Issues of justice in dentistry.

Perhaps the greatest appeal of holding individuals responsible for behavior-related health problems arises from the idea of just desserts. Some individuals believe that a person who engages in risky behaviors deserves to suffer and should not expect pity. Health care providers with such opinions are not permitted to discriminate against patients in high-risk behavior groups. Some conduct may seem offensive or unnecessary to health care providers; however, they must care compassionately for those whose problems arise from such behaviors. Beneficence requires that dentists use their skills to help those in need, and set aside notions of punishing patients.