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ADEX exam

ADEX Ethics & Legal OSCE – High-Yield Decision Guide

The ethical rules, consent principles, and legal duties that ADEX repeatedly tests in its OSCE scenarios.

Quick Answers

What is the #1 rule in ADEX Ethics OSCE?

Protect the patient’s autonomy, safety, and confidentiality — always choose the safest ethical action.

When must consent be obtained?

Before ANY irreversible procedure, and the patient must understand: diagnosis, risks, benefits, alternatives.

Do minors need parental consent?

Yes — unless it is an emergency or state law grants specific exceptions.

What should you do after making a clinical mistake?

Disclose honestly, document accurately, and inform the patient — never hide or alter records.

When is patient abandonment an issue?

When a dentist ends care without reasonable notice or arrangements for follow-up.

What is the most common ADEX ethics trap?

Choosing the clinically correct answer instead of the ethically correct one.

1. Why ethics questions are “easy marks” in ADEX

ADEX ethics scenarios follow strict, predictable rules. Once you know the principles, almost every ethics question becomes straightforward.

Core Rule

Choose the action that protects patient safety, autonomy, and legal rights.

2. Consent — the most tested ethics topic

Consent must be:

  • Voluntary
  • Informed
  • Given by the correct decision-maker
  • Documented properly
Informed consent requires explaining:
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • Risks/benefits
  • Alternatives, including doing nothing

Failure to obtain consent = legal violation + OSCE penalty.

3. Minors and decision-making

ADEX expects candidates to know that:

  • Minors cannot consent on their own (except rare legal cases).
  • Parents/legal guardians provide consent.
  • In emergencies, treat first → notify parent/guardian ASAP.

4. Disclosure of errors — honesty always wins

If you break an instrument, perforate, or deviate from expected care:

Correct next steps:
  • Inform the patient immediately
  • Explain what happened and what it means
  • Document the event clearly
  • Offer appropriate management or referral

ADEX heavily penalizes any attempt to hide, ignore, or alter documentation.

5. Confidentiality & HIPAA-style privacy

Questions often test scenarios where patient information is improperly shared.

  • No disclosure without permission
  • Discuss cases only in private spaces
  • Only share info with those directly involved in care

If someone asks for records (parent, spouse, friend): Answer → Get patient’s written authorization first.

6. Patient abandonment — another easy-to-miss topic

Abandonment = dentist stops treating a patient without reasonable notice or alternative arrangements.

To avoid abandonment, you must:
  • Provide written notice
  • Give time for patient to find another provider
  • Offer emergency care during transition period

7. Scope of practice — know your limits

If a procedure is beyond your training or capability:

Correct ADEX Answer

Refer to a qualified specialist.

Attempting advanced treatment without skill = ethical and legal violation.

8. Financial ethics (billing, insurance, waivers)

ADEX tests simple black-and-white rules:

  • No billing for procedures not performed
  • No altering dates to satisfy insurance
  • No waiving copayments without documentation
  • No “upcoding” to increase reimbursement

When in doubt → the most honest option is the correct one.

9. Common ADEX ethics traps

  • Performing elective treatment before addressing urgent conditions
  • Not disclosing complications
  • Treating minors without guardian consent
  • Making decisions without proper documentation
  • Sharing patient details casually

10. How DentAIstudy strengthens Ethics OSCE prep

DentAIstudy helps by generating:

  • Flashcards for ethical rules and consent principles
  • OSCE-style decision scenarios for quick reasoning practice
  • Short checklists for patient rights and legal duties
  • Case-based prompts to reinforce safe decision making

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References

  • ADA Principles of Ethics & Code of Professional Conduct
  • ADEX OSCE Candidate Manual — Ethics Section
  • Dental law and risk-management guidelines