Which term describes the practice of preventing financial loss and possible legal actions, including record keeping and informed consent?

• A. Jurisprudence
• B. Risk Management
• C. Defamation
• D. Forensic Dentistry

Answer: (B)

Risk management is the practice of identifying and reducing financial and legal risks in a dental practice by putting safeguards in place. In dentistry, that includes keeping complete and accurate patient records, obtaining informed consent for procedures, following established clinical and infection-control protocols, documenting communications, and having policies for handling complaints and incidents. These steps help prevent negligence claims and ensure compliance with laws and regulations, which lowers liability and potential costs for the practice.

Jurisprudence is the study of law and legal theory, not the ongoing practice of preventing risk. Defamation involves making false statements that harm someone’s reputation. Forensic dentistry applies dental science to legal investigations, such as identification or bite-mark analysis, rather than risk management for patient care.