Knowledge And Awareness About Ethical - Legal Issues in Dentistry Among Dental Students

Background: Understanding ethical and legal issues is essential for dental students to ensure responsible practice and minimize legal risks. Objective: This study evaluated the knowledge and awareness of ethical and legal principles among dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 107 dental students using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to analyze the data. Results: Significant variations in understanding were observed, particularly regarding informed consent (p = 0.003) and malpractice liability (p = 0.001). While awareness of patient confidentiality was high, gaps existed in knowledge of medical battery and the principle of veracity. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for improved education on ethical and legal responsibilities in dental curricula, ensuring future practitioners are equipped to provide high-quality, patient-centered care while adhering to ethical standards.