Code of Conduct 

The Code of Conduct of the American Board of Orofacial Pain is designed to encourage professionalism among the members of the Board and service to the profession and the patient. Diplomates of the Board:

1. May describe their status only as: "Diplomate, American Board of Orofacial Pain.

2. Shall not use the official Diplomate title in contributing to or participating in proprietary enterprises relating to journalism or commerce.

3. ABOP Diplomates are expected to promote and endorse well designed research, education, and evidence based healthcare.

 Shall have their Diplomate status revoked:

a. Upon being judged in violation of the Principles of Ethics by the governing body of the American Dental Association or an equivalent professional organization.

b. Upon conviction of a crime which brings discredit to the Board or the profession. 

c. For failure to fulfill those other obligations of membership as are herein required or as may be henceforth determined by the Board. 

d. For disseminating or causing to be disseminated any form of public communication containing false, fraudulent, misleading, or deceptive statements or claims for the purpose of inducing directly or indirectly, the rendering of the professional services for which the Diplomate is licensed. 

e. For engaging in conduct, which violates the fundamental objectives of the Board and which, if allowed, would thwart those objectives or bring the Board into disrepute. 

f. For failure to renew their Diplomate status on an annual basis, or for failure to participate in continuing education in the field as required by the Board.

 Ethics Standards

1. A Diplomate shall be dedicated to providing competent Orofacial Pain services with compassion and respect for human dignity.

2. A Diplomate shall deal honestly with patients and colleagues, and strive to expose those professionals deficient in character or competence, or who engage in fraud or deception.

3. A Diplomate shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements, which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.

4. A Diplomate shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constraints of the laws.

5. A Diplomate shall continue to study; apply and advance scientific knowledge; make relevant information available to patients, colleagues and the public; obtain consultations; and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.

6. A Diplomate in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, shall be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide health care services.

7. A Diplomate shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.