Ethics & Law · single question
A dentist gives patients gift cards in exchange for positive online reviews. Which ethical principle is MOST being violated?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Justice
Justice is the ethical principle most violated here. Justice in dental ethics refers to fair distribution of dental resources and treating patients equitably — including honest, unbiased information for the public. Offering gift cards for positive reviews manipulates public information (review integrity), creates unfair treatment incentives, and violates the principle of fair and honest dealing. It could also be considered a form of veracity violation, but justice is the primary concern when the fairness of public information is compromised.
- A. ❌ Veracity (truthfulness) could be argued as secondary, but justice is the primary violation in manipulating review systems.
- B. ❌ Non-maleficence (do no harm) is not directly violated in this scenario.
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Justice: fair and equitable treatment including honest public information. Offering incentives for reviews violates the justice of public dental information access.
- D. ❌ Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) is not primarily violated by a gift card for reviews.