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Ethics & Law · single question

If a dentist suspects abuse (of a patient of any age), what is the general ethical/legal obligation?

  1. Ignore it unless absolutely certain abuse occurred
  2. Report reasonable suspicion to the appropriate authority — as a mandated reporter, certainty is not required before reporting
  3. Confront the suspected abuser directly during the appointment
  4. Only document it in the chart; no reporting is required
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Report reasonable suspicion to the appropriate authority — as a mandated reporter, certainty is not required before reporting

Dentists are mandated reporters for suspected abuse/neglect of children, elders, and (in many jurisdictions) dependent adults. The legal/ethical threshold is 'reasonable suspicion,' not proof — reporting in good faith is both required and protected from liability in most jurisdictions.

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