CHAPTER 5
Consent
5.1 INTRODUCTION
As dental surgeons we are required to gain a patient’s consent before proceeding with examination, investigation or treatment. The principles of this process are set out in the General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team [1]. We have an ethical, legal and professional responsibility to guide the patient through the consent process, ensuring that the treatment options are appropriate and in the patient’s best interests [2–9]. Furthermore, we have a duty of care to ensure that our patients are provided with high‐quality information that allows them to be involved in making decisions regarding their treatment [10–13].
5.2 VALID INFORMED CONSENT
A full discussion and investigation of the options and proposed treatment is relayed to the patient in a well‐structured treatment planning document. This includes individualised and specific consent forms (B). It is documented that this has taken place and the consent is checked on the day of treatment (B).
| Aspirational | Basic | Conditional |
|---|---|---|
| Obtain written consent. (ii) | Obtain consent prior to the proposed treatment and document the discussion that has taken place. (i) | If a change in the treatment plan or cost is indicated, consent must be obtained for the change. (i) |
| Formulate individualised treatment plans and consent forms for patients according to their individual circumstances, needs and selected treatment options. (ii) | Give a full explanation of all the options and alternatives to implant treatment and document the discussion. (i) | Obtain separate specific written consent for conscious sedation, general anaesthesia and products that are sourced from animals. (i) |
| Identify, explain and discuss the risks, benefits and limitations of treatment with the patient [12]. (i) |
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