Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice (RDHAP) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the primary obligation of a dentist under the principle of nonmaleficence?

1. To maximize patient benefits

2. To refrain from harming the patient

3. To ensure patient confidentiality

4. To promote informed consent

The correct answer is: To refrain from harming the patient

The primary obligation of a dentist under the principle of nonmaleficence is to refrain from harming the patient. Nonmaleficence is a foundational ethical principle in healthcare which emphasizes the importance of not causing harm or injury to patients. This principle requires healthcare providers, including dentists, to carefully evaluate their actions and decisions to ensure that they do not put patients at risk for harm, whether through direct action or by failing to act when necessary. In the context of dental practice, this means that a dentist must consider the potential risks associated with dental procedures and ensure that they are minimizing any possible harms. This could involve evaluating a treatment plan thoroughly, ensuring that equipment is sterilized to prevent infection, and being vigilant about the side effects of medications prescribed. By adhering to the principle of nonmaleficence, dentists aim to protect their patients' health and well-being, which is a fundamental component of ethical patient care. The other options pertain to important ethical considerations in dental practice as well, such as maximizing patient benefits (which aligns with the principle of beneficence), maintaining confidentiality (which relates to the ethical duty of fidelity and respect for autonomy), and promoting informed consent (which emphasizes patient autonomy and informed decision-making). However, they do