Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

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Study for the Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) Law and Ethics Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your certification journey!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What obligation does the dentist have towards the patient regarding their oral health status?

  1. To inform the patient of their benefits

  2. To keep the information confidential

  3. To share their exact oral health status

  4. To provide treatment recommendations only

The correct answer is: To share their exact oral health status

The dentist has an obligation to share the patient's exact oral health status. This duty stems from the principles of informed consent and the ethical obligation to communicate transparently with patients about their health. When a dentist accurately communicates a patient's oral health status, they empower the patient to make informed decisions about their treatment options and overall dental care. For instance, understanding the specifics of their oral health condition allows patients to weigh the benefits and risks of various treatments, leading to more engaged and informed participation in their dental care. This transparency helps build trust between the dentist and the patient, vital for a productive patient-provider relationship. Additionally, sharing detailed information about a patient's oral health must be done with sensitivity to ensure that the patient understands the terminology and implications of their condition. It's an essential part of the duty of care that dentists owe to their patients in fulfilling their professional responsibilities.