PSI California Dental Law and Ethics Practice Exam

The situation presented involves a consent issue where the father has authorized the extraction of a tooth, but the patient wishes to keep it. In dental practice, obtaining consent from a responsible party, such as a parent or guardian, is crucial when dealing with minor patients. The father, as the legal guardian, holds the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient, assuming the patient is not of legal age or capacity to provide informed consent themselves.

In this context, obtaining consent from the father and proceeding with the extraction is appropriate because it respects the legal framework within which dental professionals operate. The process ensures that both the father's rights as a guardian and the patient's wishes are acknowledged, even if the patient's desires may not necessarily dictate the final action taken.

This approach upholds the ethical standards in dental practice by ensuring that consent is properly secured and followed, reflecting respect for familial roles and legal obligations regarding healthcare decision-making for minors. It's important to communicate with the patient about their desires and provide information on the procedure, but ultimately, the father's consent is what allows the dentist to legally proceed with the extraction.

In this scenario, focusing solely on the child's desire without regard for the father's consent would not comply with legal requirements, and proceeding with the extraction without further