Estetik Diş Hekimliği Uygulamalarında Etik: Ankara İlinde Nitel Bir Araştırma

Abstract

This doctoral dissertation was conducted to identify the ethical issues in aesthetic dentistry and to evaluate the relationship between aesthetic dental practices and the commercialization of healthcare. A qualitative research design was employed. Dentists who predominantly perform aesthetic dental procedures in Ankara were identified, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants. The data obtained were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that an externally driven patient demand for aesthetic procedures has been created, that patient autonomy is influenced by this process, that dentists attempt to balance the principles of non-maleficence and respect for autonomy, and that, alongside the commercialization of healthcare, aesthetic dentistry has also become highly commercialized, with extensive use of marketing strategies.