Which term best describes a wrongdoing that may result in civil liability and is not a crime?

• A. Statute
• B. Misdemeanor
• C. Tort
• D. Regulation

Answer: (C)

A tort is a civil wrong for which the law provides a remedy in damages rather than criminal punishment. When a dental professional’s conduct falls below the standard of care and harms a patient, it’s typically treated as a tort such as malpractice or negligence, leading to civil liability—the patient sues for monetary damages. The state does not prosecute the case as a crime; instead, the focus is on compensating the injured party. In contrast, statutes and regulations establish rules; and a misdemeanor is a criminal offense. So the term that best fits a wrongdoing that may result in civil liability and is not a crime is a tort.