Ethics & Law · single question
A patient says a different dentist told them they had 6 cavities, but you only detect one interproximal cavity. The patient asks for an explanation. What is the MOST appropriate response?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Explain that diagnostic thresholds for caries vary between clinicians and offer conservative treatment
There is genuine variation in caries diagnosis thresholds between clinicians — some diagnose at an earlier demineralization stage (radiographic only), others wait for cavitation. The most ethical and professional response is to explain this variability honestly and offer conservative monitoring or minimally invasive treatment for what you can detect. This respects the patient's autonomy, maintains trust, and avoids disparaging a colleague without full clinical context.
- A. ❌ Refusing to comment at all doesn't help the patient understand their situation.
- B. ❌ Calling another dentist incompetent is unprofessional and unethical without full clinical information.
- C. ❌ Referring back without explanation doesn't address the patient's question and may increase anxiety.
- D. ✅ CORRECT – Explain diagnostic variability in caries detection thresholds and offer evidence-based conservative treatment for what you observe.