Duty of candour after wrong tooth extraction — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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HardDental Public Health, Ethics, Law and Infection ControlDuty of candour after wrong tooth extractionORE Part 1

During an orthodontic extraction appointment, a dentist extracts the wrong premolar. The error is recognised immediately while the patient remains in the chair, and the intended tooth has not been extracted. The practice is registered with the CQC. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Disclose the error, apologise, explain and initiate incident procedures

Explanation lettering: E = shown as B · B = shown as C · C = shown as D · D = shown as E

B is correct. A wrong-tooth extraction is an error with actual and potential harm. The dentist must be open and honest promptly: tell the patient what has happened, offer a sincere apology, explain the likely consequences and options to put matters right, and ensure the event is recorded and reported through practice procedures. As this is a CQC-registered practice, the provider must also consider and, where the statutory threshold is met, fulfil Regulation 20 processes. A and D improperly delay disclosure; extracting the intended tooth is not a substitute for candid discussion and further consent. C is dishonest record falsification. E is inappropriate because the treating dentist retains professional responsibility for the discussion, although the wider team may support subsequent reporting and review.

Reference: General Dental Council. Being open and honest with patients when something goes wrong (The professional duty of candour), current guidance. https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/the-professional-duty-of-candour/duty-of-candour.pdf?sfvrsn=cba6dd3e_4