A dentist DENIES a patient's request for a hydrocodone prescription. Which ethical principle is MOST demonstrated by this refusal?

Correct answer: A. Non-maleficence

• A. Correct. NON-MALEFICENCE — the duty to 'do no harm' — is the primary ethical principle when a dentist refuses to prescribe opioids to a drug-abusing patient. Prescribing would facilitate harm (further addiction, overdose risk). The refusal protects the patient from harm = non-maleficence.
• B. Incorrect. Autonomy respects the patient's right to make decisions — denying their request does not demonstrate autonomy.
• C. Incorrect. Beneficence is about doing GOOD for the patient — while relevant, the refusal is more specifically about avoiding harm.
• D. Incorrect. Justice involves fair and equitable treatment — not the primary principle in this opioid refusal scenario.