Can dentists date patients? The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. There are a number of factors to consider, including the ethical guidelines of the dental profession, the power dynamics involved in the dentist-patient relationship, and the potential for conflicts of interest.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has a clear policy against dentists dating their patients. The ADA's Code of Ethics states that "dentists shall not engage in any conduct that compromises the trust and confidence of the patient." Dating a patient can create a conflict of interest, as the dentist may be tempted to favor the patient in treatment decisions or to engage in other unethical behavior. Additionally, the power dynamics involved in the dentist-patient relationship can make it difficult for a patient to feel comfortable dating their dentist.