What term describes the act of a dentist ensuring a patient understands the treatment risks and benefits?

The act of a dentist ensuring that a patient understands the treatment risks and benefits is known as informed consent. Informed consent is a fundamental principle in healthcare, including dentistry, that emphasizes the patient’s right to receive comprehensive information about their diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks involved, anticipated benefits, and any alternatives available. This process allows patients to make educated decisions about their healthcare based on their values and preferences.

The informed consent process also protects the dentist legally and ethically, fostering transparency and trust between the dentist and the patient. It empowers patients by involving them actively in their treatment decisions, thereby enhancing the therapeutic relationship.

Other terms like risk management and patient rights relate to broader concepts in dental practice but do not specifically describe the process of discussing and obtaining consent from a patient regarding treatment. Due diligence, while relevant to the responsibility a dentist has in managing patient care, does not capture the specific interaction and communication necessary for informed consent.