AGD Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A dental practice advertises 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' Which ethical principle does this claim most likely violate?
- Justice
- Veracity (Correct answer)
- Beneficence
- Autonomy
Correct answer: Veracity
Veracity requires truthful communication; guaranteeing a subjective outcome like 'no pain' is misleading and violates the duty of honesty in advertising.
Question 2: When a patient cannot afford recommended treatment, which action best reflects the principle of justice?
- Decline to treat the patient until payment is arranged
- Offer alternative treatment plans scaled to the patient's financial situation (Correct answer)
- Provide only the most expensive option to ensure quality
- Refer all low-income patients to a public clinic
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which document does the ADA Code of Professional Conduct consider the primary reference for resolving ethical disputes in dental practice?
- State dental practice act
- ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (Correct answer)
- HIPAA Privacy Rule
- Joint Commission standards
Correct 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.
Question 4: A patient in acute pain presents without an appointment and without insurance. Ethically, the dentist should:
- Schedule a future appointment only after insurance verification
- Provide emergency care to address pain and infection regardless of payment status (Correct answer)
- Refer the patient to an emergency room without evaluation
- Treat only if the patient signs a financial hardship waiver first
Correct 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.
Question 5: A dentist who charges different fees to patients based on their perceived socioeconomic status, without a formal sliding-scale policy, may violate which principle?
- Nonmaleficence
- Justice (Correct answer)
- Veracity
- Beneficence
Correct answer: Justice
Justice requires consistency and fairness; arbitrary fee variation based on perceived wealth without a transparent policy is discriminatory and unjust.
Question 6: Which of the following is considered a 'gag clause' and is ethically problematic in managed care contracts?
- A clause requiring peer review of treatment plans
- A clause prohibiting dentists from discussing non-covered treatment options with patients (Correct answer)
- A clause mandating utilization review
- A clause specifying network referral requirements
Correct 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.
Question 7: A dentist notices signs of domestic abuse on a patient who denies any problems. What is the most appropriate response?
- Document findings, express concern privately to the patient, and know your state's mandatory reporting requirements (Correct answer)
- Immediately call law enforcement without informing the patient
- Ignore the findings to respect the patient's stated denial
- Confront any accompanying person about the suspected abuse
Correct 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.
AGD Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice 3
A dental practice advertises 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' Which ethical principle does this claim most likely violate?