Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice Flashcards
7 cards from real AGD practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice flashcards as text
A dental patient requests that you not share their HIV-positive status with any specialist you refer them to. How should you respond?
Answer: Explain that you must disclose information necessary for safe treatment
Dentists may disclose health information to other treating providers when it is necessary for safe and appropriate care, even over patient objection.
Which ethical principle is most directly violated when a dentist performs unnecessary procedures to increase production?
Answer: Nonmaleficence
Nonmaleficence—the duty to do no harm—is violated when unnecessary procedures expose patients to risk without clinical benefit.
A colleague confides that they have been practicing while impaired by alcohol. What is the most appropriate first action?
Answer: Encourage the colleague to seek help through a peer assistance program
Most dental organizations recommend encouraging a colleague to seek help through peer assistance programs as the preferred initial step before formal reporting.
The ADA Principles of Ethics classify which of the following as a duty rather than a virtue?
Answer: Patient autonomy
Patient autonomy is a codified ethical duty requiring dentists to respect patients' right to self-determination, while compassion and integrity are described as virtues.
A dentist discovers mid-treatment that the planned procedure is more complex than anticipated and the fee will double. What is the ethical obligation?
Answer: Pause treatment, inform the patient of the change, and obtain consent before proceeding
Informed consent is an ongoing process; material changes in scope or cost require updated disclosure and consent before proceeding.
Which scenario best illustrates a conflict between beneficence and patient autonomy?
Answer: A patient declines recommended periodontal treatment despite being fully informed
When a fully informed patient refuses treatment the dentist believes is in their best interest, the principle of beneficence conflicts with the patient's autonomous choice.
Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which person may NOT authorize release of a minor patient's dental records without additional documentation?
Answer: A non-custodial parent with no court-ordered rights
A non-custodial parent who has no court-ordered parental rights may not authorize release of a minor's records without additional legal documentation establishing their authority.