Which of the following is a primary responsibility of a dentist to a patient?

The primary responsibility of a dentist to a patient is to treat them. This encompasses diagnosing oral health issues, providing preventive care, performing restorative procedures, and ensuring that patients maintain their overall oral health. The core function of a dentist revolves around patient care, which is fundamental to the practice of dentistry.

While research and advancements in dental practices are important, they serve a supportive role in enhancing treatment methods, rather than being a direct responsibility to individual patients. Offering free services, though a noble gesture in some contexts, is not a standard obligation of dentists and may not be feasible for all practitioners. Similarly, providing health insurance is not a responsibility that falls directly on the dentist; instead, it is typically managed by employers or insurance companies as part of a broader healthcare system. Thus, focusing on treating patients is at the heart of a dentist's professional duties.