Which ethical principle is primarily about avoiding harm?

• A. Nonmaleficence
• B. Beneficence
• C. Justice
• D. Autonomy

Answer: (A)

Not causing harm is the central idea of nonmaleficence. In dental care, this means choosing actions and techniques that minimize risk of injury, pain, or other harm to the patient and avoiding procedures that could unnecessarily harm them. It involves practical steps like maintaining sterile technique to prevent infection, using appropriate anesthesia to prevent pain, and exposing patients to the lowest reasonable level of radiation. Nonmaleficence guides us to weigh risks and benefits so that potential harms are not taken on without justification. By contrast, beneficence is about actively promoting the patient’s welfare, justice concerns fair access and treatment for all, and autonomy focuses on respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions. Therefore, when the question asks about avoiding harm, nonmaleficence is the best fit.