A dentist attends continuing education to become competent in a newly introduced technology before offering it to patients. This behavior best reflects which ethical principle?

Staying current and competent before delivering new treatment upholds nonmaleficence, the duty to avoid harm, because practicing beyond one's competence risks patient injury (beneficence, doing good, is also served).Other options: Justice concerns fair distribution of care; veracity is truthfulness; confidentiality protects patient information; none specifically address competence.Key exam takeaway: Maintaining competence and skills = nonmaleficence (and beneficence); it protects patients from harm.