Ethics, Behavioral, and Commercial Standards Code of Conduct
1. Purpose
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to establish clear expectations for ethical behavior, professionalism, and commercial integrity among all colleagues, trainers, and third-party suppliers associated with the American Dental Coders Association (ADCA). This policy ensures that everyone represents the organization with honesty, accountability, and a commitment to educational excellence.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All ADCA employees and contractors
- Course instructors and certified trainers
- Vendors, consultants, and third-party suppliers
- Volunteers and board members
3. Ethical Standards
All individuals are expected to:
- Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency at all times
- Avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts immediately
- Maintain confidentiality of all student, member, and organizational information
- Uphold fairness and impartiality in all assessments, evaluations, and communications
- Refuse to engage in plagiarism, falsification, or misrepresentation of credentials
4. Behavioural Standards
Colleagues, trainers, and partners must:
- Treat others with dignity, respect, and professionalism
- Promote an inclusive and non-discriminatory environment
- Refrain from harassment, bullying, or any form of misconduct
- Use appropriate language and communication in all settings
- Provide constructive feedback that supports learning and growth
5. Commercial Conduct
All parties are required to:
- Conduct business in a lawful, responsible, and transparent manner
- Honor financial agreements and service-level commitments
- Avoid deceptive sales tactics, misleading advertising, or exploitation
- Maintain accurate records and reporting in line with organizational and legal requirements
- Use ADCA branding, intellectual property, and course materials only as authorized
6. Adherence and Accountability
To ensure adherence:
- All staff, trainers, and suppliers must sign and acknowledge this Code of Conduct annually
- Periodic training will be offered to reinforce these standards
- A reporting mechanism will be available for concerns or violations
- Violations may result in disciplinary action, including removal of privileges, termination of contracts, or legal action
7. Trainer and Supplier Agreement
All ADCA trainers and third-party suppliers will:
- Include ethical compliance in their contractual agreements
- Participate in onboarding that outlines behavioral and commercial expectations
- Submit to regular reviews of performance and conduct
- Cooperate fully in any investigations regarding breaches of this code
8. Review and Updates
This Code of Conduct will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect evolving standards, regulations, and best practices.
