Ethics & Law · single question
A pregnant patient who drinks alcohol presents for a dental visit. Most appropriate action?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Discuss fetal alcohol syndrome and its effects
Educating the patient about fetal alcohol syndrome is the appropriate action. The dentist has an ethical obligation to address this harmful behavior.
- A. ❌ Refusing to treat is not appropriate.
- B. ✅ CORRECT – Counsel the patient about fetal alcohol syndrome risks and recommend cessation.
- C. ❌ OB-GYN referral may be appropriate additionally, but dentist education is the first response.
- D. ❌ Prescribing vitamins without addressing alcohol is an ethical failure.