[Dentistry and healthcare legislation 5. Confidentiality and privacy]

The right to confidentiality and privacy is established in various laws and in many cases the violation of these laws provokes a reaction in the form of severe sanctions. Nevertheless, patients complain relatively seldom about violations ofprivacy laws by dentists. The right to privacy consists of a requirement of confidentiality on the part of those carrying out treatment and the patients' right to be treated without being observed by third parties. 'Third parties' do not include those involved in the treatment or someone who represents the patient. The right to confidentiality can be violated if a patient grants consent, in cases of a legal requirement or in cases ofa conflict of requirements. A separate regulation exists concerning the confidentiality and privacy of patients in the context of scientific research.