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Ethics & Law · single question

Which of the following is an example of proximate cause in a dental negligence claim?

  1. The dentist performed a procedure improperly and failed to document it, and the patient was injured as a direct result
  2. The patient was dissatisfied with the esthetic outcome
  3. The dentist charged more than a neighboring practice
  4. The patient did not attend recall appointments
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The dentist performed a procedure improperly and failed to document it, and the patient was injured as a direct result

  • A. Correct. Proximate cause is the link between breach of the standard of care and the actual injury. All four negligence elements must be present: duty, breach, causation (proximate cause) and damages.
  • B. Dissatisfaction alone, without a breach causing injury, is not negligence.
  • C. Fee levels are a business matter, not a negligence element.
  • D. Patient non-compliance is more likely a defense than proof of proximate cause.

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