Grey areas in restorative dentistry: part 1. what are the aims of treatment?

Every dental practitioner makes decisions about how to manage the various clinical and ethical challenges that patients present. There is a need to balance the demands of the patient with the ethical requirements of the profession and the moral position of the practitioner. It is essential to establish with the patient, before any treatment is carried out, what outcomes are required so that a mutually agreed care plan can be drawn up and acted upon. This article explores the clinical and moral and ethical challenges that can arise in the patient–practitioner relationship. CPD/Clinical Relevance: All practitioners will be faced with the issues raised in this article.