Abstract
This manuscript examines the erosion of traditional dental professionalism amid rising educational costs, declining membership in professional associations, and the growing influence of corporate ownership and private equity in dentistry. Drawing perspectives from economics, sociology, philosophy, law, and ethics, it traces the historical development of professional licensure and its role in safeguarding clinical autonomy, ethical integrity, and public trust. The analysis highlights how deregulation and profit-driven practice models challenge the profession’s social contract. The manuscript argues that preserving strong civic institutions, restrictive licensure standards, and humanities-informed education is essential to sustaining dentistry as a learned profession rather than a commodified trade.
Recommended Citation
Iovino, DDS, MA, Robert P. DDS, MA
(2026)
"Dental Professionalism in a Changing World: Challenges & Opportunities,"
Journal of the American College of Dentists: Vol. 92:
No.
2, Article 18.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/jacd/vol92/iss2/18
Included in
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