Ethics & Law · single question
A patient comes to you with crowns and poor restorations placed by a previous dentist. What is the appropriate course of action?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Inform the patient objectively that restorations need replacement without disparaging the previous dentist
✓ C) Inform the patient objectively without disparagement is correct.
Dental ethics requires non-maleficence and collegiality. You should: clinically document the deficiencies, explain to the patient in objective clinical terms what needs to be corrected and why, and provide appropriate treatment. You should NOT criticize or disparage the previous dentist — this is unethical, unprofessional, and potentially libelous. Referring the patient back to a dentist whose work was substandard is inappropriate. Refusing to treat is abandonment.
Dental ethics requires non-maleficence and collegiality. You should: clinically document the deficiencies, explain to the patient in objective clinical terms what needs to be corrected and why, and provide appropriate treatment. You should NOT criticize or disparage the previous dentist — this is unethical, unprofessional, and potentially libelous. Referring the patient back to a dentist whose work was substandard is inappropriate. Refusing to treat is abandonment.