Before any dental treatment, your dentist should make sure you understand whats being proposed, why its needed, and what alternatives exist. This isnt just good manners — its your legal right.
What Is Informed Consent in Dentistry?
Informed consent means you agree to treatment with full knowledge of what it involves. Your dentist has a duty to explain the procedure, the risks, the benefits, and what happens if you do nothing. They should also cover any alternatives available to you.
This isnt just about signing a form. The signature is confirmation — but the conversation is what matters. You should never feel rushed into agreeing to something you dont fully understand.
What Should Your Dentist Tell You?
Before you agree to treatment, you should know:
- What the treatment involves, step by step
- Why its being recommended
- What the risks are — including common ones and serious but rare ones
- What the benefits are
- What happens if you dont have the treatment
- What alternatives exist, including doing nothing
- How much it will cost
If any of this is missing, ask. A good dentist will welcome the questions and answer them clearly.
You Can Say No
Consent must be voluntary. You can decline treatment at any point — even if youve already started. You can also change your mind partway through a procedure. Your body, your choice.
Saying no to one treatment doesnt mean youre refusing all future care. Your dentist should still support you and discuss other options if they exist.
When Consent Gets Complicated
Some situations make consent more complex. If youre having a procedure under sedation or general anaesthetic, you wont be able to give informed consent mid-treatment. In these cases, your dentist should obtain detailed consent beforehand and have a clear plan for how decisions will be made if something unexpected arises during the procedure.
For children or adults who lack capacity to consent, a different process applies — typically involving a parent, guardian, or legal representative. Your dentist should follow clear guidelines in these situations.
Keep Records of Your Consent
Your dental practice should keep a record of the consent conversation — not just the signed form, but a note of what was discussed. You have the right to access your records. If you ever feel you werent properly informed before treatment, you can raise this with the practice, the GDC (the dental regulator), or seek legal advice.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com Meads Village Dental Practice