What ethical principle should guide your recommendation if a patient requests unnecessary treatment?

Prioritizing the patient's well-being and avoiding harm is a fundamental ethical principle in dental practice, as well as in the broader medical field. When a patient requests unnecessary treatment, it is the ethical duty of the dental professional to consider the implications of that treatment—not just for the patient's immediate desires, but for their overall health and well-being.

Recommending unnecessary treatment can lead to unnecessary procedures that could expose the patient to risks, complications, or emotional and financial stress. By adhering to the principle of "do no harm," the practitioner aligns their actions with ethical standards that prioritize patient autonomy, health, and informed decision-making. This also builds trust between the practitioner and the patient, reinforcing the practitioner’s role as a trusted advisor who has the patient’s best interests at heart.

Thus, guiding the recommendation based on the principle of prioritizing the patient’s well-being ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of the patient, upholding the core tenets of ethical practice in dentistry.