In an emergency situation, which action violates the law?

The action that violates the law in an emergency situation is performing root planing without having previously examined the patient. In dental practice, any procedure that can be classified as treatment requires an evaluation of the patient's condition to ensure that the treatment is necessary and appropriate. Root planing is a dental procedure aimed at cleaning the roots of teeth, typically necessary for managing periodontal disease. Without a prior examination, the dental professional may not have sufficient information about the patient’s dental health, medical history, or any potential contraindications to the procedure.

This requirement for examination is in place to protect patient safety and to ensure that care provided is both ethical and within the legal frameworks established by dental practice laws. Thus, performing such a specific treatment without proper assessment can lead to inappropriate care and potential harm to the patient, which violates legal and ethical standards in dentistry.

In contrast, providing basic first aid, administering local anesthesia, and referring to a specialist are typically within the scope of practice for dental professionals in emergency situations and comply with legal obligations as long as they are done appropriately and safely.