Ethics & Law · single question
A patient who is a wheelchair user comes in for dental care. Which of the following is the dentist NOT obligated to provide?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Transportation to and from the appointment
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), dental offices must provide reasonable accommodations including: accessible facilities, modified treatment positions, and adequate appointment time. However, providing transportation is NOT a reasonable accommodation obligation — that is the patient's or caregiver's responsibility. The dentist must ensure the patient can ACCESS the treatment, not arrange travel to get there.
- A. ❌ Modified treatment positioning (e.g., treating in wheelchair if transfer is not possible) is a reasonable accommodation.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Providing patient transportation is NOT the dentist's obligation. ADA requires reasonable accommodations within the facility, not logistics of getting there.
- C. ❌ Accessible entry (ramps, wide doorways) is required under ADA.
- D. ❌ Adequate appointment time for a patient with special needs is a reasonable accommodation.