A dentist removes old amalgam restorations claiming this will 'remove toxins from the mouth.' What ethical principle is MOST violated?

Correct answer: D. Veracity (truthfulness)

• A. Incorrect. While autonomy (informed decision-making) is affected by the misinformation, the primary violation is the dentist's false claim — veracity.
• B. Incorrect. Beneficence is also violated (unnecessary treatment harms the tooth), but the central violation is the deceptive communication.
• C. Incorrect. Justice concerns equitable distribution of care — not the relevant principle here.
• D. Correct. VERACITY is the principle of truthfulness. Claiming amalgam removal eliminates toxins is not evidence-based. The ADA and WHO consider properly placed amalgam safe. The dentist is making a false, misleading claim to justify unnecessary treatment — a direct violation of veracity.