Patient Autonomy — NDEB AFK MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: B — Autonomy
Autonomy is the ethical principle that respects a competent patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse treatment, even if the refusal is against the dentist's recommendation. Informed consent and informed refusal are founded on patient autonomy. The dentist must ensure the patient understands the consequences but cannot compel treatment on a competent adult.
Reference: Beauchamp & Childress – Principles of Biomedical Ethics, 8th ed., 2019