Ethics & Law · single question
Reporting suspected child abuse to the appropriate authorities reflects which ethical principle?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Beneficence
Beneficence — acting in the best interest of the patient and society — is the primary ethical principle driving mandatory child abuse reporting. Dentists are mandated reporters in all U.S. states. Reporting abuse protects the child's welfare (beneficence) even when it may conflict with family autonomy. Non-maleficence (preventing harm) is also relevant, but beneficence is the primary driver for affirmative action like reporting.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Reporting child abuse is an act of beneficence (acting for the child's benefit) and fulfills the dentist's legal and ethical duty as a mandated reporter.
- B. ❌ Autonomy refers to respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions — not the basis for mandatory reporting.
- C. ❌ Non-maleficence (do no harm) is related but is a passive principle — beneficence drives the affirmative act of reporting.
- D. ❌ Justice involves fair distribution of resources and equitable treatment — not the primary principle behind abuse reporting.