An overview and top tips for gaining informed consent for DCPs

An overview and top tips for gaining informed consent for DCPs
Feature
Rana Fard, Keerut Oberai
BDJ Team, 18 March 2022; (9) pp 20-22
Introduction
In the past, dental ethics was based on a paternalistic ‘doctor knows best’ approach. Accordingly, dental care professionals (DCPs) would decide what is in the patient’s best interest in terms of their treatment and the patient would have minimal input. Over the last 50 years, we have moved away from this approach to one which is focused on the concepts of autonomy and consent. Today, instead of the patient being a passive subject, they are at the centre of any decision which relates to their general and oral health. In addition, these are made in partnership with their DCP who has a duty to ensure that the key components of informed consent are met…