Ethics & Law · single question
A dentist applying their dental knowledge to improve the oral health of the community is demonstrating which ethical principle?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Beneficence
- A. Justice involves fair distribution of resources — while community health relates to justice, the more specific answer for 'using knowledge to help the community' is beneficence.
- B. Correct. Beneficence means actively doing good for others. Using dental expertise to benefit community health is a direct expression of beneficence.
- C. Autonomy is about respecting patient self-determination — not about professional community action.
- D. Non-maleficence means avoiding harm — community service is not just harm avoidance.