A dentist is using the name and credentials of a previous dentist who left the practice years ago in advertising. This constitutes a violation of which ethical principle?

Correct answer: C. Veracity

• A. Autonomy pertains to respecting patient decision-making — not to advertising truthfulness.
• B. Beneficence means acting in the patient's best interest — advertising fraud does not directly relate to patient treatment benefits.
• C. Correct. Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty. Using a previous dentist's name/credentials in advertising without basis is deceptive and violates the principle of veracity.
• D. Non-maleficence means 'do no harm' — this relates to direct patient harm, not advertising fraud.