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ETHICS - HOW YOU CAN AVOID STEPPING IN “IT” - Buffalo Dental Show

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30

Apr

ETHICS – HOW YOU CAN AVOID STEPPING IN “IT”

by

Thurs., Nov. 5, 2026
TBD – PM (Lecture)
Room TBD
Speakers: Joseph Rumfola, DDS ’02 and Samuel Carocci, DDS ’86

Alumni Speaker Series

Recommended for: Dentists, Hygienists, Assistants, Office Staff, and Dental Students

This course will briefly review the concepts of law, ethics, morals, professionalism, and codes of behavior set forth by the organizations involved in dental care in New York (ADA, NYSDA, ADHA, AADA). It will focus on case history and the areas that dentists and auxiliaries have struggled with in the past as well as a discussion about challenges and opportunities for the future of our professions. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions they may have wondered about for a long time, such as: “Is it ok to…?”, or “How can they get away with…?”, or “Why aren’t they getting in trouble for…?” 

Learning Objectives:

  • Know the differences between ethics, morals, and the law.
  • Understand what resources are available to help you make ethical decisions when faced with everyday dilemmas.
  • Recognize common pitfalls in which dentists and staff may find themselves.
  • Strive to do better as a profession.

Joseph L. Rumfola, DDS ’02, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and the AEGD Program Director at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He has maintained a private practice in Springville, NY since 2003. Dr. Rumfola is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists, and International College of Dentists. He has been a Chair on the Eighth District Dental Society Council on Ethics since 2017 and a Hearing Officer for the NYSDA Council on Ethics since 2020. Dr. Rumfola is a member and Past President of the UB Dental Alumni Association Executive Council. He is the Past President of the OKU Dental Honor Society Lambda Lambda Chapter and the Eighth District Dental Society.

Dr. Rumfola (or an immediate family member) is not associated with, employed by, nor consults for any manufacturer, supplier, or retailer of dental instruments or materials.

Samuel D. Carocci, DDS ’86, graduated from the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine in 1986, and completed a General Practice Residency in 1987 at Erie County Medical Center. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at UB School of Dental Medicine, and he maintains a private practice in Orchard Park, NY. Dr. Carocci has been the Assistant Team Dentist for the NFL Buffalo Bills since 2021. He is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and currently resides on the UB School of Dental Medicine Admissions Committee and Academic Appeals Committee. Dr. Carocci was previously Chair for the Eighth District Dental Society Council on Ethics and the NYSDA Council on Ethics as well as a Hearing Officer for the NYSDA Council on Ethics.

The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Office of Alumni Relations and Professional Engagement designates this activity for 3 continuing education credits.

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