In dentistry, which professional value is closely linked to patient autonomy and informed consent?

• A. Patient Autonomy
• B. Privacy
• C. Justice
• D. Non-maleficence

Answer: (A)

Respect for patient autonomy is the guiding idea here. In dentistry, this means recognizing that patients have the right to decide about their own care after receiving clear, truthful information about options, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Informed consent is the practical expression of that respect: it’s the process by which the clinician explains choices and the patient voluntarily agrees to a chosen treatment. Because it centers the patient’s right to participate in decisions about their health, the professional value that fits this link is patient autonomy itself. While privacy protects confidentiality, justice focuses on fair access, and non-maleficence guides not causing harm, none map onto the decision-making rights this context emphasizes as directly as autonomy.