The same patient's chart shows only one treatment option was documented (full extraction), even though other options exist. Which ethical principle has the dentist potentially violated?

Correct answer: D. Autonomy (patient's right to make informed choices)

• A. Fidelity involves keeping promises and being trustworthy. The violation here is not about breaking a promise but about restricting patient choice.
• B. Justice refers to fair and equal treatment regardless of personal characteristics. While financial limitations relate to justice, the specific violation here is failure to present options (autonomy).
• C. Nonmaleficence means avoiding harm. While incomplete treatment planning could lead to harm, the specific violation described is the failure to disclose options to enable autonomous choice.
• D. CORRECT. Documenting only one treatment option without informing the patient of all available alternatives violates patient AUTONOMY. Informed consent requires disclosure of ALL viable treatment options (benefits, risks, alternatives) so the patient can make a self-determined choice. Presenting only one option effectively denies the patient the information needed for true autonomous decision-making.