CV
Junhewk Kim is a medical ethicist and an assistant professor in the Department of Dental Education at the College of Dentistry, Yonsei University. He oversees a predental course in the college. He serves as the editorial director for the Korean Association for Philosophy of Medicine, the academy director for the Korean Association of Medical Communication. He is a member of the board of directors and the editorial board of the Korean Society for Medical Ethics, and he is also the vice president of the Korean Academy of History of Dentistry. His research areas include medical ethics, emphasizing the ethics of healthcare AI and data, ethics of care, narrative medicine and ethics, dental ethics, humanities in dental education, and educational methodologies in clinical education.
What is Effective Altruism in Dentistry?
This session will delve into the complexities of managing a dental practice, with a special focus on ethical decision-making rooted in the principles of medical/dental ethics and the concept of effective altruism, as popularized by philosopher Peter Singer. Effective altruism is an ethical framework that emphasizes using evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to benefit others. The session will address the challenges dentists encounter in operating their practices profitably while maintaining high ethical standards and prioritizing patient interests. Key topics will include the role of Management Service Organizations (MSOs) in dental practice and their potential impact on ethical choices. A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to case discussions, where participants will apply the principles of dental ethics and effective altruism to real-world scenarios. These discussions aim to highlight the importance of balancing profitability with the welfare of patients, encouraging a practice model that not only benefits the practitioner but also contributes positively to the broader community and patient well-being.
Learning objectives
- Understand dental ethics basic and effective altruism in the context of dental practice
- Analyze ethical dilemmas in balancing profitability with patient welfare
- Develop strategies for ethical decision-making in dental business practices
- Obtain the understanding of the role of Management Service Organizations in dental practice and their potential impact on ethical choices
- Acquire practical exposure to real cases allowing to apply the principles of dental ethics and effective altruism to real-world scenarios