After confronting a dental colleague suspected of substance abuse affecting their ability to practice, which of the following would NOT be an appropriate step?

When a dental professional is identified as having a substance abuse problem that may affect patient care, appropriate responses include: encouraging the individual to seek voluntary treatment, reporting to the state's dental professional assistance program (if they refuse or patient safety is at risk), documenting concerns, and notifying the state dental board if necessary. Paying for a colleague's treatment from practice funds without proper disclosure, documentation, or involvement of appropriate oversight bodies is inappropriate — it circumvents the accountability structures designed to protect patients. ADA guidelines specify that dentists with knowledge of an impaired colleague have an ethical obligation to report evidence to the professional assistance committee.