Moral skills of Iranian general dentists

Objective This study aimed to assess the moral skills of Iranian general dentists. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 384 general dentists selected in national congresses, in 2016. Volunteers were asked to fill out the moral skills inventory with four domains of integrity, courage, reasoning and sensitivity. Demographic factors were also assessed and their correlation with moral skills was evaluated using the backward linear regression model. Results The mean acquired score of sensitivity, reasoning, integrity and courage score was 2.96, 5.71, 4.11 and 4.50 out of 8, respectively and the mean percentage of total moral skills of dentists was 54%. Males and females were not significantly different in terms of scores acquired in the four domains (P > 0.05). The scores obtained in the four moral domains were higher in younger graduates (by increase in the graduation year) (P = 0.02). A significant inverse correlation was found between moral integrity and reasoning with father’s level of education (P < 0.05). The correlation between moral sensitivity and mother’s level of education did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion The mean percentage of moral skills of Iranian dentists was moderate. Thus, especial emphasis should be placed on moral skills particularly moral sensitivity in medical ethics educational programs