What does the ethical principle of "justice" refer to?

The ethical principle of "justice" primarily refers to fairness and the equitable distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens among individuals and groups within society. In the context of dental practice, this principle emphasizes the importance of treating patients impartially and ensuring that all individuals have access to dental care regardless of their background or circumstances.

Justice calls for fairness in decision-making, particularly in how care is allocated, how patients are treated, and how practices operate in relation to the community and society. It is essential for maintaining trust and protecting the rights of patients. Justice is often contrasted with other ethical principles like beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (doing no harm), reinforcing the idea that fairness must underpin all ethical considerations in health care.

In this case, the answer accurately captures the essence of justice within ethical frameworks, making it the correct choice. The other choices relate to different ethical principles: truthfulness pertains to honesty, self-determination focuses on patient autonomy, and doing no harm is linked to the principle of non-maleficence.