Owning the tooth: exploring the ethical and legal issues relating to the use of extracted human teeth in dental education in Australia

• Published in: Australian dental journal 2017-06, Vol.62 (2), p.146-151
• Main Authors: Holden, ACL, Dracopoulos, SA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial teeth; Australia; consent; dental education; Dentistry; Dentists; Education, Dental - ethics; Education, Dental - legislation & jurisprudence; extracted teeth; Human Tissue Act; Humans; Tooth; Tooth Extraction - ethics; Tooth, Artificial
• ISSN: 0045-0421; 1834-7819
• DOI: 10.1111/adj.12493

Extracted human teeth have been used to practice operative techniques for a very long time. As a natural surrogate for a live tooth in vivo, their use has traditionally been very important for the development of skills in trainee dentists, as well as their qualified colleagues who wish to practise existing or new skills. As synthetic alternatives develop greater authenticity, alongside a society in which many retain their natural dentition well into old age, the current paradigm relating to how extracted teeth in dental education are used needs to be revisited. An ethical and legal dilemma that must be addressed within dental education relates to where and how teeth may be sourced. This article will seek to question whether there is a legal or ethical requirement to gain consent for the use of extracted teeth from patients, as well as exploring the status of whether extracted dental tissue can be considered to be the property of either patient or surgeon. Whilst synthetic alternatives are being utilized more frequently in education, it is unlikely that they will completely replace extracted natural teeth in the immediate future. It is therefore imperative that their use complies with legal doctrine and contemporary ethical thought.