Mrs. Wilson, a 45-year-old woman, visits your dental clinic for her first check-up and cleaning after her long-term dentist of 20 years recently retired. She reports that her previous dentist only performed light cleanings and did not provide specific instructions regarding her periodontal health. Mrs. Wilson has a clear medical history but mentions smoking 11 cigarettes a day for over 25 years and a family history of early tooth loss. She admits to brushing her teeth once daily with a manual toothbrush but does not floss regularly. She is unaware of any gum problems, as she has not experienced pain or noticeable changes, except for occasional bleeding when brushing. As a newly registered dentist, Dr. Stevens conducts a thorough periodontal examination, noting heavy plaque and calculus deposits, generalized probing depths of 5–6 mm, and recession of up to 2 mm on the lower anterior teeth. Bleeding on probing is observed in multiple areas. Mrs. Wilson provides an orthopantomogram (OPG) from her last dental visit, which reveals moderate alveolar bone loss consistent with chronic periodontitis. During the consultation, Mrs. Wilson expresses surprise at the findings and questions how her periodontal condition developed despite being under regular care. She inquires if her previous dentist failed to diagnose her condition and whether she should take legal action. Additionally, Mrs. Wilson seems reluctant to believe smoking could significantly impact her oral health. Amid these discussions, Dr. Stevens accidentally touches a sterile instrument with gloved hands after contacting Mrs. Wilson’s mouth. Recognizing the breach, she must make an immediate decision while maintaining patient safety and professional integrity. Later in the day, a sterilization failure is detected in the practice autoclave, and Dr. Stevens must navigate infection control protocols to address potential patient risks and manage the situation appropriately.
Question 3 : Mrs. Wilson insists that her previous dentist should be held accountable for her periodontal condition. How should Dr. Stevens respond?
Correct Answer: c) Advise Mrs. Wilson that she cannot comment on the previous dentist’s care without full records
Explanation:
- a) Agree with Mrs. Wilson’s concerns and provide guidance for legal action: Unethical without proper investigation.
- b) Inform Mrs. Wilson that her condition is solely due to smoking and poor oral hygiene: Oversimplifies the multifactorial nature of periodontitis.
- c) Advise Mrs. Wilson that she cannot comment on the previous dentist’s care without full records: Correct. This is a professional and evidence-based response.
- d) Offer to write a report detailing the progression of her periodontal condition: Premature without adequate documentation.
- e) Redirect the conversation to focus on her current treatment and management: Avoids addressing the patient’s concerns, risking dissatisfaction.
Correct Answer: c) Advise Mrs. Wilson that she cannot comment on the previous dentist’s care without full records
Explanation:
- a) Agree with Mrs. Wilson’s concerns and provide guidance for legal action: Unethical without proper investigation.
- b) Inform Mrs. Wilson that her condition is solely due to smoking and poor oral hygiene: Oversimplifies the multifactorial nature of periodontitis.
- c) Advise Mrs. Wilson that she cannot comment on the previous dentist’s care without full records: Correct. This is a professional and evidence-based response.
- d) Offer to write a report detailing the progression of her periodontal condition: Premature without adequate documentation.
- e) Redirect the conversation to focus on her current treatment and management: Avoids addressing the patient’s concerns, risking dissatisfaction.