Ethics & Law · single question
A patient refuses dental radiographs before extraction. What should the dentist do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Have the patient sign an informed refusal form, then proceed if clinically appropriate
- A. Proceeding without documentation exposes the dentist to liability — informed refusal must be documented in writing.
- B. If a competent adult patient refuses radiographs, the dentist should: (1) explain the risks of proceeding without radiographs, (2) document that the patient was informed of those risks, (3) have the patient sign an INFORMED REFUSAL form, and (4) use clinical judgment about whether to proceed. This protects both patient autonomy and the dentist legally. ✓
- C. Referral to an oral surgeon is not warranted solely because of radiograph refusal.
- D. Immediate dismissal for refusing radiographs would be inappropriate — it is the patient's legal right to refuse diagnostic tests, and the dentist has a process to follow.