Dental ethics is the systematic and critical study of morality as it pertains to the practice of dentistry. The course consists of 16 hours of classroom lecture and discussion. It is designed to heighten students' awareness of the importance of ethical issues as they relate to dentistry. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of ethical principles, which have direct relevance to students’ training and future practice experience. It focuses on common ethical dilemmas found in the relationships between dentist and patient, between dentists themselves, and between dentist and society.