Failure to Diagnose Malpractice — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateBehavioural Sciences & Practice ManagementFailure to Diagnose MalpracticeNDEB AFK

A dentist fails to diagnose oral cancer during a routine examination, resulting in delayed treatment and poorer prognosis. Under Canadian law, this may constitute which of the following?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Professional negligence (malpractice)

Failure to diagnose oral cancer during a routine dental examination when a reasonable and competent dentist would have identified the suspicious lesion may constitute professional negligence (dental malpractice). The four elements must be proven: duty (dentist-patient relationship), breach (failure to meet the standard of care in oral cancer screening), causation (delayed diagnosis caused worse outcome), and damages (physical/emotional/financial harm). Oral cancer screening is considered part of the standard comprehensive dental examination.

Reference: Graskemper – Professional Responsibility in Dentistry, 2nd ed., 2017