The American College of Dentists (ACD) produces a card for the wallet that contains on one side the Core Values, which guide the ethical behavior of Fellows of the ACD, and on the reverse a list of questions called the ACD Test for Ethical Decisions, following the ACD acronym.
Assess
Is it true?
Is it accurate?
Is it fair?
Is it quality?
Is it legal?
Communicate
Have you listened?
Have you informed the patient?
Have you explained outcomes?
Have you presented alternatives?
Decide
Is now the best time?
Is it within your ability?
Is it in the best interest of the patient?
Is it what you would want for yourself?
This is a simplified but excellent reminder.
