AGD Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice 3

Question 1

A dental practice advertises 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' Which ethical principle does this claim most likely violate?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Offer alternative treatment plans scaled to the patient's financial situation

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Provide emergency care to address pain and infection regardless of payment status

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Justice requires consistency and fairness; arbitrary fee variation based on perceived wealth without a transparent policy is discriminatory and unjust.

(AGD) Academy of General Dentistry Certification Practice Test

(AGD) Academy of General Dentistry Certification Practice Test

AGD Professionalism & Ethics in Dental Practice 3