To extract or not to extract – Felicific calculus to the rescue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2022/v77no8a9Keywords:
utilitarianism, hedonism, felicific calculus, dental extraction, ethics, shared decision-makingAbstract
Contestations about the most appropriate clinical intervention and preferred treatment modality remains a serious challenge in dental practice. Dentists must straddle a delicate line between coercion, medicalpaternalism and respecting patient’s interests and
concerns. This paper explores a moral debate using a dental extraction case study, and felicific calculus as a tool for joint decision-making. We argue that this instrument offers an invaluable opportunity for building rapport and mutual engagement. Additionally, recognition of patient’s preferences must also be considered in the proposed clinical intervention to inculcate a sense of ownership of
the interventions proposed for and by the patient. It is argued that, this will instill a sense of shared-decision making in the interaction between the patient and the clinician.
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