Professional Ethics and Management Flashcards
7 cards from real NBDE 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 and Management flashcards as text
A dentist wants to advertise 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' This claim is ethically problematic primarily because it:
Answer: Is misleading and cannot be substantiated
Advertising claims must be truthful and not misleading; guaranteeing painless treatment is an unverifiable absolute claim that can deceive patients.
Informed refusal occurs when a patient declines recommended treatment. The dentist should:
Answer: Document the refusal and the risks explained in the patient's record
When a patient refuses recommended treatment, the dentist must document the discussion, the risks explained, and the patient's decision to protect both parties legally.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'dual agency' conflict in dental referrals?
Answer: A dentist who receives financial incentives for referring to specific specialists
A conflict of interest arises when a dentist receives kickbacks or financial benefits for referring patients to specific specialists, compromising objective clinical judgment.
The ADA Principles of Ethics identify which of the following as a core ethical principle?
Answer: Veracity
Veracity (truthfulness) is one of the ADA's five core ethical principles, requiring dentists to communicate honestly with patients and the public.
A dentist employs a dental hygienist as an independent contractor to reduce payroll taxes. The IRS would most likely classify this arrangement as improper if the dentist:
Answer: Sets the hygienist's work hours and controls how tasks are performed
When an employer controls how, when, and where work is performed, the IRS classifies the worker as an employee, not an independent contractor, regardless of the contract's label.
OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard requires dental practices to offer hepatitis B vaccination to:
Answer: Employees with occupational exposure at no cost to the employee
OSHA mandates that employers offer hepatitis B vaccination to all employees with occupational exposure to blood or OPIM, at no cost, within 10 working days of assignment.
Which type of business entity provides the strongest personal liability protection for a dentist-owner?
Answer: Professional corporation or LLC
A professional corporation (PC) or professional LLC separates the owner's personal assets from business liabilities, offering the strongest liability shield available to dentists.