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Medical Emergencies · single question

An anxious adult patient had a previous dentist who treated without anesthesia and dismissed their pain. To earn trust, what is the MOST appropriate approach?

  1. Tell the patient their previous dentist was incompetent
  2. Assure the patient you will always provide anesthesia before any painful procedure
  3. Tell the patient what happened must have been very frightening
  4. Sedate the patient so they won't complain
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Assure the patient you will always provide anesthesia before any painful procedure

The most appropriate response combines empathy AND a specific, actionable commitment: assuring anesthesia before any painful procedure. This gives the patient a concrete reason to trust THIS dentist. Option C alone validates feelings but lacks a commitment.
  • A. Criticizing the previous dentist is unprofessional — undermines the profession.
  • B. CORRECT. Assure the patient of anesthesia before any painful procedure — specific commitment that rebuilds trust.
  • C. Validating feelings shows empathy but doesn't give the patient a concrete reason to trust this new dentist.
  • D. Sedating to prevent complaints ignores autonomy and doesn't build trust.

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