A dentist prescribes opioids for themselves rather than seeing their own physician. Which ethical principle does this MOST directly violate?

Correct answer: B. Non-maleficence

• A. Justice relates to fair and equitable treatment of patients; this is not the primary principle violated by self-prescribing.
• B. Correct. Non-maleficence means 'do no harm.' A dentist self-prescribing controlled substances poses direct harm to themselves (risk of dependency, impaired judgment, patient safety risk). It violates the principle of doing no harm — both to oneself and potentially to patients treated while impaired.
• C. Autonomy respects patient self-determination; this scenario involves the dentist's own actions, not a patient's rights.
• D. Veracity relates to truth-telling and honesty with patients; while deception may be involved, the core ethical violation is non-maleficence.