Which statement best describes beneficence in dental hygiene ethics?

• A. Act to promote patient well-being
• B. Respect patient confidentiality
• C. Avoid harming the patient
• D. Respect patient autonomy

Answer: (A)

Beneficence is the duty to act in the patient’s best interest by promoting their well-being. In dental hygiene, this means taking actions that provide real benefits—recommending and delivering preventive care, reducing pain or discomfort, and guiding the patient toward better oral health. It involves choosing treatments and advice that improve health, comfort, or quality of life, even if it requires additional effort or resources. This principle is distinct from confidentiality (protecting private information) and autonomy (respecting the patient’s right to make their own decisions), and from nonmaleficence (avoiding harm). Therefore, acting to promote patient well-being best captures beneficence.