CDC Professional Ethics & Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: 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?
- Fabricate the best possible restoration from the distorted impression
- Contact the dentist to report the impression quality issue before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Return the impression with no explanation
- Ask another ceramist to fabricate it without telling the dentist
Correct 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.
Question 2: In the context of informed consent, what is the dental ceramist's indirect role?
- Obtaining signed consent forms directly from patients
- Fabricating restorations accurately so dentists can fulfill their informed consent obligations (Correct answer)
- Explaining treatment options to the patient during try-in appointments
- Documenting patient treatment decisions in the laboratory records
Correct 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.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a conflict of interest that a dental ceramist must disclose?
- Using a new type of porcelain from an approved vendor
- Receiving financial incentives from a material supplier that influence product recommendations (Correct answer)
- Working overtime to complete a rush case
- Attending a continuing education course paid for by the laboratory
Correct 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.
Question 4: A ceramist receives an incomplete laboratory prescription lacking the patient's bite registration information. What is the proper ethical response?
- Estimate the occlusion based on clinical experience
- Return the case to the dentist requesting the missing information (Correct answer)
- Fabricate using average anatomical measurements
- Contact the patient directly to ask about their bite
Correct 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.
Question 5: Which professional organization publishes the primary code of ethics relevant to dental laboratory professionals in the United States?
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL) (Correct answer)
- Dental Trade Alliance (DTA)
- American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics (AAFP)
Correct answer: National Association of Dental Laboratories (NADL)
The NADL provides the Code of Professional Conduct specifically governing dental laboratory technicians and ceramists.
Question 6: When a ceramist makes a fabrication error that could affect the patient's occlusion, the most ethical course of action is to:
- Adjust the restoration slightly and hope it is undetected
- Disclose the error to the dentist immediately and offer to remake the restoration (Correct answer)
- Deliver the restoration and wait to see if the dentist notices
- Charge a reduced fee without disclosing the error
Correct 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.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a written work authorization in the dental laboratory setting?
- To establish payment terms between lab and dental office
- To legally authorize fabrication and define the scope of the required prosthesis (Correct answer)
- To document the ceramist's qualifications for the case
- To satisfy insurance billing requirements
Correct 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.
CDC Professional Ethics & Communication 3
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?