Informed Consent in the Dental Setting

Course overview

Informed consent is the process by which a dentist communicates adequate information to a patient so they can decide whether to accept and move forward with treatment or refuse such treatment. The duty to involve the patient in treatment decisions is both legal and ethical. In almost every malpractice suit against a dentist, there appears an allegation that the dentist failed to get informed consent. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG) provides an evidence-based review of: the elements for informed consent and informed refusal, and; the information that needs to be provided to a patient to obtain valid informed consent. The QRG will also assist the oral health care provider to understand when written informed consent is necessary and the exceptions to the requirement to obtain informed consent for treatment. Obtaining consent for patients with exceptional circumstances (the elderly, mentally compromised and children) is covered in detail. This QRG will serve as an essential resource for practitioners and staff members as they periodically confirm their compliance with informed consent guidelines.