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 practice advertises 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' Which ethical principle does this claim most likely violate?
Answer: Veracity
Veracity requires truthful communication; guaranteeing a subjective outcome like 'no pain' is misleading and violates the duty of honesty in advertising.
When a patient cannot afford recommended treatment, which action best reflects the principle of justice?
Answer: Offer alternative treatment plans scaled to the patient's financial situation
Justice requires fair treatment for all patients, which includes exploring alternative plans that are clinically reasonable and financially accessible.
Which document does the ADA Code of Professional Conduct consider the primary reference for resolving ethical disputes in dental practice?
Answer: ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct
The ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct is the profession's primary ethical framework, though state laws set the minimum legal standards.
A patient in acute pain presents without an appointment and without insurance. Ethically, the dentist should:
Answer: Provide emergency care to address pain and infection regardless of payment status
Dentists have an ethical obligation to provide emergency care to relieve pain and treat infection; deferring emergency treatment based solely on financial status is unethical.
A dentist who charges different fees to patients based on their perceived socioeconomic status, without a formal sliding-scale policy, may violate which principle?
Answer: Justice
Justice requires consistency and fairness; arbitrary fee variation based on perceived wealth without a transparent policy is discriminatory and unjust.
Which of the following is considered a 'gag clause' and is ethically problematic in managed care contracts?
Answer: A clause prohibiting dentists from discussing non-covered treatment options with patients
Gag clauses that prevent dentists from telling patients about treatment options not covered by the plan violate patient autonomy and the dentist's duty of veracity.
A dentist notices signs of domestic abuse on a patient who denies any problems. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer: Document findings, express concern privately to the patient, and know your state's mandatory reporting requirements
Dentists should document clinical findings, sensitively address concerns with the patient, and follow applicable mandatory reporting laws which vary by state.