If a patient refuses recommended implant therapy due to cost, what is the clinician's appropriate course of action?

• A. Respect autonomy, document refusal, discuss alternatives (bridge, denture), explain consequences, and offer to reassess when feasible.
• B. Press for consent and threaten to discontinue care.
• C. Ignore the patient’s wishes and proceed with implant.
• D. Recommend alternative treatment without discussing cost.

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy means when a patient declines a recommended implant due to cost, you acknowledge the choice, document it, and discuss affordable alternatives such as a bridge or denture, while clearly explaining the consequences of not pursuing the implant and offering to reassess when feasible. This approach preserves ethical care, ensures informed consent, and maintains the patient–clinician relationship. Coercion, ignoring the patient’s wishes, or pushing an option without addressing affordability would undermine trust and professional standards.