Organized dentistry
Code of ethics
The Code of ethics is the American Dental Association's written set of principles and rules of conduct for dentists, covering patient care, honesty and professional behavior.
The ADA publishes its Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct for dentists. The ADA describes the Principles of Ethics as the aspirational goals of the profession. The Code also holds rules of conduct on topics such as advertising, patient records and honest communication.
The American Dental Association writes and updates the Code. The Code is a professional document. It is not the same thing as a state law.
Speakers, consultants and practice owners read the Code to learn what the ADA expects in areas such as advertising and honest communication. Check the current text on ada.org, because the ADA revises it from time to time.