Consent in Dental Practice: Are We Legally Safe?

Abstract

Objective: Evaluation of awareness about the importance of "patient consent" among practicing and postgraduate endodontists all over India. Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire containing 20 questions. A list of 120 practicing and postgraduate endodontists from all over India was prepared and the questionnaire was sent to them. Out of these, 100 responses were received, based upon which results were calculated and tables and charts were prepared accordingly.Results: It was found that the maximum number of cases for which consent was taken was for root canal treatments and periapical surgeries whereas other procedures like bleaching, veneering, etc., were neglected. Only 26% endodontists were taking written consent for the procedures being done on patients and 45.4% found taking written consent time consuming. The greatest barrier which prevented from taking consent was a lack of proper format and guidelines for written consent.Conclusions: There is a need for proper format and guidelines for written consent which should include all the information necessary to be given to the patient. Also, the importance of written consent and the laws under which the dental treatments come should be well understood and implemented by dental practitioners.