Dental Consent Form Template – Everyone should be able to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Treatments for medical conditions can be injurious, and patients must be able to decide according to the known risks that their bodies should be treated. In order to ensure that medical professionals can operate on patients, they need to receive what is known as informed consent.
The informed consent requirement is legal condition that requires that a patient be provided with specific information regarding the condition of their body and the treatment suggested by the physician who is acting as the patient’s physician. Once this information is received the patient has to give the doctor their consent to treat before any form of treatment is given. Without informed consent from the patient the health professional is not allowed to provide treatment.
Decision Making Capacity
In certain instances patients may not have the capabilities to fully understand their treatment options and the risks/benefits associated with each one. In some instances, patients may not be able communicate their choices to health care professionals. When this occurs, the patient is said not to have adequate decision making capacity. Family members or a court-appointed representative, can provide informed consent instead.
Patients who are heavily influenced by their emotions such as anxiety or fear, for instance can be deemed to not able to make decisions. The ones who are asleep clearly cannot make decisions on own. Therefore, outside parties require consent for treatment instead.
Items in an Dental Consent Form Template
Certain elements are included on all informed consent forms:
The diagnosis or medical condition of the patient.
The procedure recommended by the doctor in charge
The risks and benefits that come with this treatment
Alternative treatments that are offered, as are their potential risks and benefits
The risks and benefits that come of refusing treatment whatsoever
These items must not only be documented in a written document However, they should also have a discussion with the patient. This way, he can fully comprehend the specifics of the situation and will be able to get immediate answers to any concerns that might have arisen.