Law, Ethics, and Professionalism Flashcards
6 cards from real MJDF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Law, Ethics, and Professionalism flashcards as text
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?
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
The MCA 2005 presumes capacity in all adults, requires that capacity be assessed for each specific decision, and mandates that treatment for those lacking capacity must be in their best interests — it cannot be delegated to relatives as a right.
Which of the following BEST describes the concept of 'Gillick competence' in the context of dental treatment?
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
Gillick competence (confirmed in Fraser guidelines) means a child under 16 can give valid consent if they have sufficient maturity and understanding to comprehend the nature, purpose, and risks of the treatment proposed.
A dental patient discloses information suggesting they are being domestically abused. What is the dentist's primary obligation?
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
Domestic abuse is a safeguarding concern. The primary obligation is patient safety — not automatic reporting (which could increase danger), but careful documentation, offering support resources, and following local safeguarding protocols.
What does the principle of 'veracity' mean in the context of dental ethics?
Answer: The duty of the dentist to tell the truth and be honest with patients in all communications
Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty — requiring dentists to provide patients with accurate information about their diagnosis, treatment options, risks, and prognosis, and to be honest in all professional communications.
Under the GDC Standards for the Dental Team, what does the principle of 'patient confidentiality' require a dentist to do?
Answer: Keep patient information secure, only share it with relevant parties for direct care purposes, and seek consent for other uses
The GDC requires dentists to protect patient information, share it only on a need-to-know basis for care purposes, and comply with data protection law (UK GDPR). Patient consent or legal justification is required for other uses.
The 'duty of candour' in UK dental practice means that a dentist MUST:
Answer: Inform patients when something has gone wrong with their care that has caused harm, apologise, and offer appropriate remedy
The duty of candour requires dental professionals to be open and honest with patients when treatment has caused harm — this includes timely notification, a sincere apology, explanation, and support/remedy. It is both an ethical and statutory obligation.