Journal of Dental Research, Vol 73, 1759-1765, Copyright © 1994 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Ethics in research: current issues for dental researchers and their professional society
M. S. Frankel
Program on Scientific Freedom, Responsibility and Law, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Washington, DC 20005.
Values associated with scientific investigations affect the conduct,
evaluation, and reporting of research and lead to ethical issues for
scientists engaged in dental research. This essay examines the relationship
between scientists and the larger society in which they work, and how that
relationship defines the boundaries of scientific freedom and autonomy, on
the one hand, and scientific responsibility and accountability, on the
other. Values underlie disputes over data sharing, perceptions of conflict
of interest, and scientists' commitment to research integrity. Professional
societies, such as the IADR, can be a major influence in shaping the moral
tone and ethical climate for research through the adoption of standards,
the development of educational programs designed to reinforce those
standards, and the public recognition of responsible conduct on the part of
scientists.
