Human Tooth Bank: a bioethical analysis

Abstract

A human teeth bank (HTB) is a non-profit institution linked to a teaching institution with the purpose of supplying the academic needs, supplying human teeth for research, laboratorial  training, and biological restorations. The present work resulted from bibliographic assessment related to HTB implantation, objectives, operations, ethical aspects, trends, and connection with contemporary bioethics. Bioethics helps dentistry to undertake a reflection on the topic, reconciling the technological progresses with ethical principles, drawing paths for the use of the dental organs without offense to the human dignity.  It can be concluded that the HTB turns into the most appropriate model to supply the need for teeth, and at the same time fulfilling the legal, ethics and biosafety requirements, avoiding the illegal trade.