Keywords
organizational culture
dental medical services
healthcare management
ethical dilemma
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In the field of dental medicine, the quality of
professional practice is influenced not only by clinical competence, but also by the
values that shape organizational life. In a context marked by financial constraints,
increasing managerial demands, and an increasingly complex dentist–patient
relationship, the ethical climate becomes an essential element of organizational
functioning.
OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore how staff working in dental
medical services perceive the relevance of organizational ethics, the frequency of
ethical dilemmas, and the way these are managed within the institution in which
they work.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional observational
study was carried out between February and March 2024 in dental practices in
the Lugoj area, Timiș County. The instrument used was a structured anonymous
questionnaire. Of the 92 questionnaires distributed, 67 were returned, and after
excluding incomplete forms, 56 were analyzed. Data processing was descriptive in
nature.
RESULTS: Nearly two-fifths of respondents (39.29%) considered the role of
ethics to be moderately important, while 23.25% regarded it as important. Ethical
dilemmas were reported most frequently as occurring occasionally (41.07%) or
monthly (19.64%). The most commonly mentioned problematic situations
concerned dentist–patient communication (37.5%) and therapeutic choices
(23.21%). Their management was rated as very good by 67% of participants.
CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the existence of an ethically favorable
perceived climate; however, the frequency of problematic situations indicates the
need for a more systematic approach. Strengthening ethics education, internal
support mechanisms, and ethical leadership may contribute to the development of
a more coherent and sustainable organizational culture in dental services.