Treatment Planning Balancing Efficacy and Ethics.pdf

Explore ethical considerations in TMJ/TMD treatment planning. Learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and patient-centered care for temporomandibular disorders.

1. © The International College of Craniomandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)
Treatment Planning: Balancing
Efficacy and Ethics

2. The principle of non-maleficence (do no harm) should guide treatment decisions.
Starting with conservative, reversible treatments before considering more invasive
options is generally considered ethical practice. However, practitioners must balance
this approach with the need for timely and effective intervention.
Patients have the right to make informed decisions about their treatment. This includes
understanding the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to proposed treatments.
Ethical practitioners ensure that patients have access to comprehensive, understandable
information about their condition and treatment options.
Conservative vs. Aggressive Treatment
Informed Consent
Once a TMJ diagnosis is established, the focus shifts to treatment
planning. This phase presents its own set of ethical considerations:

3. TMJ treatments can be expensive, and not all options may be covered by insurance.
Ethical practitioners must consider the financial impact on patients and explore cost-
effective alternatives when appropriate, without compromising the quality of care.
Given the complex nature of TMJ disorders, a multidisciplinary approach is often
necessary. Ethical treatment planning involves collaboration between dental specialists,
physical therapists, pain management experts, and mental health professionals when
needed. This approach ensures comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the
patient's condition.
Cost Considerations
Multidisciplinary Approach

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