MFDS Part 1 - Membership of Faculty of Dental Surgery Law, Ethics and Professionalism Questions and Answers

Question 1

A dentist explains the procedure for placing a crown but only mentions common risks like temporary sensitivity.
The patient later suffers from irreversible pulpitis, a rare but serious complication that was not discussed.
According to the principles established by the UK Supreme Court in *Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board*, has the dentist obtained valid consent?

Accepted Answer

No, because the dentist failed to disclose a material risk that a reasonable person in the patient's position would likely attach significance to.

Answer

Yes, because the dentist acted in line with what a responsible body of dentists would have disclosed (the Bolam test).

Answer

Yes, because the risk of irreversible pulpitis was too rare to be considered a mandatory disclosure.

Answer

No, because all possible risks, however minor or rare, must be disclosed for consent to be valid.

Question 2

A dental nurse posts a photograph on their private, personal social media account. In the background, a patient's unique and identifiable tattoo is visible on their arm, although their face is not shown. A colleague recognises the tattoo and identifies the patient. Which principle from the General Dental Council's (GDC) 'Standards for the Dental Team' has primarily been breached?

Accepted Answer

Principle 4: Maintain and protect patients' information.

Answer

Principle 2: Communicate effectively with patients.

Answer

Principle 6: Work with colleagues in a way that is in patients' best interests.

Answer

Principle 8: Raise concerns if patients are at risk.

Question 3

A dental hygienist is working under 'Direct Access' arrangements. A new patient attends requesting treatment. According to the GDC's 'Scope of Practice' and relevant UK legislation, which of the following procedures requires a prescription from a dentist before the hygienist can proceed?

Accepted Answer

Providing tooth whitening treatment using a 6% hydrogen peroxide gel.

Answer

Applying a topical fluoride varnish.

Answer

Taking bitewing radiographs to check periodontal bone levels.

Answer

Undertaking a routine scale and polish.

Question 4

An 8-year-old child attends for a check-up. The dentist observes multiple bruises of varying colours on the child's arms and notes that the child seems unusually anxious. The parent dismisses this as clumsiness. What is the most appropriate immediate action for the dentist to take in line with UK safeguarding principles?

Accepted Answer

Document the findings meticulously and discuss concerns immediately with the practice's designated safeguarding lead.

Answer

Confront the parent directly about the suspicion of non-accidental injury.

Answer

Treat the child's dental needs and schedule a review in one month to monitor the situation.

Answer

Immediately telephone the police to report a case of child abuse.

Question 5

A patient in England is dissatisfied with the outcome of their NHS dental treatment. Having exhausted the practice's in-house complaints procedure without resolution, which independent body should the patient be advised to contact next to escalate their complaint?

Accepted Answer

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO).

Answer

The General Dental Council (GDC).

Answer

The Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Answer

The Dental Complaints Service (DCS).

Question 6

Under the General Dental Council's (GDC) Enhanced CPD scheme, dentists must complete 100 hours of CPD over a five-year cycle. Which statement accurately describes a core requirement of this scheme?

Accepted Answer

All 100 hours must be classified as 'verifiable' CPD.

Answer

A minimum of 50 hours must be from hands-on clinical courses.

Answer

CPD hours are only valid if the activity is undertaken within the UK.

Answer

Dentists must submit their full CPD log to the GDC annually for approval.