Professional Ethics & Communication Flashcards
7 cards from real CDC 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 & Communication flashcards as text
A dental office sends an impression that appears distorted. The ceramist is unsure if an acceptable restoration can be fabricated. What should be done first?
Answer: Contact the dentist to report the impression quality issue before proceeding
Communicating impression quality concerns to the dentist before fabrication prevents patient harm and wasted resources.
In the context of informed consent, what is the dental ceramist's indirect role?
Answer: Fabricating restorations accurately so dentists can fulfill their informed consent obligations
Ceramists support informed consent indirectly by producing accurate work that allows dentists to present and deliver on treatment promises.
Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest that a dental ceramist must disclose?
Answer: Receiving financial incentives from a material supplier that influence product recommendations
Financial relationships with suppliers that could bias material recommendations must be disclosed to maintain professional integrity.
A ceramist receives an incomplete laboratory prescription lacking the patient's bite registration information. What is the proper ethical response?
Answer: Return the case to the dentist requesting the missing information
Incomplete prescriptions should be returned or clarified with the dentist to ensure clinically appropriate and legally compliant fabrication.
Which professional organization publishes the primary code of ethics relevant to dental laboratory professionals in the United States?
Answer: National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
The NADL provides the Code of Professional Conduct specifically governing dental laboratory technicians and ceramists.
When a ceramist makes a fabrication error that could affect the patient's occlusion, the most ethical course of action is to:
Answer: Disclose the error to the dentist immediately and offer to remake the restoration
Immediate disclosure of errors upholds veracity, allows clinical correction, and maintains trust in the professional relationship.
What is the primary purpose of a written work authorization in the dental laboratory setting?
Answer: To legally authorize fabrication and define the scope of the required prosthesis
A written work authorization (prescription) legally defines what is to be fabricated and protects both the laboratory and the patient.