Maryland
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice) According to the ADA Principles of Ethics and
Code of Professional Conduct, which principle best describes the
obligation to act in the best interest of the patient?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
ANS: B. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence requires the dentist to promote the
patient’s welfare and well-being, going beyond simply avoiding harm.
2. (Multiple Choice) A dentist learns that a colleague is providing
treatment while impaired by alcohol but does not report it. Which
ethical principle is most directly violated?
A. Justice
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
ANS: B. Nonmaleficence
Rationale: Nonmaleficence — “do no harm” — is breached when
a practitioner who may harm patients remains unreported.
3. (Multiple Choice) Which statement best reflects the principle of
veracity in dentistry?
2
, A. Equitably distributing limited resources
B. Maintaining honesty in all communications and records
C. Upholding patient confidentiality
D. Acting in the patient’s best interests
ANS: B. Maintaining honesty in all communications and records
Rationale: Veracity centers on truthfulness in documentation,
treatment explanations, and billing.
4. (Multiple Choice) Under the principle of fidelity, a dentist’s primary
obligation is to:
A. Be truthful at all times
B. Promote justice in care delivery
C. Keep promises and maintain patient trust
D. Prevent harm through cautious practice
ANS: C. Keep promises and maintain patient trust
Rationale: Fidelity refers to faithfulness to professional
commitments and maintaining trust.
5. (True/False) A dentist may ethically refuse treatment to a patient
solely because of their socioeconomic status.
ANS: False
Rationale: Refusal based on socioeconomic status violates the
principle of justice, which mandates equitable care.
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Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
3
Dental Jurisprudence
Final Exam Review
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,1. (Multiple Choice) According to the ADA Principles of Ethics and
Code of Professional Conduct, which principle best describes the
obligation to act in the best interest of the patient?
A. Autonomy
B. Beneficence
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
ANS: B. Beneficence
Rationale: Beneficence requires the dentist to promote the
patient’s welfare and well-being, going beyond simply avoiding harm.
2. (Multiple Choice) A dentist learns that a colleague is providing
treatment while impaired by alcohol but does not report it. Which
ethical principle is most directly violated?
A. Justice
B. Nonmaleficence
C. Autonomy
D. Fidelity
ANS: B. Nonmaleficence
Rationale: Nonmaleficence — “do no harm” — is breached when
a practitioner who may harm patients remains unreported.
3. (Multiple Choice) Which statement best reflects the principle of
veracity in dentistry?
2
, A. Equitably distributing limited resources
B. Maintaining honesty in all communications and records
C. Upholding patient confidentiality
D. Acting in the patient’s best interests
ANS: B. Maintaining honesty in all communications and records
Rationale: Veracity centers on truthfulness in documentation,
treatment explanations, and billing.
4. (Multiple Choice) Under the principle of fidelity, a dentist’s primary
obligation is to:
A. Be truthful at all times
B. Promote justice in care delivery
C. Keep promises and maintain patient trust
D. Prevent harm through cautious practice
ANS: C. Keep promises and maintain patient trust
Rationale: Fidelity refers to faithfulness to professional
commitments and maintaining trust.
5. (True/False) A dentist may ethically refuse treatment to a patient
solely because of their socioeconomic status.
ANS: False
Rationale: Refusal based on socioeconomic status violates the
principle of justice, which mandates equitable care.
---
Section B: Legal Responsibilities and Scope of Practice
3
