What should a dentist do if they discover a treatment error after a patient's visit?

Informing the patient about the treatment error and proposing a resolution is the most appropriate course of action for a dentist in this situation. Transparency is a key ethical obligation in dental practice. When a dentist discovers a treatment error, they have a responsibility to communicate this information to the patient. This builds trust and allows the patient to make informed decisions about their care.

Moreover, proposing a resolution is crucial because it demonstrates the dentist's commitment to correcting the mistake and ensuring the patient's well-being. It can help alleviate any potential harm caused by the error and may also mitigate the risk of legal repercussions down the line, as patients are more likely to respond positively when they feel informed and involved in their treatment continuity.

Keeping the error confidential from the patient would violate ethical standards and could lead to patient harm, as the patient may not receive appropriate care moving forward. Documenting it without further action neglects the responsibility of patient care by failing to address the mistake, and dismissing it as a minor issue underestimates the potential impact of the error on the patient's health. Thus, the best course of action is to be open and proactive in rectifying the situation.