Which action is typically considered a criminal law violation for a dental professional?

• A. Providing informed consent
• B. Maintaining patient confidentiality
• C. Practicing without a license
• D. Charging a reasonable fee

Answer: (C)

Practicing dentistry without a license is illegal and is typically treated as a criminal offense under state dental practice acts. Licensure exists to ensure practitioners meet minimum standards of competence and safety; performing dental procedures without that licensure crosses into unlicensed practice, which state boards and prosecutors commonly punish with criminal penalties, fines, or even imprisonment.

The other actions described are obligations within professional practice. Providing informed consent is about respecting patient autonomy and is a standard, lawful process. Maintaining patient confidentiality is required by privacy laws and professional ethics; violations can lead to disciplinary or civil penalties, and in certain aggravated cases might be criminal, but not inherently a criminal act in the ordinary sense. Charging a reasonable fee concerns fair billing and contract law; as long as the fee is lawful and not fraudulent, it isn’t a criminal violation.