What ethical principle relates to doing no harm in dentistry?

The ethical principle that relates to doing no harm in dentistry is non-maleficence. This principle emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers avoiding actions that could harm patients. It serves as a foundational tenet in the practice of dentistry, guiding professionals to ensure that their interventions or treatments do not result in unnecessary injury or suffering.

Non-maleficence underscores the obligation of dentists to consider the potential consequences of their actions and make decisions that prioritize patient safety and welfare. It is crucial for practitioners to maintain an ethical standard that involves careful assessment of risks versus benefits when providing care, ensuring that patients are not subjected to harm through negligence or inappropriate treatment.

Justice refers to fairness in treatment and the equitable distribution of resources, while autonomy relates to respecting patients' rights to make informed decisions about their own care. Beneficence, although closely related, specifically encompasses the duty to actively promote the patient's well-being, which includes providing beneficial treatments but does not specifically highlight the avoidance of harm as non-maleficence does. Therefore, non-maleficence distinctly embodies the critical concept of "doing no harm" that is vital in dental practice.