What should be discussed as part of informed consent?

Risk of failure and alternative options

What is the BEST way to document this interaction?

Record the request, your response, and lack of consent

The signed image consent MOST directly addresses which issue?

Permission to use identifiable images

What is the BEST way to respond to the social media message?

Provide a clear, respectful message reinforcing professional boundaries

The patient asks for “guaranteed perfect results.” What is the BEST response?

Explain outcomes can’t be guaranteed and set realistic expectations

Provide a guarantee if they pay in full

Guarantee only the crown material warranty

Avoid discussing outcomes to prevent misunderstandings

Which is the MOST defensible communication tone when raising concerns?

Evidence-based, respectful, and focused on patient safety

Threatening to force compliance

What is the MOST appropriate response to the employer?

Decline disclosure without patient consent

Provide limited information verbally

Provide full details since it relates to sick leave

Ask the employer to email instead

Which statement BEST reflects valid informed consent?

Consent requires understanding of risks, benefits, alternatives, and no-treatment option

Consent is valid once the patient agrees to pay

Consent is valid if a waiver is signed

Consent is valid only if the dentist recommends the requested treatment

ADCADC Written Exam

Professionalism and Ethics questions for the ADC written exam.

Professionalism / Ethics in the ADC written examination covers consent, confidentiality, record keeping, professional boundaries, communication and the regulatory obligations of dentists practising in Australia. Candidates should understand the expectations set by the Dental Board of Australia and apply ethical principles to clinical and workplace scenarios.

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129

professionalism and ethics practice questions

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subtopics: Oct 2026
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Inside this topic.

The subtopics our professionalism and ethics questions cover.

Ethics
Consent
Conduct
Communication

Key facts to remember.

High-yield professionalism and ethics points to revise before the exam.

1
The Dental Board of Australia, supported by Ahpra, registers dental practitioners and sets the codes, guidelines and registration standards they must follow.
2
Registered practitioners have mandatory notification obligations, for example when another practitioner's conduct or impairment places the public at substantial risk of harm.
3
Valid consent requires capacity, adequate information and voluntariness; for minors, capacity depends on maturity and understanding rather than age alone.
4
Under the National Law, advertising of a regulated health service must not be false or misleading and must not use testimonials about clinical aspects of care.
5
Health records must be accurate, legible and stored securely, and patients generally have a right to access the health information held about them.

Sample questions with answers.

10 practice questions for the ADC Written Exam - General Dentistry (Official Blueprint) - Australia (Professionalism and Ethics). Pick an answer to see if you're right, with a full explanation.

Question 1
What should be discussed as part of informed consent?
Question 2
Which ethical principle is MOST at risk if boundaries are crossed?
Question 3
What is the BEST way to document this interaction?
Question 4
The signed image consent MOST directly addresses which issue?
Question 5
What is the BEST way to respond to the social media message?
Question 6
The patient asks for “guaranteed perfect results.” What is the BEST response?
Answer: C. Explain outcomes can’t be guaranteed and set realistic expectations
Dentistry involves biological variability and patient-specific factors, so absolute guarantees are inappropriate. A professional response explains uncertainty, outlines realistic goals, and clarifies limitations and risks. Setting expectations is part of ethical consent and reduces dissatisfaction. Avoiding the discussion undermines informed decision-making.
Question 7
Which is the MOST defensible communication tone when raising concerns?
Answer: B. Evidence-based, respectful, and focused on patient safety
A respectful, evidence-based tone reduces defensiveness and increases the chance of constructive resolution. Focusing on patient safety keeps the issue within professional boundaries. Personal attacks and threats escalate conflict and may compromise outcomes. Professionalism includes difficult conversations handled calmly and clearly.
Question 8
What is the MOST appropriate response to the employer?
Answer: C. Decline disclosure without patient consent
Patient confidentiality is a fundamental professional obligation. Information must not be disclosed to third parties without explicit patient consent, regardless of employer pressure or perceived urgency. Even seemingly minor clinical details are protected health information. The correct approach is to politely decline and advise the employer to obtain consent directly from the patient.
Question 9
What factor increases patient vulnerability in this case?
Question 10
Which statement BEST reflects valid informed consent?
Answer: C. Consent requires understanding of risks, benefits, alternatives, and no-treatment option
Informed consent is a process, not a signature. It requires the patient to understand material risks, expected benefits, reasonable alternatives, and what happens if treatment is declined. Financial agreement and waivers do not replace disclosure and understanding. Ethical consent also requires voluntariness, free from coercion or misleading claims.

Before you book

Questions, answered

Read the Dental Board of Australia's code of conduct and key guidelines, such as those on infection control, advertising and mandatory notifications, and understand the reasoning behind them. In scenario questions, choose the option that puts patient safety and honesty first and follows the correct reporting pathway. Avoid answers that conceal problems or go beyond your competence.

Disclosure without consent is limited to situations such as a legal requirement, a court order or a serious threat to someone's life, health or safety. Even then, share only the minimum information necessary and document the reasons. In other circumstances the patient's consent is needed, including before discussing their care with family members.

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