NBDE Professional Ethics and Management 3

Question 1

A dentist wants to advertise 'painless dentistry guaranteed.' This claim is ethically problematic primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Is misleading and cannot be substantiated

Answer

Advertising claims must be truthful and not misleading; guaranteeing painless treatment is an unverifiable absolute claim that can deceive patients.

Question 2

Informed refusal occurs when a patient declines recommended treatment. The dentist should:

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal and the risks explained in the patient's record

Answer

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.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'dual agency' conflict in dental referrals?

Accepted Answer

A dentist who receives financial incentives for referring to specific specialists

Answer

A conflict of interest arises when a dentist receives kickbacks or financial benefits for referring patients to specific specialists, compromising objective clinical judgment.

Question 4

The ADA Principles of Ethics identify which of the following as a core ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Veracity

Answer

Veracity (truthfulness) is one of the ADA's five core ethical principles, requiring dentists to communicate honestly with patients and the public.

Question 5

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:

Accepted Answer

Sets the hygienist's work hours and controls how tasks are performed

Answer

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.

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE Professional Ethics and Management 3