Dental Ethics Education in Dentistry: Where Did It Come from and Where Is It Going?

This commentary explores the historical development and current status of dental ethics education in South Korean dental schools, which was explicitly initiated by the 2017 accreditation standards from the Korean Institute of Dental Education and Evaluation (KIDEE). Although now mandatory in all 11 dental schools in the country, dental ethics education remains in its early stages, with a focus on professional integrity, ethical decision-making, altruism, and rationality. To address the unique characteristics of dental practice, including preventive and aesthetic care, intensive chairside communication, and business-related ethical issues, specialized ethics modules should be incorporated into the curriculum. Continuous improvements in curriculum design, faculty training, and evaluation methods are urgently needed. Most importantly, ongoing research and active discourse on dental ethics within the dental community are essential to enhancing dental ethics education.