Which constitutes professional negligence in Florida dentistry?

• A. Harm caused by deliberate and intentional harm
• B. Failure to meet the standard of care, causing injury or harm due to substandard treatment or omission
• C. Informed consent being provided
• D. Providing care within the standard of care

Answer: (B)

Negligence in dentistry means a breach of the standard of care that results in injury. The standard of care is what a reasonably competent dentist would do in similar circumstances, based on current practice and guidelines. When a dentist either performs substandard treatment or omits needed care and that breach causes harm to the patient, that situation is professional negligence.

This choice best captures both elements: the failure to meet the expected standard and the resulting injury. Deliberate harm is intentional wrongdoing, not negligence. Providing informed consent is an ethical and legal duty but not itself a failure to meet the standard of care. Providing care within the standard of care reflects proper practice and would not be considered negligent. In Florida, proving negligence typically involves showing the breach of the standard of care caused the injury, often with expert testimony.