Dentists cannot discriminate against gender identity. Which ethical principle is this?

Correct answer: A. Justice

• A. JUSTICE in dental ethics refers to fair and equitable treatment of all patients regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. Non-discrimination is a core component of the justice principle. The ADA Code of Professional Conduct explicitly requires that dentists not discriminate in providing professional services to patients based on protected characteristics including gender identity.
• B. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make decisions about their own treatment — not to the dentist's non-discriminatory obligations.
• C. Non-maleficence ('do no harm') is about avoiding harm to the patient — not specifically about equal treatment regardless of identity.
• D. Beneficence ('do good') is about acting in the patient's best interest — not specifically about anti-discrimination principles.