What type of consent must be obtained before performing dental treatment?

Informed consent is essential before performing dental treatment because it ensures that the patient fully understands the nature of the treatment, its risks, benefits, and any alternatives available. This type of consent goes beyond merely asking for permission; it requires that the patient receives comprehensive information presented in a way that is understandable, enabling them to make an educated decision regarding their dental care.

Obtaining informed consent respects the autonomy of the patient and fosters a transparent relationship between the patient and the dental professional. It is the ethical and legal standard in healthcare that protects both the rights of the patient and the responsibilities of the provider.

While verbal consent may indicate that a patient agrees to the procedure, it does not document their understanding of the treatment. Assumed consent can create ambiguity, as it might not explicitly communicate the patient's awareness or approval of specific procedures. Written consent, while often utilized for complex procedures, is not always necessary for every dental treatment and relies on the informed consent process to ensure understanding before documentation occurs.