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Duty to Report Impaired Colleague — NDEB AFK MCQ

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ModerateBehavioural Sciences & Practice ManagementDuty to Report Impaired ColleagueNDEB AFK

A dentist discovers that a colleague is practising while impaired by substance use. What is the dentist's ethical and legal obligation?

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Correct answer: C — Report to the provincial dental regulatory authority

Dentists have an ethical and legal duty to report colleagues who are practising while impaired to the provincial dental regulatory authority (e.g., RCDSO, CDSBC). This obligation arises from the duty to protect the public from harm. Most provincial dental acts include mandatory reporting provisions for professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity. The regulatory college will investigate and may impose terms, conditions, or suspension to protect patients.

Reference: CDA – Code of Ethics; Provincial Dental Regulatory Authority Standards