Ethics in dental research. Ethical use of animals.

Based on old nursery rhymes, which are still in vogue, it is apparent that children from an early age receive ambivalent messages concerning relationships with animals. It is also apparent that we as a society have placed a hierarchical structure on animals; it is clear that we value a dog or a cat more than a mouse or a rat. Enormous strides in the prevention and treatment of disease have been made directly or indirectly as a result of experiments carried out on animals. Persons who conduct investigations using animals have an obligation to ensure that valid scientific questions are being explored, and that the minimum numbers of animals are used compatible with achieving a valid scientific result. Animals must always be cared for properly. Research involving induction of pain must receive particular attention. Finally, it is incumbent upon all scientists who use animals in their investigations to ensure that the public is kept fully informed of all scientific advances made by the use of animals.