MJDF Law, Ethics, and Professionalism 3

Question 1

Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (England and Wales), which of the following is a core principle that dentists must apply when treating a patient who may lack capacity?

Accepted Answer

A patient must be assumed to have capacity unless it is established that they lack it, and treatment must be in their best interests

Answer

Decisions should always be made by the patient's next of kin

Answer

Patients who have previously had capacity issues can never consent to dental treatment

Answer

Emergency treatment must always be deferred until the patient regains capacity

Question 2

Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'Gillick competence' in the context of dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

The principle that a child under 16 can consent to dental treatment if they have sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully understand the proposed treatment

Answer

A legal standard requiring parental consent for all under-18 dental treatment

Answer

A requirement that children aged 16-17 have both their own consent and parental consent

Answer

The right of a child to refuse any treatment even in an emergency

Question 3

A dental patient discloses information suggesting they are being domestically abused. What is the dentist's primary obligation?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the patient is safe in the immediate consultation, offer information about support services, document carefully, and consider safeguarding referral in line with local policy

Answer

Immediately contact the police without informing the patient

Answer

Refuse to provide treatment until the abuse is reported to authorities

Answer

Maintain complete confidentiality and take no action as it is a personal matter

Question 4

What does the principle of 'veracity' mean in the context of dental ethics?

Accepted Answer

The duty of the dentist to tell the truth and be honest with patients in all communications

Answer

Treating all patients with equal respect regardless of background

Answer

Ensuring that dental records accurately reflect treatments completed

Answer

The principle that dentists should avoid excessive charges

Question 5

Under the GDC Standards for the Dental Team, what does the principle of 'patient confidentiality' require a dentist to do?

Accepted Answer

Keep patient information secure, only share it with relevant parties for direct care purposes, and seek consent for other uses

Answer

Share all patient information with other treating dental professionals without restriction

Answer

Automatically disclose patient information to the NHS when requested

Answer

Store all patient records in unlocked, easily accessible locations for efficiency

Question 6

The 'duty of candour' in UK dental practice means that a dentist MUST:

Accepted Answer

Inform patients when something has gone wrong with their care that has caused harm, apologise, and offer appropriate remedy

Answer

Only disclose treatment errors if the patient asks directly

Answer

Report all minor incidents to the CQC immediately regardless of patient impact

Answer

Maintain written records of all patient complaints in a public register