National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is Commission in terms of dental practices?

1. Acts that prevent harm or potential harm

2. Acts that result in harm or potential harm

3. Failure to provide adequate care

4. Neglecting patient needs

The correct answer is: Acts that result in harm or potential harm

In the context of dental practices, "commission" refers specifically to acts that result in harm or potential harm to a patient. This encompasses various scenarios where a dental professional, failing to adhere to accepted standards of care, might take actions that lead to injury or negative outcomes for the patient. This could include inappropriate treatment decisions, incorrect procedures, or negligent application of techniques that directly harm the patient. When differentiating from other options, it’s important to note that commission is distinctly opposite to the concept of "omission," which involves failing to take action when necessary, leading to patient harm through neglect. While options such as failure to provide adequate care and neglecting patient needs reflect issues of omission or lack of action, commission clearly identifies active wrongdoing that has direct, harmful consequences. Understanding this distinction is critical for dental professionals to ensure they maintain high standards of care and avoid both commission and omission in their practice.