Labor disputes on grounds of discipline in a Brazilian regional concil of dentistry : a critical analysis

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of ethical procedures against dentists registered in the Regional Council of Dentistry of Ceará, analyzing the ethical procedures judged from 2004 to 2010. Methods As methodological procedure, it was used a descriptive, observational, quantitative, retrospective research held from the categorization and analysis of secondary data obtained from the website of the Regional Council of Dentistry of Ceará. Results The results showed that there is a certain regularity in the number of complains, in exception of 2009, in which there was a significant increase of those. Regarding the origin of the processes, it is observed that the majority of the lawsuits were held by patients disappointed with the service received from the professional or from the institution entered in the Council. Regarding to the subject of complaints or complaint, it was found an emphasis on possible technical errors of the professionals, which was the majority, with nearly half of the complaints. Regarding to dental specialties, Orthodontics had the highest percentage of cases, followed by Prosthesis and Implant. It was also observed that in most cases, there was archiving of the process by agreement between the parts. Resulting from the ethical processes initiated and prosecuted, the conviction of the accused dentists was the most applied decision. Conclusion It is important that in the process of formation of a professional it should not only be technical and scientific improvements, but also a deep study of ethical values, bioethics and deontological. Therefore, it is expected to reduce the involvement of disciplinary infractions.