A dentist has an obligation to keep current with advances in the profession and to practice only within the limits of their competence. This obligation flows MOST directly from which ethical principle?

Correct answer: D. Non-maleficence

• A. Autonomy is the patient's right to self-determination, expressed through informed consent and confidentiality.
• B. Veracity is the duty of truthfulness — being honest with patients about findings, treatment and one's own errors.
• C. Justice concerns fairness in the delivery of care and non-discrimination in patient selection.
• D. Correct. The ADA Principles of Ethics place the duty to keep knowledge and skill current, and to refer when a procedure lies beyond one's competence, under NON-MALEFICENCE ('do no harm'). An out-of-date or unqualified practitioner exposes patients to avoidable harm; competence is therefore framed as a harm-avoidance duty.