An 80-year-old patient claims to have excellent oral health, but clinically you observe significant calculus and caries. What do you do?

Correct answer: B. Inform the patient of their oral situation and assess their understanding of all management options

• A. Referral to geriatrics is not the appropriate first response to a dental finding the dentist can and should address directly with the patient.
• B. Correct. Respecting patient autonomy requires informing the patient of the actual clinical findings and ensuring they understand their treatment options before any decisions are made.
• C. Ignoring obvious calculus/caries findings is inappropriate clinical and ethical management.