Ethics & Law · patient case with 2 questions
Two ethics questions on the same patient
Scenario: A patient makes decisions about his own care.
Question 1
A patient decides to have his teeth extracted. Which ethical principle does the dentist follow by honouring this?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Autonomy
- A. Correct. AUTONOMY — 'self-governance' — is the patient's right to make decisions about their own body and treatment, provided they have decision-making capacity and are properly informed. Honouring the patient's informed choice, even when the dentist would recommend otherwise, respects autonomy.
- B. Non-maleficence is the duty to DO NO HARM — knowing one's limits, keeping skills current, referring when appropriate.
- C. Justice is fairness in the delivery of care and non-discrimination in patient selection.
- D. Beneficence is the duty to act for the patient's BENEFIT — promoting their welfare and providing competent, timely care.
Question 2
The same patient leaves town and requests his records. Which ethical principle applies?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Autonomy
- A. Beneficence is acting in the patient's best interest.
- B. Justice concerns fair treatment and non-discrimination.
- C. Correct. Under the ADA Code, the section on patient records falls under the principle of AUTONOMY (self-determination). The dentist owns the physical record, but the patient owns the INFORMATION within it and is entitled to it or to a copy on request — regardless of any outstanding balance.
- D. Veracity is truthfulness — the duty to communicate honestly and not to represent care in a false or misleading manner.
Note: Important practical rule: records must be furnished even if the account is unpaid. Withholding records to compel payment is both unethical and, in most jurisdictions, unlawful.