Which principle of the GDC emphasizes patient confidentiality?

The principle that emphasizes patient confidentiality is indeed Principle 4. This principle outlines the requirement for dental professionals to protect patient information and ensure that it is kept confidential, allowing patients to trust that their personal and health information is secure and will not be disclosed without their consent. This focus on confidentiality is essential in fostering a trusting relationship between patients and dental care providers, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical practice in dentistry.

In contrast, other principles may address different aspects of practice, such as competence, integrity, and the duty of care, but they do not specifically focus on the confidentiality of patient information in the same way that Principle 4 does. Therefore, when considering the importance of maintaining and respecting patient privacy, Principle 4 is the core guideline that governs how dental professionals should handle such sensitive information.