Start practicing

Ethics & Law · single question

A dentist discovers his dental assistant is abusing substances and the assistant admits it. The dentist should do all of the following EXCEPT:

  1. Personally pay for the assistant's rehabilitation
  2. Refer the assistant to a professional assistance/treatment program
  3. Document the situation and report as required by state law
  4. Remove the assistant from patient care duties
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Personally pay for the assistant's rehabilitation

  • A. Correct. Financing an employee's treatment is not an ethical or professional obligation and blurs the employer-employee boundary. The duty is to protect patients and direct the assistant to appropriate help.
  • B. Referral to a well-being or professional recovery program is the recommended response.
  • C. Documentation and reporting per state dental practice act requirements are obligatory.
  • D. Patient safety comes first — an impaired staff member must be removed from direct care.

Practice Ethics & Law questions Ethics & Law study notes

More Ethics & Law practice questions