Which concept describes the obligation to keep patient information private?

• A. Confidentiality
• B. Privacy
• C. Veracity
• D. Beneficence

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality is the obligation to keep patient information private and to share it only with those who need to know for treatment, with patient consent, or as required by law. This protects patient trust and is a fundamental ethical and legal duty in dental practice. Privacy is about the patient’s right to control personal information, not the professional duty to protect it. Veracity is about telling the truth, and beneficence is acting in the patient’s best interests. So the concept described by the obligation to keep patient information private is confidentiality.