HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

Which act protects the dental office from legal malpractice suits?

1. Patient consent

2. Professional ethics

3. Risk management

4. Healthcare regulation

The correct answer is: Risk management

The correct choice highlights the importance of risk management in protecting a dental office from legal malpractice suits. Risk management encompasses a range of strategies and practices designed to identify, assess, and address potential risks that could lead to legal issues. By implementing comprehensive risk management protocols, such as adequate documentation of patient interactions, ensuring informed consent is obtained, and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of standards and regulations, a dental office can significantly reduce its liability. This proactive approach focuses on minimizing the likelihood of errors and addressing patient concerns before they escalate into legal claims. By having effective risk management practices in place, dental professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing safe, high-quality care, which can also serve as a defense in potential malpractice actions. In contrast, while patient consent is essential for ethical practice, it alone does not encompass all aspects of legal protection. Professional ethics guide the conduct of dental professionals but do not provide the specific legal protections against lawsuits. Healthcare regulations establish the frameworks within which dental practices operate, but they typically serve a broader purpose beyond the scope of legal malpractice suits. Therefore, risk management is the most relevant answer to the question regarding the protection of a dental office from legal malpractice.