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Ardenghi D M Eur J Dent Educ 2009; 13: 69–72

When offering a novice dentist the theoretical approaches to ethical care and shaping these using an experiential model, the author argues that there are parallels with teaching. In teacher's parlance this is referred to as 'teachers' personal practical knowledge'. The experienced dentist has an increased insight into the ethical dimensions of oral health care by acquiring the 'the practical judgment that comes with experience (what Aristotle referred to as phronesis)'. Just as 'would-be teachers acquire cultural norms and expectations about schooling' that are moulded by experience, so dentists should apply their 'particular form of knowledgeability' acquired during their undergraduate training throughout their careers. It is argued that the ethical continuum should be blended using personal background and situations that result in embodied 'images'. It should not be a mere adoption of abstract concepts.