Which term describes a formal, legal bound or requirement that guides conduct?

• A. Duty
• B. Liability
• C. Tort
• D. Fraud

Answer: (A)

A duty is the formal obligation that guides how professionals must act. In dental practice, this means the standard of care owed to patients—the responsibility to perform competently, protect patient information, obtain informed consent, and follow safety protocols. This duty comes from the relationship with the patient, professional ethics, and applicable laws. When that duty is not fulfilled, someone may face liability, and a civil claim could fall under a tort, which covers harms caused by negligence or other breaches. Fraud, on the other hand, is specific intentional deception for personal gain, not the general obligation to act correctly.