A patient insists the dentist remove sound (good) amalgam fillings because he believes they are toxic. The dentist complies. Which ethical principle is being followed?

Correct answer: A. Autonomy

• A. Correct. Honoring the informed patient's right to decide about his own treatment reflects AUTONOMY.
• B. Incorrect. Beneficence (acting in the patient's best interest) might even argue AGAINST removing sound restorations.
• C. Incorrect. Nonmaleficence ('do no harm') could caution against unnecessary removal.
• D. Incorrect. Justice concerns fair distribution of care, not this individual choice.