Dental Informed Consent

The Importance of Informed Consent in Dental Treatments

Informed consent is a fundamental practice in medical and dental care that ensures patients have the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their treatment. It includes clear communication about any dental health problems or issues observed by the dental provider, the nature of the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and possible alternatives. “No treatment” should also be included as a treatment option and its risks and benefits thoroughly explained.¹ This process is vital not only for ethical and legal reasons, but also for improving patient trust and outcomes.²

The American Dental Association (ADA) highlights informed consent as a legal and ethical obligation for all dental professionals. A thorough discussion must take place before any procedure, allowing patients to ask questions and make decisions aligned with their personal health needs. Proper documentation of this process is also crucial to ensure both patient and practitioner are protected from misunderstandings or legal disputes.

One widely used method for documenting informed consent is the PARQ framework. This stands for Procedure, Alternatives, Risks, and Questions.³ The PARQ discussion ensures that patients are fully aware of the nature of the treatment, viable alternatives, and potential risks, and have the opportunity to ask questions before proceeding. By incorporating the PARQ method, dental professionals can foster greater patient understanding and satisfaction, as well as improve outcomes.

It is essential that providers explain the components of informed consent in a way that is easy for patients to understand, taking into account health literacy levels and potential language or cultural barriers. Simplifying consent forms and using tools like the "teach-back" method can help ensure patients fully comprehend the information provided.⁴

In summary, informed consent—when done properly—is more than just obtaining a signature. It is a collaborative process that enhances patient autonomy, safety, and satisfaction in dental care.

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Related topics: Types of Consent, Health Literacy

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1. The Joint Commission. Quick Safety 21: Informed consent: More than getting a signature (Updated: April 2022). Accessed October 24, 2024.

2. American Dental Association. Types of Consent. Accessed October 24, 2024.

3. CHP Group. Best Practices: PARQ in Clinical Record Keeping. CHP Group. July 30, 2015. Accessed October 24, 2024.

4. Oral Health Literacy Toolkit | California Oral Health Technical Assistance Center. Accessed April 19, 2022.

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