Informed consent A patient must fi rst understand the nature of their condition and the options for medical or dental intervention before consent can be considered valid. This should involve discussion with the patient prior to any procedure, with details recorded in the patient notes. GMC guidance on what information a patient should know includes:


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diagnosis and prognosis with and without proposed treatment uncertainties about the diagnosis and options for further investigation treatment/management options including the option not to treat the purpose and details of the intervention, including methods of pain relief, patient preparation, description of the procedure and potential side-effects explanation of risks and benefi ts for each option, both serious and minor, with potential lifestyle changes advice about whether a treatment is experimental how and when the patient’s condition and any side-effects will be monitored and re- assessed


the name of the healthcare professional with overall responsibility and the names of senior members of the team whether trainee doctors will be involved and to what extent a reminder that patients can change their minds about a decision at any time as long as they are competent a reminder that patients have a right to seek a second opinion details of any potential costs or charges.


Ensure the patient knows the nature of the contract under which care is being provided, whether through the NHS or privately. Dentists should provide patients with a written treatment plan and cost estimate, and ensure any changes are agreed and a revised plan is provided to the patient.


Consent is not merely the healthcare system processing a patient through its channels, nor is it a one-off event. All relevant information should be patiently explained with ample opportunity for questions from the patient. Up-to-date leafl ets, video or multi-media presentations can also help inform the patient.


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