Beneficence in dental ethics is defined as:

• A. Promote Good
• B. Do No Harm
• C. Respect Autonomy
• D. Justice and Fairness

Answer: (A)

Beneficence means actively promoting the patient's good and welfare through actions that improve health and relieve suffering. In dentistry this translates to doing what will benefit the patient’s oral health—providing appropriate treatment, preventing disease, and offering comfort and relief. It isn’t just about avoiding harm; it’s about taking proactive steps to help the patient improve outcomes.

Nonmaleficence is the obligation to not cause harm, a baseline check rather than a positive action to improve well-being. Respecting autonomy centers on honoring the patient’s right to make informed choices about their care. Justice and fairness focus on fair treatment and the equitable distribution of care and resources. Therefore, actively promoting the patient’s good best captures beneficence in practice.