Legal Terms
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
A felony is a major crime punishable by more than one year in prison, while a misdemeanor is a lesser offense with penalties like fines or community service.
What does 'autonomy' mean in dental ethics?
Respecting a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions.
What must be included in informed consent?
Details about the diagnosis, treatment options, risks, benefits, and patient agreement.
What is the Dental Practice Act?
The state law that regulates the practice of dentistry, including the roles of dental team members.
A patient claims harm after a dental assistant performed a procedure not legally delegated. Who is responsible?
Both the dentist and the assistant may be liable under 'respondeat superior' and their own individual actions.
What is a tort in dentistry?
A tort is a civil wrong, either intentional or unintentional, that results in harm to a person or property.
What is the principle of 'nonmaleficence'?
The obligation to 'do no harm' and avoid causing unnecessary pain or injury.
What is implied consent?
Consent that is given by a patient’s actions, such as showing up for a dental appointment.
What does 'direct supervision' mean?
The dentist must be physically present and examine the patient before and after the procedure.
A dental assistant overhears a colleague sharing patient info in the hallway. What should they do?
Address the breach of confidentiality and report it to a supervisor if needed.
Define 'Standard of Care' in a dental setting.
The level of care that a reasonably competent professional would provide under similar circumstances.
Describe the principle of 'justice' in dental ethics.
Treating all patients fairly and equitably, regardless of status or background.
What rights does HIPAA give to patients?
The right to review and request changes to their health records, and control over who accesses their health information.
What is 'general supervision'?
The dentist authorizes a procedure but does not need to be present during its performance.
You’re instructed to perform a coronal polish without proper certification. What should you do?
Refuse and report, as performing illegal procedures can result in disciplinary action.
What is contributory negligence?
It occurs when a patient’s own negligence negatively affects the outcome of their treatment.
What does 'veracity' require from dental professionals?
Being honest and providing truthful information to patients.
What is the purpose of HIPAA?
To protect patient privacy and ensure confidentiality of health information.
What does 'expanded functions' refer to?
Additional duties that a dental assistant or hygienist may perform with proper training and legal authorization.
A dentist fails to refer a patient with a complex issue to a specialist. What could this result in?
It could lead to a malpractice claim for failure to refer.
What is the legal term for discontinuing treatment before it is completed?
Abandonment.
What is 'beneficence' in the ADA code of ethics?
The ethical duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient.
What type of consent is recommended for extensive or invasive treatment?
Written consent.
What is the role of the Board of Dentistry?
To enforce regulations, issue licenses, and oversee the practice of dentistry in the state.
A team member promises a patient their crown will last 10 years. What risk does this pose?
It may be seen as a guarantee and could lead to liability if the treatment fails.