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J Canad Dent Assoc 2008; 74: 337–340

This paper summaries some of the ethical and moral issues explored at this congress. The opening session examined 'Human Rights and Dental Research'. One speaker reminded the audience that a clinical dental investigator faced three major challenges; gathering research data instead of healing, obtaining valid information and coping with vulnerable and dependent subjects. Another contributor illustrated these points, by stating the dilemmas faced when carrying out studies on rotavirus vaccines. A further theme explored the issues dentists encounter when working in totalitarian states. In the plenary session, it was asserted that preventive strategies, regulatory authorities and international associations safeguard human freedoms.