Dentist-patient relationship and quality care 4. Professional information and informed consent

As patients become relatively more knowledgeable on health issues and more aware of their rights, they become more concerned about receiving professional information and making informed choices. A healthy decision-making process can only be achieved through clear information and fair discussions. Thus, rather than signing a form, quality information for patients and the process of informed consent need to be considered as integral elements of a treatment alliance, a fair dialogue, quality oral care and a sign of respect for patients' rights for self-determination.