Journal of Dental Research, Vol 73, 1773-1777, Copyright © 1994 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Ethics in dental research. Ethical use of animals
W. H. Bowen
Department of Dental Research, University of Rochester, New York 14642.
Based on old nursery rhymes, which are still in vogue, it is apparent that
children from an early age receive ambivalent messages concerning
relationships with animals. It is also apparent that we as a society have
placed a hierarchical structure on animals; it is clear that we value a dog
or a cat more than a mouse or a rat. Enormous strides in the prevention and
treatment of disease have been made directly or indirectly as a result of
experiments carried out on animals. Persons who conduct investigations
using animals have an obligation to ensure that valid scientific questions
are being explored, and that the minimum numbers of animals are used
compatible with achieving a valid scientific result. Animals must always be
cared for properly. Research involving induction of pain must receive
particular attention. Finally, it is incumbent upon all scientists who use
animals in their investigations to ensure that the public is kept fully
informed of all scientific advances made by the use of animals.
