Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, who is liable for the negligence of employees?

• A. Dentist is responsible for negligence of employees
• B. Iowa dental board
• C. OSHA
• D. Rules

Answer: (A)

Respondeat superior makes the employer legally responsible for the negligent acts of employees when those acts are performed within the scope of employment and in the course of their duties. In a dental practice, that means the dentist (as the employer and supervisor) is liable for the negligent actions of dental assistants, hygienists, or other staff when they are carrying out tasks authorized by the dentist. Regulatory bodies like the Iowa dental board enforce standards and discipline, and OSHA focuses on workplace safety; neither is liable for a patient’s harm due to an employee’s negligence.