Which legal doctrine describes the employer's liability for employees' actions?

• A. Respondeat superior
• B. Discrimination
• C. Rules
• D. Standard of Care

Answer: (A)

Respondeat superior is the legal principle that an employer can be held liable for the actions of its employees when those actions occur within the scope of their employment. In a dental practice, that means if a dentist’s staff member, while performing their duties under the dentist’s supervision, commits negligence or a wrongful act, the employer can be responsible for the harm to the patient—even if the dentist did not personally commit the act. The emphasis is on actions taken during work and within the authority given by the employer.

Discrimination addresses bias in treatment or employment decisions, not the employer’s liability for an employee’s actions. Rules refer to general guidelines or policies, not a doctrine about liability. The standard of care is about the level of professional skill and conduct expected of the clinician, not about the employer’s liability for an employee’s conduct.