Informed Consent And The Dental Patient

Informed Consent, according to the American Medical Association, is defined as “more than simply getting a patient to sign a written consent form. It is a process of communication between a patient and physician that results in the patient's authorization or agreement to undergo a specific medical intervention.” What this has to do with you as a dental patient has widespread ramifications.

How informed are you?

Let’s develop this further. For example, do you fully understand all the procedures, techniques and time commitments of your proposed dental treatment? Are you informed of all the risks, benefits and options available for each procedure? Are you made aware of what dental materials are being used and how they may impact your health? Most of all, is everything in writing and signed by you and your dentist? If any of the previous questions were answered with a “no”, then you must read further.

Your mouth is the “gateway to your body” and plays a much more important role for achieving good overall health than most people realize. Good nutrition, digesting food properly, smiling, kissing, speaking and so many other functions all require good oral health. Studies today indicate that certain dental conditions are risk factors for heart disease, stroke, neurological problems, obesity, diabetes, pre-term and low birth weight babies, headaches, facial pain and more.

No place for dentistry

Dentistry has been in the past considered to be the forgotten child in the medical world. Medical doctors are not trained at all about the mouth and its impact on health while dentists, by licensure, are limited to treating issues only within the head and neck areas. Dental insurance coverage is poor and medical insurance doesn’t cover dental therapies (except Health Savings Accounts). As a matter of fact, many employers are eliminating dental benefits altogether.

Therefore, the responsibility is placed upon you to become a more educated, informed consumer. Knowledge will enable you to make the decisions about your healthcare that are right for you. After all, it is your body and you should know what is being done to it at all times. And it starts with Informed Consent.

The right beginning

The initial examination and related diagnostic tests are the first steps for gathering information. A good medical and dental history is vitally important. This history not only includes your chief dental complaint but also your chief medical complaint, including listing of surgeries, medications, past illnesses, family health issues and total body system reviews.

The history should be reviewed by you and your dentist with you being informed of how any dental procedure may impact your health. Appropriate referrals should be made to other qualified practitioners if indicated. This form should then be signed and dated by you and your dentist making sure this extremely important step has been completed.

You are doing what to me?

The treatment plan that follows provides the blueprint for how your dentist is going to address your dental needs. A separate appointment should be scheduled with your dentist, not an assistant or office manager, to go over in depth what the treatment recommendations are. Time needs to be spent going over the risks, benefits and options for all aspects of the proposed treatment.

You should be provided with the appropriate information, models, pictures, brochures, charts …etc. that fully support your treatment decisions. Fees should be discussed upfront, along with payment options and insurance contributions, and accepted by both parties. When you are both satisfied with the agreement, you and your dentist should sign and date the document.

It is a good idea to bring a tape recorder with you to that visit allowing you to review this discussion you had with your dentist. Bringing your significant other is also recommended so as to avoid any misunderstandings that may arise, especially if finances are the issue.

As time goes on…

As treatment progresses always maintain good communication with your dentist and the staff. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep asking them until you’re fully satisfied that all your questions have been answered. Any changes in treatment should be fully discussed, understood, and accepted by you and your dentist. And yes, get it in writing and signed!

Through informed consent, you will gain an understanding of all aspects of your proposed dental treatment ultimately resulting in a more favorable outcome. You can now become an informed consumer in charge of your own health and that is the first step toward a healthier smile!