The ADA Code of Ethics, explained: five principles and rules

The ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct is the American Dental Association’s written set of duties for dentists. People call it the Code of Ethics. This post shows how the Code is built, who it binds, and what each of its five sections covers. It quotes the ADA’s own pages and its 2026 PDF. It is general education, not legal advice.

What is the ADA Code of Ethics?

The Code is a written statement of what the dental profession owes to society. The ADA describes it as “in effect, a written expression of the obligations arising from the implied contract between the dental profession and society.” The ADA says the Code is the result of an ongoing dialogue between the profession and society and is subject to continuous review.

The ADA PDF says members of the ADA voluntarily agree to abide by the Code as a condition of membership. The American Dental Association also notes that the Code cannot list every ethical duty. In a case the Code does not cover, the ADA says dentists should consider the ethical principles, the patient’s needs and interests, and any applicable laws.

What are the three parts of the Code?

The Code has three components. They work together, and each has a different job.

The ADA PDF lists each advisory opinion under the principle that fits it. Its cover notes that the advisory opinions were revised to October 2025.

What are the five principles?

The five principles are patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice and veracity. The Code’s own section titles give each one a plain label.

The 2026 ADA PDF states one duty for each principle:

1. Patient autonomy: the dentist has a duty to respect the patient’s rights to self-determination and confidentiality.
2. Nonmaleficence: the dentist has a duty to refrain from harming the patient.
3. Beneficence: the dentist has a duty to promote the patient’s welfare.
4. Justice: the dentist has a duty to treat people fairly.
5. Veracity: the dentist has a duty to communicate truthfully.

The ADA says principles can overlap and can compete with each other. In some cases, one principle has to be weighed against another. One rule in the Code can rest on more than one principle.

Who writes and changes the Code?

The Code of Professional Conduct is a product of the ADA’s legislative system. The ADA says that every element of it comes from resolutions adopted by the House of Delegates. Read what the House of Delegates does for how that body is chosen and when it meets.

The ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs, called CEBJA, offers ethics resources. The ADA lists CEBJA among the ten councils that recommend policy. Its resources include a series of JADA articles on common ethical dilemmas and ethics-related CE courses.

How is the Code different from the law?

Ethics and law overlap, but a dentist can meet one and miss the other. The ADA says they are “closely related” but “not the same.” State dental practice acts and boards set the legal rules. The Code sets the ADA’s standard for conduct, and it binds ADA members.

For this reason, a dentist who has a legal question should ask a dental attorney or the state board. A dentist who has an ethics question can start with the Code, the advisory opinions and the ADA’s ethics resources.

What does the Code say about speaking and writing?

Section 5 is the veracity section, and it includes a rule for people who teach or write. Rule 5.C says a dentist who presents educational or scientific information in an article, seminar or other program must disclose any monetary or other special interest the dentist has with a company whose products the presentation promotes or endorses. The Code says disclosure belongs in promotional material and in the presentation itself.

This is one example of how a rule applies to a dental speaker or an author. The full PDF has many more rules in each section, including advertising and professional announcements.

Where can a dentist read the Code?

The ADA posts the Code on its site and as a 2026 PDF. A dentist who meets an ethics question can follow four steps.

1. Read the ADA page and the 2026 PDF.
2. Find the section that covers the topic.
3. Read the advisory opinions listed under that section.
4. For a legal question, ask an attorney or your state dental board.

Next step

For how the ADA, state societies and local societies fit around the Code, read the organized dentistry guide. The dental leadership guide covers leadership in the profession. Contact Dr. Copeland about consulting.