AMA Journal of Ethics

Using GIS to Analyze Inequality in Access to Dental Care in the District of Columbia

Background: Access to dental care in mixed-race and predominantly African American wards in the District of Columbia (DC) was investigated in relation to community development. Methods: This study used high-resolution geographic information system (GIS) tools to map all general dentistry…

Should Dentists Treat Despite Medical Contraindications?

Dental treatment is contraindicated by some health conditions. As patients live longer and dentists treat more patients with underlying disease, patients often need general medical care before dental care can proceed. For US patients without access to health care and…

Ethics Talk: Pandemic Poetry, Present and Profane

In this video edition of Ethics Talk, journal editor in chief, Dr Audiey Kao, talks with Dr Rafael Campo about the healing value of poetry during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Is Oral Health Essential?

Since 1840, when the first dental school in the United States was founded, educational and policy outcomes have reinforced the separation of dentistry from medicine. Originating in serial historical divides, this separation has produced grave health inequity. The COVID-19 pandemic…

How Medical Dental EHR Integration Can Improve Diabetes Care

Since the mid-1990s, poor oral health has been neglected as a public health threat, despite its recognition as epidemic in scale by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Surgeon General. Americans’ poor oral health influences…

Ethics Talk: Is VIP Care Really Better?

This activity is comprised of five multiple-choice questions based on the content of an AMA Journal of Ethics podcast about “grateful patient programs,” pressures clinician face to fundraise on behalf of health care organizations for which they work, and whether…

Ethics Talk: COVID-19 in US Detention Camps

In this video edition of Ethics Talk, journal editor in chief, Dr Audiey Kao, talks with Prof Holly Cooper about the dangerous living conditions for children and adults in US immigration detention facilities.