By

George Paul, MDS, DNB, (Oral Surgery) LLB, DML-E (Medical Law), Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Salem, Consultant in Medical Law, Salem, Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, MRA Dental College, Bangalore

Medical law and ethics affect dentists in a manner similar to the way it affects other medical specialties. This book deals with some of these general aspects in addition to some special problems faced by dentists. The cases discussed and examples are from dental situations as far as possible to allow the reader to relate to the problem. Medical legislations that have no bearing on the dental specialist have been avoided to keep the book focused on issues the dentist is likely to face in his daily practice. Legal issues and laws concerning the hospitalized patient have also been dealt with superficially. Maxillofacial surgeons may need to look elsewhere to satisfy their requirements. The chapter on forensic odontology is only meant as a primer. It is not an exhaustive discussion on forensic techniques. However it will give the dentist a peep into this exciting new field and a working familiarity with the specialty.