Ethics & Law · single question
A patient INSISTS on having teeth whitened despite the dentist's reservations. If the dentist proceeds at the patient's request, which ethical principle is being followed?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Autonomy
Autonomy (A). Patient autonomy is the principle that competent adults have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, even if the clinician disagrees. By proceeding with whitening at the patient's insistence (after informing them of risks/alternatives), the dentist is respecting the patient's autonomous decision.
• Beneficence (B): doing what is best for the patient — the dentist's OWN recommendation would be the beneficent choice.
• Non-Maleficence (C): avoiding harm — proceeding against clinical judgment could challenge this principle.
• Veracity (D): truth-telling — relevant if the dentist provides informed consent information.
• The tension here is between patient autonomy and beneficence/non-maleficence. The patient's autonomous choice generally prevails for elective procedures when they are fully informed.
• Beneficence (B): doing what is best for the patient — the dentist's OWN recommendation would be the beneficent choice.
• Non-Maleficence (C): avoiding harm — proceeding against clinical judgment could challenge this principle.
• Veracity (D): truth-telling — relevant if the dentist provides informed consent information.
• The tension here is between patient autonomy and beneficence/non-maleficence. The patient's autonomous choice generally prevails for elective procedures when they are fully informed.