Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

What is the ethical obligation regarding the representation of fees to patients?

1. Include hidden fees in the representation

2. Be truthful about total costs for patients and insurance companies

3. Only represent fees that insurance will cover

4. Charge patients differently based on their insurance provider

The correct answer is: Be truthful about total costs for patients and insurance companies

Being truthful about total costs for patients and insurance companies is a fundamental ethical obligation in dental practice. Transparency promotes trust and fosters an ethical relationship between the dental practitioner and the patient. Patients deserve to have a clear understanding of what they will be charged for services, including all potential fees, to make informed decisions about their treatment options. By providing accurate and comprehensive information regarding fees, dental professionals demonstrate respect for the patient’s right to make decisions based on complete and truthful information. This approach not only adheres to ethical standards but also aligns with best practices in patient care. Additionally, it helps manage expectations regarding insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses, and overall financial responsibility. In this context, including hidden fees jeopardizes the ethical obligation, as obscuring costs can lead patients to make uninformed choices. Similarly, only representing fees covered by insurance limits the patient's understanding of their total financial obligation, which may create confusion or distrust. Charging patients differently based on their insurance provider can lead to inconsistency and perceived unfairness, undermining the principle of equity in patient care. Hence, presenting a truthful and complete picture of costs is essential in maintaining professionalism and ethical standards in the dental field.