Which term means untrue statements that damage a person's reputation?

Which term means untrue statements that damage a person's reputation?

• A. Defamation
• B. Libel
• C. Slander
• D. Negligence

Answer: (A)

Defamation is the term for untrue statements that harm a person’s reputation. It covers communications made to others that present false information as fact and damage how others view that person. If the false statement is spoken, it’s called slander; if it’s written or published, it’s called libel. Negligence is a separate concept about failing to exercise reasonable care, not about making false statements. In dental practice, defamation can occur when someone falsely damages a colleague’s professional reputation with untrue claims.

Defamation is the term for untrue statements that harm a person’s reputation. It covers communications made to others that present false information as fact and damage how others view that person. If the false statement is spoken, it’s called slander; if it’s written or published, it’s called libel. Negligence is a separate concept about failing to exercise reasonable care, not about making false statements. In dental practice, defamation can occur when someone falsely damages a colleague’s professional reputation with untrue claims.