Article 1

Deontology

Deontology of dentistry is the guide of conduct to which all dental practitioners must submit, and is composed of all the rules and regulations of this code regarding the profession of dentistry.

Article 2

Nature of the Rules of Ethics

1 - The rules of ethics shall ensure patients and the entire community, as well as dentists and the Portuguese Dental Association, that this guide of conduct is fully observed by dentists, as an essential tool for the practice of their profession.

2 - The rules of ethics are compulsory for all dentists, and failure to comply with them shall necessarily lead to the application of disciplinary sanctions.

Article 3

Ambit

The rules of ethics are applicable to all dentists in every aspect of their professional lives.

Article 4

Interpretation and Integration

The application of this Code of Ethics must be in accordance with the manners and customs of professional practice and with all the other dentistry regulations, which are essential for the interpretation and integration of this Code.

Article 5

Competence

The Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee of the Portuguese Dental Association is the only body with the competence to interpret and integrate the rules of ethics, as well as to recognize the disciplinary responsibility of those dentists who infringe upon them.