What is the definition of dental neglect?

The selected answer correctly identifies dental neglect as a failure to provide necessary dental care that results in harm or potential harm to the patient. This definition encompasses situations where a patient does not receive adequate treatment for their dental needs, which can lead to serious health complications or exacerbation of existing conditions.

Dental neglect can manifest in various ways, such as not addressing cavities, periodontal issues, or other oral health concerns that the patient may require. The key here is the impact on the patient's health and wellbeing—a lack of appropriate care that could reasonably be expected from a dental professional and leads to harm or the potential for harm. This situation highlights the responsibility of dental practitioners to uphold a standard of care that prevents neglectful scenarios.

The other possible definitions do not accurately capture the essence of dental neglect. For example, a standard of care provided by non-professionals does not pertain to neglect as it does not consider the established expectations for care within the dental profession. A lack of patient engagement during treatment procedures may indicate an issue with communication or cooperation but does not necessarily equate to neglect if the required care is still being administered. Similarly, the refusal to schedule appointments for patients pertains more to patient access and logistics rather than the actual provision of care and does not align