How AIDM is preparing future dentists to handle ethical dilemmas in patient care

KARACHI: As dentistry becomes increasingly patient-centred and legally complex, ethical decision-making is emerging as an indispensable skill for future oral healthcare professionals. Recognising this need, the Department of Medical Education at the Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine (AIDM) organised a Basics of Bioethics Workshop to strengthen ethical awareness and clinical decision-making among final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students and House Officers. The workshop was held at the Defence Campus as part of the institute’s Longitudinal Themes (PERCLS) course, reflecting AIDM’s commitment to integrating professionalism and ethical reasoning into dental education. The session was facilitated by Dr Sumera Saeed, Assistant Professor at the Department of Medical Education, Bahria University Health Sciences, who holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioethics and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the field of bioethics. The workshop was co-facilitated by Dr Sadaf Siddiqui, Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, and coordinated by Dr Maha Khan from the Department of Medical Education. Rather than relying solely on conventional lectures, the workshop adopted an interactive and reflective format designed to immerse participants in real-world ethical challenges that healthcare professionals frequently encounter. Participants engaged in discussions and practical scenarios centred on some of the most critical ethical issues in modern healthcare practice, including patient privacy, confidentiality and informed consent. These principles form the foundation of trust between healthcare providers and patients and increasingly influence both professional standards and medico-legal responsibilities. The workshop began with an engaging ice-breaking activity that encouraged students to explore their own perceptions of privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings. Through guided discussion and reflective exercises, participants examined the ethical implications of handling patient information and considered the professional responsibilities involved in maintaining patient trust. As discussions progressed, students and House Officers were encouraged to analyse ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives, helping them appreciate the complexities of balancing patient rights, professional obligations and clinical decision-making. The organisers noted that developing ethical competence early in professional training is essential for preparing future dentists to navigate increasingly complex clinical environments where issues such as informed consent, patient autonomy, data protection and professional accountability are becoming ever more important. The event concluded with Dr Hasnain Sakrani, Principal of Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, and Dr Shaur Sarfaraz, Director of the Department of Medical Education, presenting a letter of appreciation to Dr Sumera Saeed in recognition of her contribution to the workshop and her efforts in promoting bioethics education among future healthcare professionals. The initiative highlights AIDM’s continuing emphasis on professional development, ethical practice and excellence in healthcare education. By introducing future dentists to real-world ethical scenarios before they enter independent practice, the institute aims to nurture practitioners who are not only clinically competent but also ethically responsible and patient-centred in their approach to care. Stay informed, stay alert! pk/03-Jul-2026/aidm-bioethics-workshop-future-dentists-ethical-decision-making” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News