the Dr has decided to go into a field of work that requires them to help others feel better in a way. They are being paid to help patients in the best way that they can.
ReplyDelete2) I think that the dentist should perform the surgery. It is what the patients wants. He is wiling to go through the pain and he is willing to pay the huge bill that is going to follow. To me this request falls under cosmetic surgery and its a personal feel good type of deal. Its like teeth whitening you dont need it but it makes you feel better about yourself.
1. I do not see any difference between the dentist/patient and physician/patient relation, it is only a matter of specification.
ReplyDelete2. I think the dentist should perform the procedure since it is the patient's wish and there is a potential benefit for him at the base motive. The dentist should heavily stress the potential risks for such a treatment so that the patient is aware what he is getting into, but such a self-modification surgery should be ultimately up to the patient.
1) I do not believe there is a significant difference between a dentist-patient relationship and physician-patient relationship. The doctors in both relationships are trying to help the patients and make them have healthier lives.
ReplyDelete2) I believe the dentist should go ahead with the patient's request, but should try to give different alternatives. The dentist should educate Patrick on why it is not necessary to have a root canal on all of his teeth. If Patrick still insists on having the procedure, then the procedure should be executed.
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ReplyDelete1. I believe that there is a slight difference between a doctor-patient relationship and a dentist-patient relationship. Doctors and dentists adhere to different things, but they each should want the best health for their patients. They're simply worried about the health of different parts of their patients.
ReplyDelete2. I believe that if the patient insists, then perhaps the dentist should go ahead with what the patient has asked. I believe that it would be wise for the dentist to give alternate suggestions and explain to the patient what harm the procedure could potentially cause. But if the patient continues to insist, then it's the patient's body and they should be able to do what they please with it.
1. I don't think there is any significant difference between the two relationships. They both want what is best for their patients and need to have their patients inital health needs met. They both need to examine if the pros weigh out the cons as well.
ReplyDelete2. I think that since the surgery has no specific value--meaning there wont be a health risk that will occur without the surgery--that the Dentist can have the right to deny the surgery.
1. I don't think that there is any major differences between relationships of doctor and patient and dentist and patient. They are both have duties in health care and deal with patients daily.
ReplyDelete2. I don't think that the endodontist should perform the operation on the patient though against his wishes. The endodontist has every right to deny the surgery and I would have to agree with his decision. He sees the surgery has irrelevant and goes against his morals and how he feels.
why do you think he shouldnt
Delete1 i believe that there is no problem with this its his request i have no problem with this as a human being he has the right to persue happiness
ReplyDelete2 i believe that he should why not it doesnt hurt anybody and also as a doctor it is in his ethical guidelines to do the procedure
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ReplyDelete