Informed consent and the practice of good dentistry

The importance of obtaining informed consent in dentistry is increasingly recognised for moral and legal arguments which are explored. Morally, patients have the right to self-determination and respect for it underpins the relationship of trust deemed so important for clinical success. Legally, this right is reinforced through the risk of dentists being sued for battery or negligence if they do no adequately respect it. An explanation is offered as to why it can be difficult for patients in the UK to win such litigation. The practical implications of the doctrine of informed consent are sometimes unclear in clinical work--the reasons for this are assessed and illustrated. Standards of good practice in obtaining informed consent are suggested. Readers are invited to evaluate the degree to which a hypothetical case conforms to these standards and to compare their conclusions with those of the authors.