Which of the following is an example of an intentional tort?

• A. Negligence
• B. Battery
• C. Informed consent violation
• D. Medical malpractice

Answer: (B)

An intentional tort means someone deliberately acts in a way that causes harm or offense to another person. Battery fits this because it requires an intentional act of contact that is harmful or offensive and done without the patient’s consent. The crucial element is the intent to touch, not the outcome. In dentistry, performing a procedure or making contact without explicit permission constitutes battery, even if the harm isn’t severe.

The other options come from different legal theories. Negligence involves failing to meet the standard of care due to carelessness, not deliberate act. A violation of informed consent concerns failure to obtain or disclose adequate information to obtain permission for treatment, which is about consent rather than an intentional act of touching. Medical malpractice is a professional negligence claim—again, not an intentional act.