Practice Test Geeks(ADAP) Alternative Dental Assisting Program Practice Test
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Professional Ethics Flashcards

7 cards from real ADAP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Professional Ethics flashcards as text

  1. A dental assistant overhears a colleague making derogatory comments about a patient's oral hygiene to another staff member. What is the most ethical response?

    Answer: Report the behavior to the supervising dentist or office manager

    Reporting unprofessional behavior to a supervisor upholds patient dignity and maintains ethical workplace standards.

  2. Which principle of dental ethics requires that a dental professional act in the patient's best interest above personal or financial gain?

    Answer: Beneficence

    Beneficence means acting in the patient's best interest and promoting their well-being.

  3. A patient asks the dental assistant to explain why the dentist recommended a crown instead of a filling. How should the assistant respond?

    Answer: Explain the dentist's reasoning in lay terms and offer to have the dentist clarify further

    Dental assistants can support patient understanding in general terms while directing clinical questions back to the dentist.

  4. What does the ethical principle of 'veracity' require of dental professionals?

    Answer: Telling the truth and being honest with patients

    Veracity is the duty to be truthful and avoid deception in all professional communications.

  5. A dental assistant notices that a patient's record contains an error in the treatment history. What is the correct ethical action?

    Answer: Report the discrepancy to the dentist so it can be properly corrected

    Errors in records must be corrected through proper channels with documentation to maintain accuracy and legal integrity.

  6. Which scenario best illustrates a violation of patient confidentiality?

    Answer: Mentioning a patient's name and diagnosis in a public elevator

    Discussing identifiable patient information in public areas where others can hear is a clear HIPAA and ethical violation.

  7. An adult patient refuses a recommended X-ray series. The dental team disagrees with the decision. What should be done?

    Answer: Document the refusal and respect the patient's decision

    Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment; documenting the refusal protects the patient and the practice.